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Sunday, March 31, 2024 | The Latest Research, Commentary, and News from Health Affairs

Dear John,

Volume 2, Issue 3, of Health Affairs Scholar explores oncologic drug repository programs, health care financing, racial disparities in medical crowdfunding, the economic impact of recent legislation on ICU care, and more.

Be sure to check out the full issue ([link removed] ) and upcoming research in the advance articles ([link removed] ) section of the journal on the Health Affairs Scholar website ([link removed] ) .

Health Affairs Scholar Volume 2, Issue 3, Highlights

A study by Natalie K. Heater and coauthors discusses state legislation around cancer drug repository programs ([link removed] ) and the challenges many states face in supporting active programs.

The authors highlight Iowa’s statewide, mail order oral anticancer drug program as a “…uniquely effective and efficient program that should be replicated across the country.”

Through their analysis the authors offer recommendations across several domains to enhance and expand state programs, underscoring their pivotal role in providing accessible and affordable cancer care.

Two studies examine the role of payment in treatment outcomes for opioid use disorders.

Arthur R. Williams and colleagues examine how insurance status and payment source impact outcomes for patients with opioid use disorder ([link removed] ) using telehealth services in the United States.

They found that patients with in-network benefits were 50 percent more likely to be retained in care compared to those who paid cash. Importantly, this difference persisted when restricting the analysis to insured patients and comparing those with in-network and out-of-network coverage.

Their findings highlight the importance of insurance coverage and suggest that Medicaid disenrollment following the phase-out of the COVID-19 public health emergency, and insurance plans’ reluctance to work with telehealth providers may impede efforts to address the ongoing opioid crisis.

Emma E. McGinty and coauthors explore how restrictive payment policies for medication for opioid use disorders (MOUD) contribute to inadequate treatment ([link removed] ) for an estimated 75–90 percent of patients.

Through a policy analysis and interviews with payment policy experts, the authors found that Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid generally cover various MOUD formulations, while private insurance coverage varies, often excluding methadone.

Experts cautioned against rigid reimbursement models and advocated for value-based payment models and increasing payment for MOUD provided in office settings and opioid treatment programs. The authors conclude that implementing a value-based payment model would rely on validating performance metrics and building providers' capacity to track and report performance data.

Also included in the issue:

- A commentary by Rita Hamad underscores the significant contributions immigrants make to society ([link removed] ) and urges policy makers to support safety-net policies and investments that provide essential services to aid their successful transition.

- A study by Sara Machado, Beatrice Perez, and Irene Papanicolas investigates the racial disparities in medical crowdfunding for organ transplant candidates ([link removed] ) .

- A brief report by Sneha Kannan and Zirui Song examines the economic implications of the No Surprises Act ([link removed] ) , which prohibits balance billing by ICU specialists for emergency and most non-emergency care, and the potential impact it may have on the care patients receive.

Health Affairs Branded Post:

Health Care’s Big Squeeze And The Way Out ([link removed] )

Thom Bales

Sponsored by PwC ([link removed] )

Empowering Employer Purchasers: Recommendations To Support Market Transparency And Health System Performance ([link removed] )

Caroline Pearson et al.

Can Hospital At Home Finally Hit Its Tipping Point? Lessons From The Hospitalist Field ([link removed] )

Robert M. Zimbroff and Robert M. Wachter

Federal Legislation And State Policy Efforts Promote Access To And Use of Discounted Cash Prices ([link removed] )

Jonathan Wolfson et al.

Transforming The Narrative On Homelessness ([link removed] )

Bechara Choucair and Chione Lucina Muñoz Flegal

Medicaid Financing Requires Reform: The North Carolina Case Study ([link removed] )

Ann Kempski and Ge Bai

Research Funding Is Needed To Support An Effective, Equitable, And Sustainable Public Health System ([link removed] )

Kate Froeb et al.

Health Affairs Reads: An Anthropologist’s Exploration Of Public Health ([link removed] )

James Trauer

The Effects Of Dobbs On Cancer Care ([link removed] )

Nicole Huberfeld et al.

Biden Administration Finalizes Limits On Junk Health Plans ([link removed] )

Sabrina Corlette

Amanda Chen on New CMS Nursing Home Ownership Data

Health Affairs' Editor-in-Chief Alan Weil interviews Amanda Chen of Harvard University on her recent paper that identifies major gaps and discrepancies in new CMS nursing home ownership data.

The insights provided by Chen highlight the need for transparent ownership data in order to understand the adequacy of public payments to provide patient care, enable policy makers to make timely decisions, and evaluate nursing home quality.

Listen
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We are still accepting applications for our upcoming summer internship program! But keep in mind, this is your last day to apply.

Our summer internships for college students and high school graduates will run from mid-June through early August.

Available jobs are listed on our website ([link removed] ) and applications are due today, March 31, 2024.

Health Affairs is committed to providing a robust intern experience, including special projects, access to Health Affairs staff, and inclusion in various team and all-staff meetings.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Find Out More
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The April 2024 issue of Health Affairs focuses on the topic: “Perinatal Mental Health & Well-Being.”

Building on the success of our October 2021 issue on perinatal mental health, the new issue expands the focus on equity, justice, and well-being.

You are invited to join us on Wednesday, April 3, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern), for a virtual forum at which authors will present their work, engage in discussions, and answer questions on important issues.

Find out more and register below!

Register
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About Health Affairs

Health Affairs is the leading peer-reviewed journal ([link removed] ) at the intersection of health, health care, and policy. Published monthly by Project HOPE, the journal is available in print and online.

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Project HOPE ([link removed] ) is a global health and humanitarian relief organization that places power in the hands of local health care workers to save lives across the globe. Project HOPE has published Health Affairs since 1981.

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