Pharma & Tech: June 13, 2024

Biden Plan To Save Medicare Patients Money on Drugs Risks Empty Shelves, Pharmacists Say

Susan Jaffe

President Joe Biden is campaigning for reelection on his efforts to cut costs for Medicare patients at the pharmacy counter. But independent pharmacists say one strategy makes it unaffordable for them to keep some brand-name medicines in stock.

An Obscure Drug Discount Program Stifles Use of Federal Lifeline by Rural Hospitals

Sarah Jane Tribble

A disconnect between two federal programs meant to help keep hospitals afloat discourages struggling rural facilities from accepting the aid.

High Price of Popular Diabetes Drugs Deprives Low-Income People of Effective Treatment

Renuka Rayasam

The makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro charge list prices of around $1,000 a month for the diabetes and obesity drugs, and insurers are reluctant to pick up the tab. Often, low-income patients have to resort to less effective treatments.

Clean Needles Save Lives. In Some States, They Might Not Be Legal.

Ed Mahon, Spotlight PA and Sarah Boden, WESA

As billions of dollars from settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors go to state and local governments, efforts to reduce the epidemic’s harm can be hamstrung by drug paraphernalia laws. Health authorities say distributing clean syringes to users can save lives, but in states like Pennsylvania, it may be illegal.

End of Pandemic Internet Subsidies Threatens a Health Care Lifeline for Rural America

Sarah Jane Tribble

As the Affordable Connectivity Program runs out of money, millions of people face a jump in internet costs or lost connections if federal lawmakers don't pass a funding extension.

Many Young Adults Who Began Vaping as Teens Can’t Shake the Habit

John Daley, Colorado Public Radio

New data on substance use among young adults suggests that many former teen e-cigarette users are continuing the habit.

Bird Flu Tests Are Hard To Get. So How Will We Know When To Sound the Pandemic Alarm?

Amy Maxmen and Arthur Allen

If widely used, flu tests could be helpful now. In the meantime, the government needs to clear a path for H5N1 tests, researchers warn, to avoid the early missteps of the covid pandemic.

Farmworkers Face High-Risk Exposures to Bird Flu, but Testing Isn’t Reaching Them

Tony Leys and Amy Maxmen

Federal officials are offering $75 to dairy workers who agree to be tested for bird flu. Advocates say the payments aren’t enough to protect workers from lost wages and health care costs if they test positive.

Thousands of Children Got Tested for Lead With Faulty Devices: What Parents Should Know

Julie Appleby

Faulty lead test kits made by Magellan Diagnostics may have been used as late as 2021 to test children for exposure to the toxic metal. The company agreed to pay $42 million to settle criminal charges that it concealed malfunctions.

Nursing Homes Are Left in the Dark as More Utilities Cut Power To Prevent Wildfires

Kate Ruder

A nursing home in Colorado had 75 minutes to prepare for a power outage that lasted 28 hours. Such public safety power shut-offs are being used more often as a fire prevention tool, but not all health facilities are prepared.

Psychoactive Drugs Are Having a Moment. The FDA Will Soon Weigh In.

Dawn Megli

Mounting evidence suggests psychoactive drugs including LSD, ketamine, mushrooms, and MDMA can be powerful treatments for severe depression and PTSD. But not everyone is convinced. And even if such drugs gain FDA approval, safety protocols could render them extremely expensive.

FDA Urged To Relax Decades-Old Tissue Donation Restrictions for Gay and Bisexual Men

Rae Ellen Bichell

Federal regulations prevent gay and bisexual men from donating tissue, such as corneas, ligaments, and blood vessels. Similar restrictions have been relaxed or lifted for donated blood and organs in recent years.

Waiting for SCOTUS

June is when the Supreme Court typically issues rulings in the major cases it hears during that year’s term. This year, those interested in health policy are awaiting decisions in two abortion-related cases and one that could reshuffle the way health policies (and all other federal policies) are made. In this special episode, KFF’s Laurie Sobel, associate director for women’s health policy, joins Julie Rovner for a review of the cases and a preview of how the court might rule.

Watch: California Pays Drug Users To Stay Clean

KFF Health News senior correspondent Angela Hart discusses a state Medicaid experiment for people addicted to methamphetamine, cocaine, and other stimulants. For every clean urine test, they can earn money — up to $599 a year.

Journalists Broach Topics From Treating Shooting Victims to Sunscreen Safety

KFF Health News and California Healthline staffers made the rounds on national and local media in the last couple of weeks to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.

Journalists Zero In on Bird Flu and Weight Loss Drugs

KFF Health News and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.

Journalists Talk Cost of Weight Loss Drugs and Lack of Obesity Doctors to Manage Their Use

KFF Health News and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.

Readers Issue Rx for Clogged ERs and Outrageous Out-of-Pocket Costs

KFF Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.

Personas de bajos ingresos no pueden recibir terapias efectivas contra la diabetes por el alto costo