Research

With more robust data, and better ways to approximate the undocumented population, health systems will be better equipped to identify root causes health disparities and deploy interventions to improve the health of undocumented communities.

Although previous legislation technically closed the Part D coverage gap, patients still faced mid-year out-of-pocket increases. The Inflation Reduction Act’s standard benefit design eliminates the coverage gap in 2025.

Disputes were dominated by just a few health plans and private equity-backed providers, making it hard to determine if IDR awards reflect the overall market for out-of-network care.

Patients receiving higher doses of buprenorphine were less likely to later require emergency department services or an inpatient hospital stay, researchers found.

The urban-rural gap in life expectancy and health quality for men nearing retirement age has widened over two decades.

Rebalancing the healthcare system to favor prevention and cures can potentially reduce the long-term burden of chronic diseases.

Policymakers should consider increasing transparency, explore alternatives to the rebate system, scrutinize vertical integration, and seek better alignment of PBM incentives with patient and payer interests.

A few pharmacy benefit managers dominate each of the payer markets, and the three biggest PBMs appear to be targeting different markets.”

Health insurance is working well to protect the highest spenders, while others are paying an increasing share of out-of-pocket costs.

Most respondents who self-advocated achieved bill corrections and payment relief.