Weekly News Roundup for Oct 2, 2023

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“‘As there is no constitutional right (or requirement) to engage in business with the government, the consequences of that participation cannot be considered a constitutional violation,’ wrote U.S. District Judge Michael Newman.”

US Judge Refuses to Block Medicare from Negotiating Drug Prices

Reuters | Brendan Pierson | September 29, 2023

“…will Medicare For All ever make a comeback? It seems likely that it will.”

Whatever Happened to Medicare for All?

Insurance News Net | Charisse Vaughn | September 29, 2023

“In 2022 alone, nearly 50,000 people died by suicide in the US, an increase of about 2.6% from the year before.”

The US Has a Mental Health Crisis That Could Undermine Our Democracy, US Surgeons General Say

CNN | Jen Christensen | September 28, 2023

“European Union officials are in talks to potentially buy Moderna doses for around 25 euros apiece, the equivalent of around $26.30 … roughly one-third of what the United States is paying.”

Did the Government Get a Bad Deal on the Covid-19 Boosters?

Stat | Rachel Cohrs | September 28, 2023

“Analysts found that employed women have as much as $15.4 billion more in out-of-pocket healthcare expenses per year than men….”

Employed Women’s Out-of-Pocket Health Costs $15.4B Higher Than Men

Becker’s Hospital Review | Alexis Kayser | September 27, 2023

“On the politics of ransom, and why there is no substitute for free universal healthcare.”

Why Medical Debt Forgiveness Drives Are Not Enough

Current Affairs | Luke Messac | September 26, 2023

“We squandered one of the greatest achievements in antipoverty policy this nation has ever known.”

California Will Fail to Address Poverty As Long As False Narratives Shape the Policies

CalMatters | Devon Gray | September 26, 2023

“…two influential medical groups with … Scripps Health are cancelling their Medicare Advantage contracts for 2024 because of low reimbursement and prior authorization hassles….”

Two Large Medical Groups Shun Medicare Advantage Plans

Medpage Today | Cheryl Clark | September 25, 2023

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October 10 from 12 to 1 pm PT

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Breaking News in Healthcare Reform

Snippets of news & commentary with a special focus on

health policy, Medicare for All & California