CENTER UPDATE | JANUARY 2025
In this Issue:
- Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Obamacare’s Preventive Care Coverage
- State of Minnesota to Conduct Study of Low-Value Care Health Services
- Medical Debt Will Soon be Banned on Credit Reports
- Climate Resilience and the Promise of Value-Based Care
- Strategies to Address Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care
- Diabetes Prevention Program Saves Money
- U.S. Health Insurance Guide Update
- 2025 V-BID Summit
Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Obamacare's Preventive Care Coverage
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide on the constitutionality of a key Affordable Care Act (ACA) provision requiring insurers to cover preventive medical services at no cost to patients. The case stems from a challenge by Texas businesses, supported by the conservative group America First Legal, arguing that the ACA’s task force overseeing preventive care recommendations violates the Constitution’s appointments clause. The 5th Circuit Court previously ruled that the task force’s structure is unconstitutional but limited its decision’s scope. The Biden administration has appealed, emphasizing the potential nationwide impact on access to critical preventive care, with a decision expected by June.
State of Minnesota to Conduct Study of Low-Value Health Care Services
The Minnesota Legislature directed the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to develop recommendations for strategies to reduce the magnitude of low-value care delivered to Minnesota residents Accordingly, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released a request for proposals to conduct an analytic study on low-value health care services in Minnesota.
Medical Debt Will Soon Be Banned On Credit Reports Under Biden Administration Rule
The Biden administration is implementing a groundbreaking rule to eliminate medical debt from credit reports, removing $49 billion in medical bills and benefiting approximately 15 million Americans. Effective 60 days after publication, the rule prohibits lenders from using medical debt in loan decisions and bars the repossession of medical devices like wheelchairs for unpaid loans. Consumers with medical debt may see an average 20-point credit score increase, potentially leading to 22,000 additional mortgage approvals annually.
Climate Resilience and the Promise of Value-Based Care
A Health Affairs Forefront proposes that value-based care offers a framework for incentivizing hospitals to reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy, and build climate resilience. Models like the AHEAD payment system link funding to decarbonization and resilience metrics, enabling health systems to invest in sustainable practices that lower costs and improve care. By reimagining value to center on population health, the sector can drive meaningful progress in environmental sustainability and equity.
Strategies to Address Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care for Chronic Conditions
A recent review synthesizes research from 2017 to 2024 on strategies addressing racial and ethnic health disparities in chronic disease prevention and treatment. Analyzing 174 studies across 12 intervention categories, it highlights patient-targeted strategies like self-management support and patient navigation, though few interventions assess their impact on reducing health disparities.
Diabetes Prevention Program Saves Money
Participating in a diabetes prevention program can save both money and health risks, according to a recent study in Diabetes Care. Researchers found that prediabetic individuals enrolled in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) saved over $5,000 in medical costs over two years, due to fewer hospitalizations and doctor visits. Participants also had a 3% lower absolute risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
U.S. Health Insurance Guide Update
To aid journalists in reporting on health insurance navigation challenges, the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) has released an updated Guide to Health Insurance Across the U.S. This comprehensive, interactive resource provides a national overview and state-specific guides, detailing coverage sources, regulatory agencies, and key data about health insurers. The guide also includes a glossary of insurance terms and a 2024 federal poverty level table.
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