CENTER UPDATE | Early NovemBER 2020
This update features policy developments, media reports, and events
supporting continued momentum for multiple V-BID Center initiatives throughout late October and early November.
Recent Virtual Roundtable with CMS Administrator Seema Verma on Price Transparency Final Rule
Trends in Birth Rates After Elimination of Cost-Sharing for Contraception by the Affordable Care Act
New research found that the Affordable Care Act’s elimination of cost-sharing for contraceptives was associated with more consistent birth control use and a decrease in birth rates among all income groups, with the lowest income group experiencing the most prominent decline. Coverage of contraceptives without cost-sharing may be associated with decreased income disparities in unintended birth rates.
Survey Reveals Trend in Lower-Cost, Higher-Value Employer-Provided Health Care Delivery Models
A recent survey of employers found that 73% of organizations plan to adopt more value-based health care delivery models over the next three years. Employers’ main concerns included increasing employees’ access to telehealth, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment, as well as improving the affordability of specialty drugs and medical care services.
Bringing Value-Based Insurance Design to Oncology: The New "Skin in the Game"
ACP Warns Some Private Insurers Eliminating Waivers Put in Place During Pandemic
Some insurers are eliminating their previous cost-sharing and prior authorization waivers for services, which are crucial for patient health and physician reimbursement. The removal of these waivers could prevent patients from receiving the essential care and medications they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reducing Low-Value Care Can Help Make Health Care Costs More Sustainable for Employers
The United States spends more on health care than any other nation, and health care costs continue to skyrocket. Strategies that involve limiting the prevalence of low-value care can help us demystify the key drivers of this unsustainable spending. Read more about potential steps to identify, measure, report, and reduce low-value care.
Upcoming Webinar: Bang for the Buck - How Health Care Innovation Affects Life Expectancy and Patient Well-Being
Research has found that spending in two areas often maligned for their costs – biopharmaceuticals and public health – account for most of the improvements in life expectancy and patient well-being in the last 20 years. The American Journal of Managed Care and the National Pharmaceutical Council are hosting a webinar on Tuesday, November 10th (5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET) to discuss new approaches to balance value, costs, and health improvements.
Full Event Recording: Virtual Roundtable on Employer Initiatives to Address Social Determinants of Health
The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of addressing social determinants of health. During their roundtable discussion on October 21st, policy experts and members of the Smarter Health Care Coalition shared their experiences working with employers to improve employee population health through benefit design and other initiatives. Click here to view a recording of the event.
Please Help Support the V-BID Center
As a non-profit entity, the V-BID Center relies on fundraising to support our research, education, and policy efforts. Please help us continue our work by donating here. We truly appreciate your consideration.