CMS has announced the first 10 prescription drugs to be subject to Medicare price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act, which is estimated to account for one-fifth of the program's total spending. This shift from the current system, which has been barred from negotiating drug costs, is expected to have a positive impact on the cost of prescription drugs for the 65 million people in the US covered by Medicare.
Posts published in “Health”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a treatable blood cancer. After undergoing tests for irregularities in his blood work, Scalise has already begun treatment and intends to return to Washington next month. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, and treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy. Scalise’s office has asked for privacy and prayers during this difficult time.
Liam Payne, former One Direction star, has been hospitalized with a serious kidney infection and will postpone his upcoming South America tour to focus on his health. Fans have been sending him well wishes and understanding his decision to prioritize his health, and Payne is expected to reschedule the tour at a later date.
Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA megastar LeBron James, experienced a sudden cardiac arrest on July 24. After medical evaluations by experts from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the Mayo Clinic and the Morristown Medical Center, it was determined that the cause was an "anatomically and functionally significant congenital heart defect". The family expressed confidence in Bronny's full recovery and requested privacy as they provide updates. It is important to remember that anyone can experience cardiac arrest and to be aware of the life-saving techniques, such as CPR and the use of an AED.
A Texas judge has blocked a state law that would have banned transition-related medical care for minors, while a Missouri judge ruled that a similar ban in that state can take effect on Monday. The ruling in Missouri means that health care providers are prohibited from providing gender-affirming surgeries to minors, with the exception of those who began puberty blockers or hormones before Monday. Physicians who violate the law face having their licenses revoked and being sued by patients, and the law has been met with strong opposition from civil rights groups. The legal fight over efforts by conservatives to restrict transition-related medical care is ongoing.
The FDA and CDC are expecting to approve a new COVID-19 booster shot to broaden immunity against currently circulating variants of the virus in the coming weeks. Vaccinated Americans are being warned against seeking out another booster this month, and instead should continue to follow safety protocols and get the current vaccine now. The updated booster shot will be available to the public in mid-September.
Despite the defeat of an anti-choice ballot initiative earlier this month, Ohio Republicans are continuing their efforts to pass anti-choice legislation. The Ohio Ballot Board, led by anti-choice advocate Frank LaRose, has approved language for the ballot initiative that may confuse voters. The language bears little resemblance to the full amendment, which seeks to enshrine abortion rights and other reproductive freedoms into Ohio's Constitution. Supporters of the amendment are concerned that the language could mislead voters and lead to the amendment's defeat.
The South Carolina Supreme Court has reversed its stance on abortion, upholding a law that bans most such procedures after about six weeks of pregnancy. This decision has been met with criticism from abortion rights advocates, who argue that the law is unconstitutional and violates a woman's right to privacy. The 4-1 ruling departs from the court's own decision months earlier striking down a similar ban, and could potentially be overturned if it is found to violate the constitutional right to privacy.