Urgent: Syphilis Surge Amid MA’s HIV Drug Rules & Free Meds
- The Biden administration has proposed a federal policy to enhance the prevention of HIV in older Americans by offering free preventive medication, particularly preexposure prophylaxis drugs (PrEP). Under this plan, Medicare would fully cover the cost of PrEP, including long-acting injectables, for those 65 years and older.
- The Biden administration is introducing stricter regulations to address anticompetitive practices within the Medicare Advantage (MA) market. The proposed rule would eliminate current frameworks allowing separate payments, redefine compensation definitions, and establish a fixed compensation amount of $632 per MA enrollment. If finalized, these rules would come into effect by 2025.
- US health officials are deeply concerned about the significant increase in congenital syphilis cases, with more than 3700 babies born with the disease in 2022. The CDC is urging intensified prevention measures, emphasizing the importance of encouraging women of childbearing age and their partners to undergo syphilis testing. More than half of the congenital syphilis cases involve mothers who tested positive during pregnancy but did not receive proper treatment.
Free HIV Prevention Medication for Senior US Citizens
The Biden administration proposes a policy to provide free preexposure prophylaxis drugs (PrEP), including long-acting injectables, to older Americans as reported by ABC News. This initiative, fully covered by Medicare, targets this age group due to their significant representation in the HIV positive population. The plan highlights the need for equitable PrEP access to younger populations, particularly women and people of color.
Curbing Anticompetitive Practices in Medicare Advantage Market
New regulations are being introduced by the Biden administration to tackle anticompetitive practices in the Medicare Advantage (MA) market, according to The Hill. The aim is to prioritize the selection and enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries in plans serving their health needs over agent and broker compensation. The proposed rule will redefine compensation definitions, limit separate payments, and cap MA enrollment compensation at $632, in alignment with statutory requirements. The target implementation year is 2025.
Urgent Measures to Combat Congenital Syphilis Surge
US health officials are alarmed by a sharp rise in congenital syphilis cases, according to the Associated Press. Over 3700 babies were born with the disease in 2022, a 10-fold increase from ten years ago and a 32% increase from 2021. The CDC emphasizes the importance of syphilis testing for women of child-bearing age and their partners. The rise in congenital syphilis cases is linked to an adult syphilis surge and is further worsened by benzathine penicillin injections supply shortages. CDC data shows over half of these cases involve mothers who tested positive but didn’t receive adequate treatment, underscoring the need for proactive measures.
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