Home Issue Brief Content Type

View the Latest: Issue Brief

Filter

List Grid

411 - 420 of 2,175 Results

  • The International Health Regulations and the U.S.: Implications of an Amended Agreement

    Issue Brief

    This brief reviews the proposed revisions to the World Health Organization-based agreement known as the International Health Regulations (IHR), and the implications for the U.S. WHO member states are expected to adopt the revised IHR at the World Health Assembly meeting this year. The U.S. government has been a leading proponent of many of the expected revisions to the IHR. In this analysis we also evaluate some of the criticisms of the revisions to the…

  • Insurer Strategies to Control Costs Associated with Weight Loss Drugs

    Issue Brief

    Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans rarely cover GLP-1 drugs approved solely for obesity treatment, according to a an analysis of 2024 federal plan data. Wegovy, a drug that is approved for weight loss, is covered by just 1% of Marketplace prescription drug plans, compared to 82% of Marketplace prescription drug plans for Ozempic, which contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy (semaglutide) but is approved only for diabetes. This analysis examines publicly available formularies…

  • 2024 Medical Loss Ratio Rebates

    Issue Brief

    Insurers estimate they will pay $1.1 billion in Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rebates in 2024 to select individuals and employers that purchase their health coverage, according to a KFF analysis of preliminary data reported to state regulators. The estimated rebate for 2024 is larger than rebates issued in most prior years. Nearly $12 billion in rebates have been issued since 2012.

  • What the Election Could Mean for the Mexico City Policy and U.S. Foreign Aid

    Issue Brief

    This analysis outlines the potential reach of a prominent conservative proposal — widely seen as a blueprint for another Trump administration — that recommends expanding the Mexico City Policy to include virtually all U.S. foreign assistance. It looks at the amount of funding, the number of organizations, the range of foreign assistance sectors, and other variables that could be affected should the proposal be implemented.

  • FAQs on Medicare Financing and Trust Fund Solvency

    Issue Brief

    In discussions of Medicare’s financial condition, attention frequently centers on one specific measure—the solvency of the Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI) trust fund, out of which Medicare Part A benefits are paid. Based on current projections from the Medicare Board of Trustees, the HI trust fund is projected to be depleted in 2036, 12 years from now. These FAQs answer key questions about Medicare financing and trust fund solvency.

  • Variation in Use of Dental Services by Children and Adults Enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP

    Issue Brief

    Oral health is key to overall health and well-being, and the use of dental services helps prevent and treat dental disease and improves oral health. The prevalence of unmet oral health needs is higher among people with low incomes, including those with Medicaid. This issue brief describes Medicaid dental coverage, examines the use of dental services for children and adults in Medicaid, and discusses current challenges and policy changes that impact access to oral health…