IMPAQ Health News
From our experts to your inbox. Every two weeks.
In this edition, learn about the Omicron variant and social impacts of COVID-19, updates on ACA Open Enrollment, a legal challenge to the No Surprises Act, and more.
For a recent study on dually eligible individuals—people who receive both Medicaid and Medicare benefits—Melissa Hafner, a principal research associate at IMPAQ, and her team wanted to connect directly with members of that population. The resulting interviews were "illuminating, humbling, inspiring, and sometimes even funny," Melissa notes. In a “Meet the Expert” profile, she discusses those findings, how health care in the U.S. is evolving, and her journey to becoming a researcher.
COVID-19
As more states report cases of the Omicron variant, uncertainty about the impact of the new strain dominates COVID-19 news. Though early reports suggest that Omicron may be more transmissible than other COVID-19 variants, other studies show that symptoms may be milder than the Delta variant. Amid Omicron uncertainty, the CDC approved Pfizer booster shots for 16- and 17-year-olds. An FDA panel also approved the first antiviral treatment for COVID-19, as well as an antibody treatment for those with health issues that inhibit vaccine protection. Meanwhile, the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for federal employees may be halted after the Senate voted to overturn the mandate and seven states challenged it in court.

In other COVID-19 news, recent studies examine the ongoing social impact of the pandemic:

  • A new study shows that the pandemic is negatively affecting the mental health of Generation Z, individuals between ages 13 and 24, more than other age groups.


  • Historically marginalized groups in California, particularly those who experience poverty or identify as Hispanic, are disproportionately diagnosed with and die from COVID-19, according to a JAMA Network Open study.
Health Policy News
Nearly 4.6 million people have selected a health plan through the Federally-facilitated Exchange or State-based Exchanges during open enrollment thus far. Consumers have until Dec. 15, 2021 to select a plan for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2022; consumers who select plans after Dec. 15, 2021 and by the Jan. 15, 2022 open enrollment deadline will generally have coverage starting Feb. 1, 2022. CMS Newsroom (12/9)
According to a study from the CMS Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Medicare telehealth visits increased by 6,000 percent between 2019 and 2020 as a result of HHS expanding telehealth flexibilities in response to COVID-19. CMS plans to use this study to determine future telehealth policy. Modern Healthcare (12/3)
Stakeholders have filed several lawsuits in response to the No Surprises Act, which seeks to protect patients from surprise medical bills for out-of-network services. The American Hospital Association and American Medical Association filed suit against the law’s arbitration measure, under which a third party decides the cost of out-of-network services when insurers and providers cannot come to an agreement. The No Surprises Act is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2022. Kaiser Health News (12/9)
As part of the American Rescue Plan, the Biden administration is providing states with the option to expand Medicaid coverage from two months to a full year for those giving birth. The expansion is intended to reduce mortality rates related to pregnancy. The United States has the highest rate of pregnancy-related deaths of any industrialized nation, with Black and Indigenous people experiencing the highest rates of maternal mortality. Many pregnancy-related deaths happen during delivery and up to one year afterward. Boston Globe (12/9)
Graphic of the Week
Earlier this month, CDC recognized National Influenza Vaccination Week, reminding Americans that there is still time to get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can also be given at the same time.
Upcoming Events, Trainings, & Webinars
January 13, 2022, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
NOTE: The information, analyses, and opinions expressed in the articles, publications, or comments contained therein are those of the authors and should not be considered verified or endorsed by IMPAQ or any of our partners or clients.
CONTACT US