Hello from the Common Health Coalition! The 2-4-2 Digest is a weekly snapshot for health leaders - 4 key insights in 2 minutes or with 2 swipes on your phone.

Weekly Health Insights

Measles: As U.S. measles cases approach the midpoint of last year’s 2,281 total, a PAHO meeting to review the nation’s measles elimination status has been postponed until November at the U.S.’ request. New modeling projects that sustained declines in vaccination could result in more than 17,000 measles cases, over 4,000 hospitalizations, and 36 preventable deaths each year, and $1.5 billion in added annual costs, by 2030.

Health A.I. Policy: At least four states - Arizona, Maryland, Nebraska, and Texas - have enacted laws limiting insurers’ use of AI in coverage decisions, with some proposals barring AI from serving as the sole basis for denials and allowing regulators to inspect algorithms. A December executive order seeks to preempt most state AI regulations in favor of a national framework.

FDA: The FDA plans to launch a pilot program offering quarterly bonus payments to drug reviewers who complete applications ahead of schedule, tying awards to time savings, work quality, and complexity.

HIV: Eighteen states have restricted access to Ryan White AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) citing rising drug costs, expiring subsidies, and flat federal funding – putting tens of thousands of people with H.I.V. at risk of losing medication or insurance support. Five additional states are considering similar cuts.

Colleague Corner

In a recent NEJM Perspective, Drs. Alexandra Alvarez, Caroline Sloan, and Peter Ubel caution that the rapid growth of medical credit cards can expose patients to retroactive interest rates and lasting financial harm, and outline practical steps health care organizations and policymakers can take to reduce the risk of financial distress.

“Before referring patients to credit card companies, clinicians should assess whether they qualify for financial assistance for care…Policymakers could also enhance their efforts to reduce harm to patients by providing clear guidelines for hospitals on financial assistance and debt-collection practices…State and federal regulators could require nonprofit hospitals and physician practices to provide straightforward guidance on how to apply for financial assistance and who qualifies for assistance.”

– Drs. Alexandra Alvarez, MD; Caroline E. Sloan, MD; and Peter A. Ubel, MD

Data Watch

The Common Health Coalition’s recent Spotlight Brief on Childhood Immunizations featuring modeling from the Yale School of Public Health quantifies the impact of declining MMR coverage across the U.S. Over the next five years, declining measles vaccination rates could cost $1.5 billion annually and add approximately $7.8 billion in cumulative costs (a range of $5.6 billion to $11.6 billion) by 2030.

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