The American journal of managed care
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To evaluate the cost-benefit of sacubitril/valsartan in adults with heart failure (HF) enrolled in a state Medicaid plan to prevent HF-related hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits. ⋯ The benefit as demonstrated by the cost avoidance of HF-related hospitalizations and ED visits did not outweigh the additional costs of sacubitril/valsartan, but cost-benefit was observed in members who were adherent to sacubitril/valsartan.
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Covishield and Covaxin vaccines have been introduced after rapid approval in India, the nation that has the second most COVID-19 cases globally. These vaccines have been administered in a 2-dose schedule since January 16, 2021. This study deals with the clinical profile of individuals who developed COVID-19 infection post COVID-19 vaccination. This is the first study of its kind in India. ⋯ The findings of this study should boost the ongoing initiative of maximizing the vaccinated population countrywide and emphasize the need for 2 doses of vaccination.
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About 37 million people in the United States have diabetes. Diabetes-related complications are costly and associated with substantial morbidity. By improving glucose control, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can reduce costs due to diabetes-related hospitalizations, hypoglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis. ⋯ Coverage expansion from durable medical equipment to the pharmacy benefit may improve access. Other strategies to optimize CGM utility overall include integrating CGM data directly into electronic health records for population health management and diabetes control performance measures based on CGM data in value-based contracts (VBCs). VBCs may encourage real-world data generation which in turn may bolster stakeholder support for the equitable use and coverage of CGM in diabetes management.
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COVID-19 hospitalizations among unvaccinated individuals cost billions of dollars. More employers are considering imposing a premium surcharge on employees participating in the company's health plan who are not vaccinated against COVID-19. These employers see this approach as similar to health premium surcharges for tobacco use, justifying the higher premiums on the basis that unvaccinated individuals could cause the plan to experience higher hospitalization and related costs. ⋯ Employers should weigh their vaccination goals against these interests and consider whether a legally compliant surcharge would further their goals. Employers should carefully consider the prevailing culture among their employees and assess whether the policy would be effective and noncoercive. Premium surcharges may be effective for some but not all employers.
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To examine the relationship between care experiences and inpatient opioid receipt during and after delivery for women hospitalized for vaginal delivery (VD). ⋯ Receipt of opioids may not be a significant determinant of the pain-specific patient care experiences of women hospitalized for VD.