How much medical care does society owe Americans that they could not otherwise afford? It’s not a philosophical question, such as how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. This question plays out every day.
Author: Devon Herrick
CBO: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation Not Very Innovative
The poorly named Affordable Care Act created the office of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). As Joe Albanese explains in National Review the new agency’s mission
…is to test new ways of paying for and delivering health-care services in federal health programs through pilot programs called “models.” These models are required by law to reduce costs and/or improve quality of care, which they pursue by enacting major policy changes.
What is Causing the Mental Heath Crisis Among Young People?
Americans are suffering a crisis of mental health. The crisis is especially pronounced among young people. This extends beyond the Covid-19 outbreak when schools were closed, kids were taught from home and shut off from their peers. Research has found that Millennials and Generation Z experience more negative emotions (stress and anxiety) than older generations, with Gen Z worse off than Millennials. Perhaps the explanation is that younger adults are new at adult life. Beginning careers, getting married and starting families is stressful in the beginning.
Thousands of Knee Replacements Failed Prematurely, Manufacturer Knew about Problem for Years
Implanted hips and knees don’t last forever. Surgeons try to schedule them in such a way that patients who get implants won’t need another, but there is no guarantee. For example, patients in their 60s are often advised to hold out for a few years so they won’t need a second hip or knee replacement in their 80s. A rule of thumb is that an implanted hip or knee should be good for at least 15 to 20 years, and possibly longer. A study in The Lancet found that knee implants were still good after 10 years in 96% of patients, and still working after 20 years in 90% of patients. Another study found more than 80% of knee replacements last 25 years or more.