ZorroCard Round Up (11/11/24)

Hey all,

hope you had a good weekend. In today’s rundown is new CDC data that 1 in 6 adults have diabetes. While I’m all for preventative medicine to address this in the long term, in the short term lowering medication costs is the only option. Enjoy the rundown.

Jacob Brody (Co-Founder & CEO, ZorroCard)

Diabetes Rates in U.S. Adults Continue to Climb (CDC)

New data from the CDC reveal that 15.8% of U.S. adults had diabetes between 2021 and 2023, with 11.3% diagnosed and 4.5% undiagnosed. Men and older adults showed significantly higher prevalence rates, with diabetes more common among individuals with higher body weight and lower education levels. The study is alarming, pointing to a need for lowering diabetes drug costs and funding preventative services. Full Article

Summa Health’s Transition and Financial Implications (Fierce Healthcare)

General Catalyst’s Health Assurance Transformation Corporation (HATCo) is progressing with a $485 million acquisition of Summa Health, transitioning the system from nonprofit to for-profit status. This change will render Summa Health ineligible for the 340B Drug Pricing Program, potentially resulting in the loss of tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue previously used to subsidize medications and services for vulnerable populations. However, the deal includes provisions to eliminate Summa Health’s existing debt, enhancing its financial stability. Additionally, HATCo plans to invest in technological advancements and innovative care models to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.  Full Article

High-Deductible Health Insurance Worsens Racial Wealth Disparities (Uncovered)

Wendell Potter discusses a new study showing how high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) disproportionately harm Black and Hispanic families by draining their limited savings, deepening racial wealth gaps, and worsening health inequities. These plans benefit wealthier families, primarily White, who can better utilize health savings accounts (HSAs), while lower-income households face financial instability. The findings urge policymakers to address wealth-based health disparities by reforming HDHPs and reducing economic barriers to care. Full Article.