The Commonwealth Fund
@commonwealthfund.org
The Orphan Drug Act has helped spur the development of drugs targeting rare diseases for which no treatment exists, but the law’s loopholes have impeded further progress since the law’s enactment in 1983.
Revisiting the Orphan Drug Act
The Orphan Drug Act has catalyzed innovation in rare disease treatments, but the law’s shortcomings — particularly around pricing — have prompted calls for reform.
bit.ly
November 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM
The Orphan Drug Act has helped spur the development of drugs targeting rare diseases for which no treatment exists, but the law’s loopholes have impeded further progress since the law’s enactment in 1983.
During a time of national #mentalhealth and substance use crises, how can states ensure consistent coverage for people with behavioral health conditions?
How Will States Implement the Behavioral Health Exemption to Medicaid Work Requirements?
A proactive approach to implementing the behavioral health exemption to work requirements can help minimize impacts for Medicaid enrollees.
www.commonwealthfund.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:40 PM
During a time of national #mentalhealth and substance use crises, how can states ensure consistent coverage for people with behavioral health conditions?
Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund
Rural Americans face significant obstacles when it comes to accessing comprehensive primary care, from clinician shortages to cost.
@commonwealthfund.org dives headfirst into this widespread problem and proposes solutions in a new publication. ⬇️
www.commonwealthfund.org/publications...
@commonwealthfund.org dives headfirst into this widespread problem and proposes solutions in a new publication. ⬇️
www.commonwealthfund.org/publications...
The State of Rural Primary Care in the United States
Rural Americans face significant barriers to accessing adequate primary care; tailored federal and state programs can help address some of these challenges.
www.commonwealthfund.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Rural Americans face significant obstacles when it comes to accessing comprehensive primary care, from clinician shortages to cost.
@commonwealthfund.org dives headfirst into this widespread problem and proposes solutions in a new publication. ⬇️
www.commonwealthfund.org/publications...
@commonwealthfund.org dives headfirst into this widespread problem and proposes solutions in a new publication. ⬇️
www.commonwealthfund.org/publications...
💪 #RuralHealth Care Has Heart & Grit
In rural communities across the U.S., we see health systems under strain, but we also see them innovating, adapting, and leading.
Today, we’re spotlighting how rural providers and communities are rising to face their unique set of challenges.
#RuralHealthWeek
In rural communities across the U.S., we see health systems under strain, but we also see them innovating, adapting, and leading.
Today, we’re spotlighting how rural providers and communities are rising to face their unique set of challenges.
#RuralHealthWeek
November 20, 2025 at 8:52 PM
💪 #RuralHealth Care Has Heart & Grit
In rural communities across the U.S., we see health systems under strain, but we also see them innovating, adapting, and leading.
Today, we’re spotlighting how rural providers and communities are rising to face their unique set of challenges.
#RuralHealthWeek
In rural communities across the U.S., we see health systems under strain, but we also see them innovating, adapting, and leading.
Today, we’re spotlighting how rural providers and communities are rising to face their unique set of challenges.
#RuralHealthWeek
💸 $900 Billion in Medicaid Cuts, $50 Billion in Relief for Rural Health Systems
With the passage of H.R. 1, rural health care faces both a threat and a test. The law slashes $900 billion from Medicaid—the largest cut in the program’s history—hitting rural hospitals and providers especially hard.
With the passage of H.R. 1, rural health care faces both a threat and a test. The law slashes $900 billion from Medicaid—the largest cut in the program’s history—hitting rural hospitals and providers especially hard.
How States Can Access New Federal Funds to Improve Care in Rural Communities
States can use funds from H.R. 1’s Rural Health Transformation Program to invest in initiatives that could improve health care delivery for rural patients.
www.commonwealthfund.org
November 18, 2025 at 5:08 PM
💸 $900 Billion in Medicaid Cuts, $50 Billion in Relief for Rural Health Systems
With the passage of H.R. 1, rural health care faces both a threat and a test. The law slashes $900 billion from Medicaid—the largest cut in the program’s history—hitting rural hospitals and providers especially hard.
With the passage of H.R. 1, rural health care faces both a threat and a test. The law slashes $900 billion from Medicaid—the largest cut in the program’s history—hitting rural hospitals and providers especially hard.
Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund
"Forty-three million people live in rural areas with primary care health professional shortages."
Primary care is under strain nationwide, and rural communities are feeling it.
A new @commonwealthfund.org brief finds deepening workforce shortages and fewer options for basic care among the 60 million people who live in rural areas.
Read more ⤵️
#ruralhealthweek #ruralhealth #powerofrural
A new @commonwealthfund.org brief finds deepening workforce shortages and fewer options for basic care among the 60 million people who live in rural areas.
Read more ⤵️
#ruralhealthweek #ruralhealth #powerofrural
The State of Rural Primary Care in the United States
Rural Americans face significant barriers to accessing adequate primary care; tailored federal and state programs can help address some of these challenges.
www.commonwealthfund.org
November 17, 2025 at 5:25 PM
"Forty-three million people live in rural areas with primary care health professional shortages."
Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund
Shortage of rural doctors won’t end anytime soon, @commonwealthfund.org report says. @nhassanein.bsky.social of @stateline.org has the details.
wisconsinexaminer.com/2025/11/18/r...
wisconsinexaminer.com/2025/11/18/r...
Shortage of rural doctors won’t end anytime soon, report says • Wisconsin Examiner
For the next dozen years, rural areas will have only about two-thirds of the primary care physicians they need, according to a new eport
wisconsinexaminer.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Shortage of rural doctors won’t end anytime soon, @commonwealthfund.org report says. @nhassanein.bsky.social of @stateline.org has the details.
wisconsinexaminer.com/2025/11/18/r...
wisconsinexaminer.com/2025/11/18/r...
Primary care is under strain nationwide, and rural communities are feeling it.
A new @commonwealthfund.org brief finds deepening workforce shortages and fewer options for basic care among the 60 million people who live in rural areas.
Read more ⤵️
#ruralhealthweek #ruralhealth #powerofrural
A new @commonwealthfund.org brief finds deepening workforce shortages and fewer options for basic care among the 60 million people who live in rural areas.
Read more ⤵️
#ruralhealthweek #ruralhealth #powerofrural
The State of Rural Primary Care in the United States
Rural Americans face significant barriers to accessing adequate primary care; tailored federal and state programs can help address some of these challenges.
www.commonwealthfund.org
November 17, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Primary care is under strain nationwide, and rural communities are feeling it.
A new @commonwealthfund.org brief finds deepening workforce shortages and fewer options for basic care among the 60 million people who live in rural areas.
Read more ⤵️
#ruralhealthweek #ruralhealth #powerofrural
A new @commonwealthfund.org brief finds deepening workforce shortages and fewer options for basic care among the 60 million people who live in rural areas.
Read more ⤵️
#ruralhealthweek #ruralhealth #powerofrural
On this week’s episode of #TheDosePodcast, Elaine Welteroth talks with @joelbervell.bsky.social about how she turned disillusionment with her own birth experience into a new movement focused on funding midwifery care and saving mothers’ lives. #MaternalHealth
Tune in ⤵️
Tune in ⤵️
Reimagining Birth, Restoring Trust
On The Dose podcast, Elaine Welteroth talks about how her organization, birthFUND, is working to restore trust and reimagine birth as safe and empowering.
thedose.show
November 14, 2025 at 4:59 PM
On this week’s episode of #TheDosePodcast, Elaine Welteroth talks with @joelbervell.bsky.social about how she turned disillusionment with her own birth experience into a new movement focused on funding midwifery care and saving mothers’ lives. #MaternalHealth
Tune in ⤵️
Tune in ⤵️
For the first time, #Medicare is billing drug manufacturers for rebates when prices rise faster than inflation — a new approach aimed at curbing prescription #drugcosts. bit.ly/4qNuo1l
November 7, 2025 at 3:07 PM
For the first time, #Medicare is billing drug manufacturers for rebates when prices rise faster than inflation — a new approach aimed at curbing prescription #drugcosts. bit.ly/4qNuo1l
Two in five Medicare Advantage enrollees said they don’t plan to use some of their plan benefits — with more than half saying they don’t need them.
Our latest survey raises key questions about whether current benefits meet people’s needs or could be better designed to add value.
Our latest survey raises key questions about whether current benefits meet people’s needs or could be better designed to add value.
Could Notifications Help MA Beneficiaries Utilize Benefits?
Medicare Advantage plans receive significant federal funding for supplemental benefits; it’s important to ensure payments translate to better health outcomes.
bit.ly
November 6, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Two in five Medicare Advantage enrollees said they don’t plan to use some of their plan benefits — with more than half saying they don’t need them.
Our latest survey raises key questions about whether current benefits meet people’s needs or could be better designed to add value.
Our latest survey raises key questions about whether current benefits meet people’s needs or could be better designed to add value.
Medicaid cuts under the recently passed tax and spending law could put contraceptive access for millions of women at risk.
A new brief from the Commonwealth Fund finds that states may scale back family planning programs, close key providers, and deepen health inequities.
A new brief from the Commonwealth Fund finds that states may scale back family planning programs, close key providers, and deepen health inequities.
Changes to Medicaid Threaten Contraceptive Accessibility
Medicaid provisions passed under H.R. 1 will have a cascading impact that threatens the landscape of vital contraceptive care.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Medicaid cuts under the recently passed tax and spending law could put contraceptive access for millions of women at risk.
A new brief from the Commonwealth Fund finds that states may scale back family planning programs, close key providers, and deepen health inequities.
A new brief from the Commonwealth Fund finds that states may scale back family planning programs, close key providers, and deepen health inequities.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) isn’t just an anti-hunger program — it’s also an economic stabilizer for families and communities.
In this article, we lay out what’s at stake for families, states, and the food economy if these cuts take effect.
In this article, we lay out what’s at stake for families, states, and the food economy if these cuts take effect.
From Empty Grocery Carts to Lost Jobs: The Ripple Effects of Cutting SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) isn’t just an antihunger program — it’s also an economic stabilizer for families and communities. When SNAP food benefits are cut or halted outrigh...
www.linkedin.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:37 PM
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) isn’t just an anti-hunger program — it’s also an economic stabilizer for families and communities.
In this article, we lay out what’s at stake for families, states, and the food economy if these cuts take effect.
In this article, we lay out what’s at stake for families, states, and the food economy if these cuts take effect.
Reposted by The Commonwealth Fund
New Webinar: How Medical Debt Is Pummeling Americans, Mon., 11/10, 10 am PST.
Medical #debt is crushing 100M+ Americans — many insured. Hear reporting tips, insights & story ideas from @raelnb.bsky.social & @jessicaglenza.bsky.social on the U.S. medical debt crisis.
Register: bit.ly/MedicalDebtReg
Medical #debt is crushing 100M+ Americans — many insured. Hear reporting tips, insights & story ideas from @raelnb.bsky.social & @jessicaglenza.bsky.social on the U.S. medical debt crisis.
Register: bit.ly/MedicalDebtReg
October 31, 2025 at 11:30 PM
New Webinar: How Medical Debt Is Pummeling Americans, Mon., 11/10, 10 am PST.
Medical #debt is crushing 100M+ Americans — many insured. Hear reporting tips, insights & story ideas from @raelnb.bsky.social & @jessicaglenza.bsky.social on the U.S. medical debt crisis.
Register: bit.ly/MedicalDebtReg
Medical #debt is crushing 100M+ Americans — many insured. Hear reporting tips, insights & story ideas from @raelnb.bsky.social & @jessicaglenza.bsky.social on the U.S. medical debt crisis.
Register: bit.ly/MedicalDebtReg
💊 Prescription drug prices have long risen faster than inflation, straining budgets for patients and the government alike.
A new Medicare policy aims to slow that trend, and it could save billions over the next decade.
Explore the details in our new explainer:
A new Medicare policy aims to slow that trend, and it could save billions over the next decade.
Explore the details in our new explainer:
How Inflation Rebates Can Curb Drug Price Increases
To discourage price hikes on brand-name drugs, the IRA requires manufacturers to pay inflation rebates to Medicare if prices increase faster than inflation.
bit.ly
November 4, 2025 at 1:58 PM
💊 Prescription drug prices have long risen faster than inflation, straining budgets for patients and the government alike.
A new Medicare policy aims to slow that trend, and it could save billions over the next decade.
Explore the details in our new explainer:
A new Medicare policy aims to slow that trend, and it could save billions over the next decade.
Explore the details in our new explainer:
Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits like:
🦷 Dental
👁️ Vision
👂 Hearing
But in 2024, just one-third of enrollees used any supplemental benefit — despite $39 billion in federal spending to provide them.
Learn more ⬇
🦷 Dental
👁️ Vision
👂 Hearing
But in 2024, just one-third of enrollees used any supplemental benefit — despite $39 billion in federal spending to provide them.
Learn more ⬇
Could Notifications Help MA Beneficiaries Utilize Benefits?
Medicare Advantage plans receive significant federal funding for supplemental benefits; it’s important to ensure payments translate to better health outcomes.
www.commonwealthfund.org
November 3, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits like:
🦷 Dental
👁️ Vision
👂 Hearing
But in 2024, just one-third of enrollees used any supplemental benefit — despite $39 billion in federal spending to provide them.
Learn more ⬇
🦷 Dental
👁️ Vision
👂 Hearing
But in 2024, just one-third of enrollees used any supplemental benefit — despite $39 billion in federal spending to provide them.
Learn more ⬇
On a new episode of The Dose Podcast, Dr. Kevin Simon describes how we can address the shortage in youth psychiatrists by using nontraditional interventions to support young people, like AI therapy and special training for community center staff.
thedose.show/s09305
thedose.show/s09305
A New Approach to Youth Mental Health
On The Dose podcast, Dr. Kevin Simon discusses the youth mental health crisis and the innovative things states and cities can do for children who are struggling.
thedose.show
October 31, 2025 at 3:08 PM
On a new episode of The Dose Podcast, Dr. Kevin Simon describes how we can address the shortage in youth psychiatrists by using nontraditional interventions to support young people, like AI therapy and special training for community center staff.
thedose.show/s09305
thedose.show/s09305
👻 Premium Sticker Shock Could Give Families A Fright This Open Enrollment
As #OpenEnrollment begins Nov. 1, millions of Americans may see higher costs if enhanced ACA tax credits are allowed to expire.
Without action, premiums could double or even quadruple & nearly 5M people could lose coverage.
As #OpenEnrollment begins Nov. 1, millions of Americans may see higher costs if enhanced ACA tax credits are allowed to expire.
Without action, premiums could double or even quadruple & nearly 5M people could lose coverage.
Marketplace Sticker Shock: What Happens If Subsidies Expire
The Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces have reached record enrollment, with more than 23 million Americans relying on them for health coverage in 2025. Since 2021, enhanced premium tax credits (PTCs) ...
lnkd.in
October 31, 2025 at 12:49 PM
👻 Premium Sticker Shock Could Give Families A Fright This Open Enrollment
As #OpenEnrollment begins Nov. 1, millions of Americans may see higher costs if enhanced ACA tax credits are allowed to expire.
Without action, premiums could double or even quadruple & nearly 5M people could lose coverage.
As #OpenEnrollment begins Nov. 1, millions of Americans may see higher costs if enhanced ACA tax credits are allowed to expire.
Without action, premiums could double or even quadruple & nearly 5M people could lose coverage.
Medicaid coverage. Reproductive health access. Social supports.
Our new report compares maternal and child mortality state by state — and against 200 countries.
State policy choices like these shape whether mothers and children are healthy and safe.
bit.ly/433uEie
Our new report compares maternal and child mortality state by state — and against 200 countries.
State policy choices like these shape whether mothers and children are healthy and safe.
bit.ly/433uEie
Maternal and Child Mortality: How Do U.S. States Compare Internationally?
This brief compares U.S. maternal and child mortality rates at the national, state, and racial and ethnic level to 200 countries.
bit.ly
October 29, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Medicaid coverage. Reproductive health access. Social supports.
Our new report compares maternal and child mortality state by state — and against 200 countries.
State policy choices like these shape whether mothers and children are healthy and safe.
bit.ly/433uEie
Our new report compares maternal and child mortality state by state — and against 200 countries.
State policy choices like these shape whether mothers and children are healthy and safe.
bit.ly/433uEie
“Too much energy goes into getting paid instead of caring for patients.”
Dr. Mai Pham talks with Joel Brevell about redesigning how we pay for care, and why it matters.
Dr. Mai Pham talks with Joel Brevell about redesigning how we pay for care, and why it matters.
Fixing How We Pay for Care
On The Dose podcast, Dr. Mai Pham talks about how the imperative in paying for health care in the U.S. is often volume over value, and billing over better care.
bit.ly
October 24, 2025 at 6:42 PM
“Too much energy goes into getting paid instead of caring for patients.”
Dr. Mai Pham talks with Joel Brevell about redesigning how we pay for care, and why it matters.
Dr. Mai Pham talks with Joel Brevell about redesigning how we pay for care, and why it matters.
On this episode of The Dose, Dr. Pham explains how better payment models, authentic community engagement, and “universal design” in health care could help systems serve everyone more equitably. bit.ly/4ot1BNw
Fixing How We Pay for Care
On The Dose podcast, Dr. Mai Pham talks about how the imperative in paying for health care in the U.S. is often volume over value, and billing over better care.
bit.ly
October 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
On this episode of The Dose, Dr. Pham explains how better payment models, authentic community engagement, and “universal design” in health care could help systems serve everyone more equitably. bit.ly/4ot1BNw
Get up to speed on the fundamentals of the 340B program ahead of the Senate HELP hearing. If you have questions about the program, see our explainer for answers.
We cover:
❓ How the program works
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Who the stakeholders are
💊 What changes have been proposed
We cover:
❓ How the program works
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Who the stakeholders are
💊 What changes have been proposed
Explained: How The 340B Drug Pricing Program Works
The 340B Drug Pricing Program was created to improve access to care at safety-net hospitals and clinics, but critics argue that the program hasn’t met this goal.
bit.ly
October 23, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Get up to speed on the fundamentals of the 340B program ahead of the Senate HELP hearing. If you have questions about the program, see our explainer for answers.
We cover:
❓ How the program works
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Who the stakeholders are
💊 What changes have been proposed
We cover:
❓ How the program works
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Who the stakeholders are
💊 What changes have been proposed
Congress and the Trump administration have enacted sweeping policy changes that will:
🤕 bump legally present immigrants off the marketplaces and #Medicaid,
🚧 add red tape for other people who are eligible to enroll, and
📈 sharply increase workers’ insurance premiums.
🤕 bump legally present immigrants off the marketplaces and #Medicaid,
🚧 add red tape for other people who are eligible to enroll, and
📈 sharply increase workers’ insurance premiums.
Efforts to Cut Insurance Coverage Will Undermine Health of Workforce
By continuing on our website, you agree to our use of the cookie for statistical and personalization purpose. Learn More
bit.ly
October 22, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Congress and the Trump administration have enacted sweeping policy changes that will:
🤕 bump legally present immigrants off the marketplaces and #Medicaid,
🚧 add red tape for other people who are eligible to enroll, and
📈 sharply increase workers’ insurance premiums.
🤕 bump legally present immigrants off the marketplaces and #Medicaid,
🚧 add red tape for other people who are eligible to enroll, and
📈 sharply increase workers’ insurance premiums.
In 2023, Louisiana’s maternal mortality rate was more than 4x California’s.
See the state-by-state breakdown — and how U.S. states compare to 200 countries — in our new report.
bit.ly/433uEie
See the state-by-state breakdown — and how U.S. states compare to 200 countries — in our new report.
bit.ly/433uEie
Maternal and Child Mortality: How Do U.S. States Compare Internationally?
This brief compares U.S. maternal and child mortality rates at the national, state, and racial and ethnic level to 200 countries.
bit.ly
October 21, 2025 at 6:58 PM
In 2023, Louisiana’s maternal mortality rate was more than 4x California’s.
See the state-by-state breakdown — and how U.S. states compare to 200 countries — in our new report.
bit.ly/433uEie
See the state-by-state breakdown — and how U.S. states compare to 200 countries — in our new report.
bit.ly/433uEie
As Congress continues to examine the growth and impact of the 340B program, and as Senate HELP prepares for a hearing on the program later this week, you may have a few questions about how it works. If so, see our explainer for at-a-glance answers.
Explained: How The 340B Drug Pricing Program Works
The 340B Drug Pricing Program was created to improve access to care at safety-net hospitals and clinics, but critics argue that the program hasn’t met this goal.
bit.ly
October 21, 2025 at 12:58 PM
As Congress continues to examine the growth and impact of the 340B program, and as Senate HELP prepares for a hearing on the program later this week, you may have a few questions about how it works. If so, see our explainer for at-a-glance answers.