02/03/25 - #318

Author

Health Horizon. Herald Staff
February 03, 2025

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • PFAS in Drinking Water to Be Unregulated

  • Ozempic is in the Next Round of Medicare Drug Price Negotiations. See the Full List of 15 Medications

  • ‘It’s a Death Sentence’: US Health Insurance System is Failing, Say Doctors

  • Elon Musk Antidepressants Claim Disputed

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

PFAS in Drinking Water to Be Unregulated

President Trump has stopped a plan to set new rules on chemicals in our drinking water. These chemicals, known as PFAS, are harmful and do not break down in the environment. They are found in things like nonstick pans, waterproof clothes, and some soaps and shampoos. PFAS can cause serious health problems, including cancer and immune system issues.

The EPA was to create new guidelines to limit these chemicals. States were ready to use these guidelines to make their water safer. However, the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit, says these plans are now paused, without federal rules.

Adrienne Esposito from the Citizens Campaign for the Environment called this move "a tragic setback for water protection." She believes it sends a message to companies that they don't need to stop polluting our water.

Lee Zeldin, recently chosen to lead the EPA, had said dealing with PFAS was a top priority. But Trump's decision could mean changes in those plans.

Local water districts warn that, without these rules, the public will pay to clean the water. People might have to pay more for their water.

Assembly Member Michaelle Solages of New York wants to hold a meeting to discuss water policies. She hopes to encourage people to take action to change this policy.

WEIGHT LOSS

Ozempic is in the Next Round of Medicare Drug Price Negotiations. See the Full List of 15 Medications

The Biden administration has picked 15 drugs for the next round of Medicare price talks. This includes Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. These drugs help with diabetes and weight loss and have a common ingredient called semaglutide.

This move is part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which lets Medicare talk directly with drug companies to set prices. This law aims to make medications cheaper for older adults. Before this law, Medicare couldn't negotiate prices, often leading to higher costs for seniors.

The drugs being negotiated also treat serious conditions like asthma, cancer, and mental health issues. Key ones are Xtandi for prostate cancer, Ibrance for breast cancer, and Vraylar for mental health disorders.

These talks should save Medicare users $1.5 billion by 2026. Medicare will save $6 billion in total. The new prices from these talks will start in 2027.

However, some drug companies worry these talks might hurt their profits and the creation of new drugs. Despite these concerns, the goal is to make medicines cheaper for millions of Americans, especially those on Medicare.

The talks are uncertain due to changes under the incoming Trump admin. But the process is pushing ahead to secure lower prices for essential drugs.

HEALTH

‘It’s a Death Sentence’: US Health Insurance System is Failing, Say Doctors

Doctors in the U.S. warn that the health insurance system is failing. Big companies like United Healthcare are not approving necessary medical tests quickly. These delays can be harmful and even deadly. Dr. Ed Weisbart says, for some patients, delays are a death sentence. Companies care more about making money.

The US spends more on healthcare than any other developed country—about $4.9 trillion in 2023—but the health results are very poor. Recently, a lot of people got very upset when the CEO of UnitedHealthcare was involved in a tragic event.

Doctors often have to fight with insurance companies to get their patients the care they need. Dr. Cheryl Kunis told a sad story about a patient who needed a special scan but didn't get it for six months. Unfortunately, the patient passed away during this time. Insurance companies keep making these processes difficult.

Dr. Philip Verhoef, an ICU doctor, says it's wrong when non-doctor insurance workers deny necessary treatments. He finds this upsetting and insulting.

Many doctors think the only solution is to completely change the system to a single-payer model. This model would cover everyone and could save money and lives by focusing on health instead of profits. They believe that big changes are needed to make healthcare better for everyone.

Elon Musk Antidepressants Claim Disputed

Elon Musk recently said on social media that antidepressants are given out too often in the U.S. However, Mark Olfson, a professor at Columbia University, disagrees somewhat. He believes that while some people might be taking these drugs without needing them, others who really need them aren't getting them at all.

Olfson notes that not everyone can access helpful treatments, like talking therapies. They might work for some people instead of drugs. There are also people who take antidepressants longer than they might need to. At the same time, many who suffer from serious depression and anxiety don't get any help, showing a big problem in how mental health is treated.

The number of prescriptions for antidepressants has grown from 29.2 million to 32.1 million in just two years. This rise is due to more people feeling depressed. Also, online mental health services now make it easier to get medicine.

Dr. Paul Keedwell, another expert, says the U.S. has high work stress. It's also very open about mental health. This may explain the high use of antidepressants. He also mentions that in the U.S., ads can directly tell consumers to ask for these drugs, which isn't allowed in most other countries.

With more people using antidepressants, we must ensure they are needed. We must also ensure that everyone who needs help can get it.

✢ A Note From Hem Hero

The information in this health newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. The publishers are not responsible for any actions taken by the reader based on the information provided.