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CMS Advances Tech-Driven Chronic Care Initiative
Over 150 companies and providers have received provisional approval to join an experimental Medicare initiative aimed at broadening access to technology-enabled chronic care. CMS will offer set payments to participants, which include notable mental health apps, wearable tech manufacturers, a Google-affiliated life sciences company, and others. The focus is on treating chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, and depression.
It’s noted that 70% of Medicare beneficiaries might qualify for this program, potentially driving interest among companies. For further insights, read STAT’s Mario Aguilar’s detailed report. He highlights the primary question of whether this decade-long experiment can reduce Medicare expenses while keeping or enhancing care quality.
Fluoride Supply Challenges for Certain U.S. Water Systems
In the 2024 presidential campaign, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now health secretary, vowed to eliminate fluoride from drinking water. Although this hasn’t occurred, an unforeseen issue is affecting some U.S. water utilities’ ability to fluoridate at recommended levels: the conflict in Iran. According to a recent AP report, Israel, a leading exporter of fluorosilicic acid, is facing supply challenges as workers are called to active duty.
Though only a few U.S. water utilities are impacted currently, they serve hundreds of thousands of people, as reported by the AP. Experts warn that continued violence could prolong these shortages.
Promising News for Research Funding
On Sunday evening, hundreds of students received good news when the National Science Foundation announced the recipients of its Graduate Research Fellowship Program. This prestigious program provides three years of funding for graduate research. Last year, the program faced challenges when the administration planned to cut awards and focus heavily on quantum computing and computer science.
There were fears this upheaval would extend into 2026, with the NSF seemingly rejecting more applications than usual. However, these concerns were unfounded. The list of winners released on Sunday revealed the largest funded cohort ever and an increased percentage of biology research students. For more on the earlier rejections and their impact on first-year PhD students, see Jonathan Wosen’s report. — Anil Oza
Concerns of a Key WHO Official
The current WHO director-general’s term concludes next summer, sparking discussions on his potential successor. Hanan Balkhy, who oversees the Eastern Mediterranean region, is seen as a leading contender. However, she already faces significant challenges, as her region includes countries involved in the Iran conflict.
“My primary concern at this moment is the potential escalation into full-scale nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare,” Balkhy told STAT’s Helen Branswell. Their conversation offers insight into the complexities of her role amid global tensions and explores her possible candidacy for WHO leadership.
Impact of Family Dynamics on Brain Recovery
For children and teens suffering traumatic brain injuries, the risk of physical and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, headaches, and chronic pain is heightened. A study published in JAMA Network Open highlights that adverse childhood experiences amplify these risks, while “family resilience” and “child flourishing” can mitigate them.
Adverse childhood experiences are recognized as key risk factors for mental and physical health. Family resilience involves how a family handles stress, communicates, and responds to crises. Flourishing indicates a young person’s curiosity and comfort when learning or facing challenges. These were measured via federal survey responses from caregivers. Children in more resilient families showed fewer post-recovery issues than those in less resilient ones.
“These findings emphasize the importance of integrating strength-based, family resilience-enhancing strategies into pediatric TBI care to support comprehensive recovery and well-being,” the authors note, suggesting that future research should focus on developing such interventions.
Challenges of Age-Based Drug Approvals for Rare Diseases
For 20 years, there was only one FDA-approved treatment for Hunter syndrome, a rare condition caused by an enzyme deficiency. This spring, a new drug received accelerated approval, but it’s only available for individuals up to age 16. Nathan Grant, an M.D.-M.B.A. student with a twin suffering from severe Hunter syndrome, expressed mixed feelings about this progress, as his 28-year-old brother is ineligible.
“My brother has gradually lost the ability to communicate verbally since his diagnosis at 2 and now requires full-time care,” Grant writes in a First Opinion essay. “Reaching adulthood should not disqualify someone from potential treatments.” Find out more in the full essay.
What We’re Reading
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New report details safety issues that led to Miami organ recovery group’s closure, Miami Herald
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Cancer rates are higher near large livestock feeding operations in three states, a new study finds, Inside Climate News
- Dana-Farber CEO talks untangling from Mass General Brigham and building new cancer hospital, Boston Globe
- Can red light therapy really deliver a beauty and health glow-up? Here’s the science, NPR
- For Ben Sasse, Revolution Medicines’ pancreatic cancer trial felt like his best, only option, STAT
