JAMA Health Forum

Mandates for third-trimester and delivery #Syphilis screening during pregnancy were associated with a short-term increase in maternal syphilis case detection, but effects diminished within one year. ja.ma/4sofizN

Kevin Johnson, MD, MS, of the University of Pennsylvania joins JAMA Health Forum Editor in Chief Sandro Galea, MD, DrPH, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of AI in health care and public health. ja.ma/4cTG8e3

💬 Editorial by JAMA Health Forum EIC Sandro Galea, MD, DrPH: To keep health equity at the forefront, #AI in #HealthCare should explicitly incorporate equity objectives, representative datasets, and continuous monitoring. ja.ma/3PGXalS

In 2024, hospitals and hospital associations spent $116 million on federal lobbying, with nearly all relying on external firms. For-profit systems were overrepresented among top spenders, indicating concentrated influence in federal health policy. ja.ma/4uwLjqG

Among the largest US cities, new metrics like shooting-free days, consecutive shooting-free days, and multiple shooting-free days varied widely and worsened overall from 2015 to 2024, signaling decreased progress in #GunViolence prevention. ja.ma/4sFvQ5S

In 2024, hospitals and hospital associations spent over $116 million on federal lobbying, with most relying on external firms. For-profit systems were overrepresented among top spenders, highlighting concentrated influence in health policy. ja.ma/4sayhgP

#GlobalBurdenOfDisease estimates for deaths and disability-adjusted life-years from major risk factors, especially behavioral and dietary risks, were unstable across iterations, highlighting uncertainty in disease burden measurement. ja.ma/4cKMgVU

State laws prohibiting prior authorization for buprenorphine were not associated with significant changes in 180-day treatment retention among privately insured patients with #OpioidUseDisorder. ja.ma/3OSYIsN

This study of nearly 1 million US households from 2000 to 2023 found racial disparities in #FoodInsecurity among both higher- and low-income groups, highlighting the continued role of structural racism and the value of federal nutrition programs. ja.ma/40a8Foa

State laws prohibiting prior authorization for buprenorphine were not associated with significant changes in 180-day treatment retention among privately insured patients with #OpioidUseDisorder. ja.ma/3ONtseR

Medicaid expansion was associated with a 5.7% increase in pharmacy availability over 5 years in zip code areas with highest adult uninsurance rates, compared to a 7.4% decrease in nonexpansion areas. ja.ma/40DjS0t

The share of states offering comprehensive adult dental benefits through Medicaid managed care organizations increased from 64.7% in 2016 to 70.6% in 2022, but alignment with fee-for-service programs remained inconsistent. ja.ma/40Dk4gd

After the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement, states with higher rates of postpartum uninsurance saw a 10.9% decline in hospitalizations 61 to 180 days post partum among mothers with Medicaid-paid deliveries. ja.ma/40tOth4

From 2015 to 2024, only 5.6% of US mental health facilities offered treatment services in an Asian language, with access concentrated in metropolitan areas and nearly absent in rural counties. ja.ma/4tZg1IO

Between 2012 and 2023, the Medicare Shared Savings Program (#MSSP) generated net savings of $4.3 billion to $13.4 billion for traditional #Medicare, supporting value-based payment reforms. ja.ma/3Moolkp

Expanding health savings accounts (#HSAs) is unlikely to lower health care costs and may disadvantage patients with greater health needs, as incentives favor higher-income, healthier individuals. ja.ma/4rjMc3M

Adolescent cannabis use was associated with increased risk of psychotic, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders by young adulthood in a large cohort study. ja.ma/46STGT7

From @JAMA_current: Forced disenrollment from #MedicareAdvantage plans will reach 10% in 2026, affecting millions—particularly those in rural areas, PPOs, and lower-rated plans. ja.ma/4tAfaOq

Unplanned regionalization of pediatric hospital care in New England has led to substantial interstate dependence on Massachusetts for inpatient services, highlighting a need for coordinated regional planning to maintain access and system stability. ja.ma/4aB5quy

💬 Editorial: Market-based approaches, including competition, financial tools, value-based payment, and drug pricing transparency, could improve US health care efficiency if implemented with equity-focused safeguards and strong oversight. ja.ma/4tFUcxU