Variation in US Commercial Health Plan Coverage Restrictions for Cell and Gene Therapies (JAMA)

US commercial payers often restrict access to cell and gene therapies by limiting coverage to specific patient subgroups or requiring step therapy.

Characterizing Financial Risk from Out-of-Pocket Expenditures Across Dementia Stages (Alzheimer's & Dementia)

Older adults with dementia face substantial out-of-pocket costs: one in five with severe dementia face catastrophic costs.

Family Spillover Effects in Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Vaccines (Vaccine)

Cost-effectiveness analyses often undervalue vaccines by excluding family spillover effects.

Health Technology Assessment, Again: A Transparent, Evidence-Based Approach for CMS Drug Price Negotiations (Health Affairs)

CMS should adopt a formal HTA process for IRA drug price negotiations to consider more forms of evidence and improve transparency.

What Drug Characteristics Explain the Wide Range of Manufacturer Rebates? (Health Affairs Scholar)

Drugs for cancer and orphan indications have the lowest rebates; biosimilars have the highest.

Health Utilities in Alzheimer's Disease: A Survey of Patients and Caregivers in the United States (Journal of Alzheimer's Disease)

New health utility data for Alzheimer's disease can improve health economic analyses of interventions.

Value Assessment for Health Services and Procedures: A Call to Action in a new Political Climate (Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research)

Health services and procedures represent about 70% of health care spending, but typically lack cost-effectiveness evidence.

In May 2024, I argued that journals should encourage authors to use large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, to assist with stylistic revision and clarity. This year, my colleagues and I are wrestling with the question of whether and how we should restrict student use of LLMs in their coursework. Once again, I find myself to be more open than many others to LLM use. Moreover, the type of use I contemplate has broadened beyond mere editing to idea generation and drafting of content.

Most importantly, I do not believe that looser LLM restrictions will undermine learning because, based on my experience to date, LLMs seem incapable of the critical thinking that turns descriptive, summary text into a compelling argument.

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Tara Lavelle Testifies in Support of Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing

CEVR’s Tara Lavelle, PhD, testified in July before the Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on Health Care Financing to support Medicaid coverage expansions for rapid whole genome sequencing for children with suspected genetic conditions. Dr. Lavelle's research has shown that these tests can reduce health costs when used early in infants' hospitalization.

David Strutton, PhD Joins CEVR as Senior Fellow

In July, CEVR welcomed David Strutton, PhD, as a new Senior Fellow. With over 30 years of leadership experience in the life sciences and biopharma sectors, including senior roles at Merck and Pfizer, Dr. Strutton brings extensive expertise in global health care policy issues.

Free Premium CEA Registry Access to Student and LMIC Researcher ISPOR Members

A new CEVR-ISPOR partnership expands access to detailed information on more than 16,000 peer-reviewed cost-effectiveness analyses. Find ideas for Registry-driven research.

In Remembrance: John Iglehart (1939-2025) by Peter Neumann

In Heath Affairs, Peter Neumann and others shared fond remembrances of John Iglehart, the journal's founding editor.

The CEA Registry is getting an upgrade! Our revamped site will now display comprehensive information about each CEA and permit customized single-file downloads for more streamlined access to key information.