Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Diana Zuckerman
Published on 2024-02-02 09:30:23
In 2024, the United States government is dominated by an older demographic. Senators, presidential candidates, and cabinet members are all predominantly aged 65 and older. With the average age of U.S. House representatives being 58, it’s clear that many of those in power are seniors. Despite this, the federal agency charged with the care of the elderly, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is receiving insufficient support.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has the mission of ensuring that those over the age of 65 are not harmed by unproven medical products. As the population continues to age, this mission is of increasing importance. However, lobbyists have influenced policymakers and the public to demand that Medicare pays for all drugs and medical devices approved by the FDA. This demand has been backed by members of Congress, including Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who have criticized CMS coverage policies, claiming that they slow down patient access to treatment.
The disconnection between the FDA’s approval mission and Medicare’s mission to pay for only reasonable and necessary treatments has led to a controversial situation. The FDA approves treatments without considering cost and does not require evidence that people over the age of 65 will benefit. This raises concerns about the safety and effectiveness of medical products for older patients, especially since clinical trials rarely include participants over the age of 65.
This lack of diversity in clinical trials approved by the FDA can be harmful to many Medicare patients, particularly those over the age of 75. Older individuals metabolize medications differently, making them more susceptible to dangerous drug accumulation in their bodies. Moreover, they often take several medications and the potential for harmful interactions increases as they age and become more frail.
As a senior scientist relying on Medicare, the writer sees both sides of the argument. While they would like Medicare to cover treatments that could benefit them, they recognize the need for alignment between FDA and Medicare decisions. The writer highlights that FDA approvals are based on studies funded by drug and device companies. Therefore, the FDA does not require diversity in clinical trials, leading to approvals of products that may not be suitable for older patients.
The issue underscores the differences between the responsibilities of the FDA and Medicare in the U.S. healthcare system. While Medicare’s role is to ensure that treatments are safe, effective, and necessary, the FDA’s focus is on approving new medical products. This division has created a lack of alignment between the two agencies, which has led to the approval of some treatments that may be unsuitable for older patients.
Ultimately, there is a need for greater collaboration and shared standards between the FDA and Medicare. This would ensure that medical products are thoroughly tested on diverse populations, including elderly patients, and that Medicare provides coverage for treatments that are proven to be effective and safe for seniors. By addressing the disconnect between the two agencies, the healthcare system can better serve the needs of the aging population while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
