BIG Moves to Increasing Access to Healthcare
A few weeks ago while I was on my way for a visit to Wisconsin, I arrived at the airport only to realize I had forgotten to pack my reading glasses. Short term, it was okay that I did not have them. But upon arrival, I did need to make a stop at the local pharmacy to pick up a pair of non-prescription readers. Having access to make such a purchase certainly eased the frustration I would have endured had I not been able to do so.
Over-the-counter glasses have been available for years, it is time for hearing aids to join the market. Today, the FDA announced a historic ruling that will enable millions of Americans to purchase over-the-counter hearing aids. This will provide those with mild to moderate hearing loss the ability to improve the quality of their lives. Even at the age of 44, I am someone that could benefit from this product and I will likely purchase a pair when they become available later this fall. While I had an ear drum replacement in 2006, there are times I still struggle to hear, especially in crowded or noisy environments.
“Hearing loss is a critical public health issue that affects the ability of millions of Americans to effectively communicate in their daily social interactions,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “Establishing this new regulatory category will allow people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss to have convenient access to an array of safe, effective and affordable hearing aids from their neighborhood store or online.”
As a way to decrease period poverty, Scotland has become the first nation to make period products free. Period poverty is when those cannot afford or do not have access to proper sanitary products. Without proper access to sanitary products, a woman’s health is at risk of vaginal and urinary tract infections, severe reproductive health conditions and toxic shock syndrome. This bill will also help decrease the stigma and embarrassment young girls face when needing to purchase products.
Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, is involved with many business ventures. He has started an online drug company to make generic prescription drugs more affordable. The venture aims to combat America’s skyrocketing prescription drug prices: An estimated 18 million Americans, or 7% of U.S. adults, couldn’t pay for at least one drug prescribed by their doctor, according to a 2021 poll from Gallup and West Health.
It is no secret that millions of people across the world struggle with access and cost to healthcare. The book, Cost of Living: Essays, written by Emily Maloney is just one example of many that describes their personal experience of this struggle. I understand there is no easy answer to improving our healthcare system so that it is more equitable for all. I hope that big moves such as the three examples above help move the needle in the right direction.
be well-
