Department of Health Policy Archive — Page 1 of 16

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Close-up of assorted orange, white, pink, and peach pills and capsules arranged over a U.S. $100 bill.
October 23, 2026

Medicare drug price negotiations could save patients up to $700 per year, study finds

The study found that Americans enrolled in standalone Medicare Part D plans are projected to save an average of $685 per year, and people with Medicare Advantage plans could save about $470.

By Jake Lowary
Portrait of Robert S. Dittus, MD, MPH, smiling and wearing glasses, a dark suit, light blue shirt, and red patterned tie against a brown background.
October 21, 2026

Vanderbilt Institute for Population and Public Health celebrates two decades of transformative success

The institute reaches across the state, nation and the global community to build and translate knowledge into better health.

By Jill Clendening
A glowing seedling emerging from dark soil, surrounded by white line icons for an idea, note, pencil, checklist, magnifying glass, and upward-trending arrows.
October 13, 2026

New grants will advance research into maternal substance use, sickle cell, wheelchair policy, GLP-1 use during pregnancy  

Health Policy faculty awarded more than $15 million in federal grants to study pregnancy and maternal health outcomes; device access; and prevention of infections for children with sickle cell disease.  

By Jake Lowary
Scored round pale pink tablet standing upright on a surface, with blurred colorful pills in the background.
July 24, 2026

Study shows one-fifth of prescribed cancer drugs initially denied coverage in Medicare were overturned when reviewed

The most common reason for initial denials was “non-medically acceptable” indications, or drugs prescribed “off-label,” which means using a drug outside its formally approved indication.

By Jake Lowary
Cover featuring blue geometric patterned artwork and the title “Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health.”
July 10, 2026

Study to examine metabolic complications in adults living with HIV in Nigeria   

Leveraging its expanding noncommunicable disease and HIV research portfolio in northern Nigeria, the team also plans to build local capacity in omics analysis.

By Kristin Centers
Weekly pill organizer compartments filled with assorted capsules and tablets, with orange prescription bottles in the background.
February 25, 2026

Patients with atrial fibrillation face higher bleeding risks when treated with 2 common medications

While diltiazem remains an effective option for heart rate control in selected patients, bleeding risk posed by anticoagulants should be considered.

By Jake Lowary