Health Issues

This page offers an easy way for policymakers to access health research and analysis that is relevant to current Congressional agendas. For additional information, to request documents, or to arrange a briefing, contact the RAND Office of Congressional Relations at ocr@rand.org or (703) 413-1100, ext. 5643.

Recent Findings

Commentary
At the Interface of the Healthcare System and the Community: Insights from an Academic-Community Partnership in Camden, New Jersey
Dec 3, 2019
Asthma is a common and expensive childhood condition eroding the quality of life of children and families across the country. We sought to identify patient-centered interventions to reduce avoidable asthma-related acute care use and improve childhood asthma outcomes, and found that the solutions lie at the interface of the healthcare system and the community.
Blog
Artificial Intelligence Bias, Russia, Fentanyl: RAND Weekly Recap
Nov 29, 2019
This weekly recap focuses on bias in algorithms, Russia's limits in the Middle East, understanding the fentanyl crisis, and more.
Blog
Medicare, Climate Change, 'Superbugs': RAND Weekly Recap
Nov 22, 2019
This weekly recap focuses on opening Medicare to Americans at age 50, how to assess climate change plans, antibiotic-resistant "superbugs," and more.
Tool
Teaching Skills to Reduce DUI Recidivism
Nov 19, 2019
The RE-thinking Avenues for Change (REACH) program is a cognitive behavioral therapy protocol developed to prevent drinking and driving after a first-time driving under the influence (DUI) offense.
Commentary
What Will the Opioid Crisis Look Like in Five Years?
Nov 18, 2019
Evidence suggests that once a synthetic opioid like fentanyl becomes dominant in a drug market, it stays that way. With that in mind, the United States should prepare for these drugs as a lasting phenomenon.

More Research on Health, Health Care, and Aging

Briefings

Preparing for the Future of Fentanyl: Considerations for Congress in Tackling the Synthetic Opioid Crisis
Sep 13, 2019
The introduction of illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids like fentanyl to U.S. drug markets has presented new challenges for policymakers working to reverse this public health crisis. What do policymakers need to consider in their efforts to address this threat? [Washington, D.C.]
What Are the Potential Impacts of Single-Payer Health Care?
Jan 23, 2019
What do policymakers need to know when thinking about single-payer proposals and their likely effects on cost and access? Jodi Liu and Christine Eibner will discuss some key characteristics of single-payer health care proposals and their likely impact as well as common misconceptions and areas of uncertainty. [Washington, D.C.]
States vs. the Federal Government: Marijuana Legalization in the United States
Jun 9, 2017
As the marijuana policy landscape continues to change from state to state, the substance remains illegal under federal law. How can action abroad help inform policy in the United States, and what are Congress' options?
Repeal, Replace, Repair, or Improve? The Future of the ACA
Mar 17, 2017
With a new administration in the White House, Congress is taking a renewed look at the Affordable Care Act. RAND senior economist Christine Eibner will brief legislators on the impacts of policies proposed by both sides of the aisle. [Washington, DC]
Premium Tax Credits and the Affordable Care Act: The Potential Ramifications of King v. Burwell
Feb 3, 2015
In February 2015, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of King v. Burwell, a challenge to the legality of the regulation authorizing premium tax credits in federally facilitated exchanges. What does this mean for the Affordable Care Act and consumers in these states?

More Health Briefings

Alerts & Newsletters

RAND periodically sends alerts and newsletters to update Congress on highlights of recent work about health and health care.

What are the Potential Effects of Medicare Buy-In?
Dec 5, 2019
Using RAND's COMPARE microsimulation model, researchers found that a Medicare buy-in proposal could offer significantly more-affordable coverage to older adults but might also lead to higher premiums for some people remaining on the individual market.
The Promise and Peril of Offshoring Prescription Drug Pricing
Oct 28, 2019
The President, Congress, and most Americans agree prescription drug prices are too high. After years of drug price and spending growth, 2019 has so far seen an explosion of policy proposals from both parties that could promise some relief.
In Case You Missed It: Preparing for the Future of Fentanyl
Sep 30, 2019
In this congressional briefing, Bryce Pardo and Beau Kilmer discuss factors that have contributed to the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl in the U.S. What do policymakers need to consider in their efforts to address this threat in the United States?
The Future of Fentanyl: Are Existing Drug Policy Tools Enough?
Sep 4, 2019
The U.S. overdose crisis has worsened dramatically with the arrival of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. A new RAND report found that deaths involving synthetic opioids increased from roughly 3,000 in 2013 to more than 30,000 in 2018.
In Case You Missed It: Implications of U.S.-China Collaborations on Global Health Issues
Aug 27, 2019
As the world's two largest economies, the United States and China face increasingly similar public health challenges. RAND's Jennifer Bouey outlines some potential initiatives that should be considered for future U.S.-China collaborations.
The Surge of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids
Aug 14, 2019
How is the illicit flow of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids impacting communities across the United States? A recent RAND report examined mortality and seizure data at the state level across several drug classes to better understand the evolution and concentration of overdose fatalities in the United States.
In Case You Missed It: Illicit Supply of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids
Aug 1, 2019
RAND's Bryce Pardo discusses how illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids, often from China, are changing the U.S. drug policy landscape. He outlines four potential policy responses to combat the synthetic opioid crisis.
Addressing Surprise Medical Bills Without Raising the Cost of Health Care
Jun 21, 2019
As more patients experience unexpected charges after they receive medical care, numerous legislative proposals have been introduced in Congress to address the issue of surprise medical bills.
In Case You Missed It: How to Reduce Suicide Among U.S. Veterans and Service Members
Jun 3, 2019
The rate at which veterans and service members die by suicide is a national security problem that requires a comprehensive approach. RAND's Terri Tanielian outlines six priorities for addressing the challenge of suicide.
What Do Private Health Plans Pay Hospitals Compared to Medicare?
May 22, 2019
The majority of the U.S. population is enrolled in a private health plan. A recent report examined U.S. hospital prices for 25 states and discovered that in 2017, the prices paid to hospitals for privately insured patients averaged 241 percent of what Medicare would have paid.
National Spending Estimates Under Medicare for All
Apr 16, 2019
Some policymakers are examining "Medicare-for-All" proposals that would provide comprehensive health care coverage to the population nationwide. According to a new report, national spending under a Medicare-for-All plan would be $3.89 trillion in 2019, or a 1.8 percent increase relative to the costs under current law.
How is the Opioid Crisis Driving the Rise in Hepatitis C?
Apr 2, 2019
The hepatitis C virus is responsible for more deaths in the United States than any other infectious disease. Hepatitis C infections have been rising at an alarming rate since 2010.
In Case You Missed It: What Are the Potential Impacts of Single-Payer Health Care?
Feb 6, 2019
Controlling costs while improving health care access dominates policy debates in Congress. Some policymakers are increasingly discussing “Medicare-for-All” proposals. During a recent RAND congressional briefing, Jodi Liu discussed considerations for policymakers thinking about single-payer proposals and their likely effects on cost and access.
Considering Health Care Policy in the 116th Congress
Jan 30, 2019
What are the biggest health care policy issues facing the 116th Congress? RAND experts offer up insight on a variety of topics, including the opioid crisis, health care payment and delivery, veterans' health issues, and more.
The Impact of E-Cigarettes on Youth
Nov 1, 2018
Teenage usage of e-cigarettes has been the target of recent government scrutiny, including a September declaration by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that usage of e-cigarettes by youth has reached “epidemic” levels.
In Case You Missed It: Evolution of the U.S. Overdose Crisis
Sep 21, 2018
RAND's Bryce Pardo discusses China's role in the production and supply of synthetic opioids and outlines some actions lawmakers can take to reduce this problem beyond traditional drug policy tools.
What are the effects of eliminating the individual mandate penalty?
Aug 16, 2018
Starting in 2019, the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate penalty will be eliminated. According to a new study, 3 million to 13 million fewer people would have health insurance by 2020 and most premiums for individual market plans would increase by 3 to 13 percent, depending on which assumptions are in play.
What are the Impacts of Medical Marijuana Advertising on Adolescents?
Jul 31, 2018
As legalization of recreational marijuana becomes prevalent across multiple states, many policymakers will face complex choice when it comes to regulations.
How Many Americans Will Need Nursing Home Care and At What Cost?
Nov 8, 2017
More than half of Americans will need a nursing home during their lifetime. For most people, these stays will be short and relatively affordable. But a small portion of people will have longer stays and significantly higher out-of-pocket spending.
Analysis of Health Care Tax Subsidies Under the ACA and its Alternatives
Jul 13, 2017
A new report compares the implications of different tax-based approaches to subsidizing health insurance enrollment in the individual market.
In Case You Missed It: Creating Better Support for Our Nation's Hidden Heroes
Jun 28, 2017
RAND conducted the first-ever study on the roles and risks of military and veteran caregivers in 2014. Now, a new research blueprint provides policymakers with an understanding of where more research is needed to improve the lives of these caregivers.
In Case You Missed It: Marijuana Legalization in the United States
Jun 21, 2017
While the number of states legalizing marijuana for both medical and non-medical use continues to grow, marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Beau Kilmer gives a briefing on the options the government has for addressing marijuana policy.
What Does Research Say About Potential Health Plan Proposals?
Jun 14, 2017
RAND experts have analyzed proposed alternatives to replace parts of the Affordable Care Act, examining how policy changes would affect people with pre-existing conditions; the impact on consumers of excluding some essential health benefits; and the impact of a continuous coverage requirement.
In Case You Missed It: Funding Considerations in the Fight Against the Opioid Epidemic
May 24, 2017
Rosalie Liccardo Pacula testified before Congress and discussed RAND research on the causes of the opioid epidemic and the effectiveness of treatment methods such as drug monitoring programs.
In Case You Missed It: Preventing Veteran Suicide
May 19, 2017
Suicide is a public health threat that affects all demographics, but recently attention has been focused on the risk of suicide among veterans. Preventative measures could include strengthening community-based programs for those who do not receive care at the VA.

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Testimony

Illicit Supply of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids: Transitioning Markets and Evolving Challenges 2019

Bryce Pardo
Testimony presented before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism and Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations, on July 25, 2019.
Illicit Supply of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids: Transitioning Markets and Evolving Challenges: Addendum 2019

Bryce Pardo
Document submitted on August 19, 2019, as an addendum to testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism and Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations on July 25, 2019.
Implications of U.S.-China Collaborations on Global Health Issues 2019

Jennifer Bouey
Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on July 31, 2019.
Implications of U.S.-China Collaborations on Global Health Issues: Addendum 2019

Jennifer Bouey
Document submitted on August 19, 2019, as an addendum to testimony before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on July 31, 2019.
Reducing Disagreements on Gun Policy Through Scientific Research and an Improved Data Infrastructure 2019

Andrew R. Morral
Testimony presented before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies on March 7, 2019.
Reducing Suicide Among U.S. Veterans: Implications from RAND Research 2019

Terri Tanielian
Testimony presented before the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on National Security on May 8, 2019.
Scientific Evidence on the Effects of State Gun Laws 2019

Andrew R. Morral
Testimony presented before the Pennsylvania State Senate Judiciary Committee on September 25, 2019.
Evolution of the U.S. Overdose Crisis: Understanding China's Role in the Production and Supply of Synthetic Opioids 2018

Bryce Pardo
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations on September 6, 2018.
Should Canada "Start Low and Go Slow" When It Comes to Cannabis Potency? 2018

Beau Kilmer
Testimony presented before the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science, and Technology Senate of Canada on May 7, 2018.
Suicide Prevention in California: Three Goals for Developing a Statewide Plan 2018

Rajeev Ramchand
Testimony presented before the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission on May 24, 2018.
Considering Cannabis Legalization in Canada: Prices, Taxes, and International Implications 2017

Beau Kilmer
Testimony presented before the House of Commons of Canada Standing Committee on Health on September 14, 2017.
Creating Better Support for our Nation's Hidden Heroes: A Research Blueprint for Military and Veteran Caregivers 2017

Terri Tanielian
Testimony presented before the Senate Special Committee on Aging on June 14, 2017.
Funding Considerations in the Fight Against the Opioid Epidemic: What the Science Tells Us 2017

Rosalie Liccardo Pacula
Testimony presented before the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies on April 5, 2017.
Regulating Medical Marijuana Markets: Insights from Scientific Evaluations of State Experiments 2017

Rosalie Liccardo Pacula
Testimony presented before the Florida House of Representatives Health & Human Services Committee, Subcommittee on Health Quality on January 25, 2017.
Dementia Long-Term Care Policy Options for Family Caregivers and Medicare 2016

Regina A. Shih
Testimony submitted to the Senate Finance Committee, Subcommittee on Health Care on July 13, 2016.
Evidence on Home Visiting and Suggestions for Implementing Evidence-Based Home Visiting Through MIECHV: Addendum 2014

M. Rebecca Kilburn
Document submitted on April 16, 2014 as an addendum to testimony presented before the House Ways and Means Committee, Subcommittee on Human Resources on April 2, 2014.
Evidence on Home Visiting and Suggestions for Implementing Evidence-Based Home Visiting Through MIECHV 2014

M. Rebecca Kilburn
Testimony presented before the House Ways and Means Committee, Subcommittee on Human Resources on April 2, 2014.
Expanding the Use of Telehealth: Promise and Potential Pitfalls 2014

Ateev Mehrotra
Testimony presented before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health on May 1, 2014.
Expanding the Use of Telehealth: Promise and Potential Pitfalls: Addendum 2014

Ateev Mehrotra
Document submitted on June 5, 2014 as an addendum to testimony presented before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health on May 1, 2014.
The Monetary Costs of Dementia in the United States 2014

Michael D. Hurd
Testimony presented before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies on February 26, 2014.
Efforts to Reform Physician Payment: Tying Payment to Performance 2013

Cheryl L. Damberg
Testimony presented before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health on February 14, 2013.
Expanding Medicaid Is the Best Financial Option for States 2013

Carter C. Price
Testimony presented before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health June 12, 2013.
The Monetary Costs of Dementia in the United States: Addendum 2013

Michael D. Hurd
Document submitted on July 12, 2013 as an addendum to testimony presented before the Senate Special Committee on Aging on April 24, 2013.
The Monetary Costs of Dementia in the United States 2013

Michael D. Hurd
Testimony presented before the Senate Special Committee on Aging on April 24, 2013.
Physician Payment Reform: Designing a Performance-based Incentive Program 2013

Cheryl L. Damberg
Testimony presented before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health on June 5, 2013.
Physician Payment Reform: Designing a Performance-based Incentive Program: Addendum 2013

Cheryl L. Damberg
Document submitted on July 12, 2013 as an addendum to testimony presented before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health on June 5, 2013.
Suicide Prevention in California: Strategies from Science 2013

Rajeev Ramchand
Testimony presented before the California State Senate Select Committee on Mental Health on September 24, 2013.
What Should We Learn From Boston? 2013

Arthur L. Kellermann
Testimony presented before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on July 10, 2013.
Allowances for Spinal Hardware under California’s Official Medical Fee Schedule: Issues and Options 2012

Barbara O. Wynn
Testimony presented before the California State Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee on May 9, 2012.
Securing the Future of the Social Security Disability Insurance Program 2012

Nicole Maestas
Testimony presented before the House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security on March 20, 2012.
Insights from Early RAND Research on Deployment: Effects on U.S. Service Members and Their Families 2011

James Hosek
Testimony presented before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on July 27, 2011.
Suicide Prevention Efforts and Behavioral Health Treatment in the Veterans Health Administration 2011

Katherine E. Watkins
Testimony presented before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health on December 2, 2011.
Availability of Drinking Water in California Public Schools 2008

Mark A. Schuster
Testimony presented before the California State Assembly Subcommittee on Education on April 2, 2008.
Nanomaterials in the Workplace: A Summary of the RAND Policy and Planning Workshop on Occupational Safety and Health 2007

Eric Landree
Testimony presented to Public Meeting on Research Needs Related to the Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanoscale Materials on January 4, 2007.
Developing Process Indicators to Improve Educational Governance: Lessons for Education from Health Care 2005

Brian M. Stecher
Testimony presented to the California Little Hoover Commission on June 23, 2005.
School-Based Drug Prevention and Other Strategies For Reducing Drug Use 2005

Susan M. Paddock
Testimony presented to the Oregon State Senate and House Judiciary Committees on March 17, 2005.
After 9/11: Stress and Coping Across America 2002

Mark A. Schuster, Bradley D. Stein, Lisa H. Jaycox, Rebecca L. Collins, Grant N. Marshall, Marc N. Elliott, Annie Jie Zhou, David E. Kanouse, Janina L. Morrison, Sandra H. Berry
Testimony submitted to the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions field hearing on "9/11 and NYC Children" June 10, 2002.
The Pace of CalWORKs Implementation (February 2000) 2000

Jacob Alex Klerman
Testimony presented at a hearing of the California State Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health and Human Services (Assembly member Gilbert Cedillo, Chair) meeting in Sacramento, California, on February 15, 2000.
The Pace of CalWORKs Implementation (December 1999) 1999

Jacob Alex Klerman
Testimony presented at a hearing of the California State Senate Committee on Health and Human Services meeting in Montebello, California, on December 8, 1999.

All Testimony

Briefs

The American Working Conditions Survey Finds That Nearly Half of Retirees Would Return to Work 2019

According to the American Working Conditions Survey, more older workers report having meaningful work compared with their prime-age counterparts, and nearly half of retirees would return to work under the right conditions.
Countering Sectarianism in the Middle East: Lessons from Lebanon, Bahrain, Syria, and Iraq 2019

This research draws lessons on how to promote resilience to sectarianism and cross-sectarian cooperation through an exploration of four Middle Eastern case studies: Lebanon, Bahrain, Syria, and Iraq.
The Ecology of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome 2019

Newborns exposed to opioids before birth can experience withdrawal symptoms known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). From 2009 to 2015, the average NAS rate per 1,000 hospital births across eight states rose from about six to more than 25.
Evolving the Practice of Evaluating Research-Portfolios 2019

Researchers appraised metrics that medical research entities use to evaluate research portfolios. The work can help organizations select, develop, and revise metrics for their portfolios. This brief summarizes the findings and recommendations.
Federal Block Grants to States for Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Homelessness: Potential Improvements to Funding Formulas 2019

RAND researchers analyzed the formulas for distributing funds to states under three block grants for services related to mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness (unchanged since 1992) to determine whether they should be modified.

More Research on Health, Health Care, and Aging

Health Issues

Recent Findings

Briefings

Alerts & Newsletters

Testimony

Illicit Supply of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids: Transitioning Markets and Evolving Challenges 2019

Illicit Supply of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids: Transitioning Markets and Evolving Challenges: Addendum 2019

Implications of U.S.-China Collaborations on Global Health Issues 2019

Implications of U.S.-China Collaborations on Global Health Issues: Addendum 2019

Reducing Disagreements on Gun Policy Through Scientific Research and an Improved Data Infrastructure 2019

Reducing Suicide Among U.S. Veterans: Implications from RAND Research 2019

Scientific Evidence on the Effects of State Gun Laws 2019

Evolution of the U.S. Overdose Crisis: Understanding China's Role in the Production and Supply of Synthetic Opioids 2018

Should Canada "Start Low and Go Slow" When It Comes to Cannabis Potency? 2018

Suicide Prevention in California: Three Goals for Developing a Statewide Plan 2018

Considering Cannabis Legalization in Canada: Prices, Taxes, and International Implications 2017

Creating Better Support for our Nation's Hidden Heroes: A Research Blueprint for Military and Veteran Caregivers 2017

Funding Considerations in the Fight Against the Opioid Epidemic: What the Science Tells Us 2017

Regulating Medical Marijuana Markets: Insights from Scientific Evaluations of State Experiments 2017

Dementia Long-Term Care Policy Options for Family Caregivers and Medicare 2016

Evidence on Home Visiting and Suggestions for Implementing Evidence-Based Home Visiting Through MIECHV: Addendum 2014

Evidence on Home Visiting and Suggestions for Implementing Evidence-Based Home Visiting Through MIECHV 2014

Expanding the Use of Telehealth: Promise and Potential Pitfalls 2014

Expanding the Use of Telehealth: Promise and Potential Pitfalls: Addendum 2014

The Monetary Costs of Dementia in the United States 2014

Efforts to Reform Physician Payment: Tying Payment to Performance 2013

Expanding Medicaid Is the Best Financial Option for States 2013

The Monetary Costs of Dementia in the United States: Addendum 2013

The Monetary Costs of Dementia in the United States 2013

Physician Payment Reform: Designing a Performance-based Incentive Program 2013

Physician Payment Reform: Designing a Performance-based Incentive Program: Addendum 2013

Suicide Prevention in California: Strategies from Science 2013

What Should We Learn From Boston? 2013

Allowances for Spinal Hardware under California’s Official Medical Fee Schedule: Issues and Options 2012

Securing the Future of the Social Security Disability Insurance Program 2012

Insights from Early RAND Research on Deployment: Effects on U.S. Service Members and Their Families 2011

Suicide Prevention Efforts and Behavioral Health Treatment in the Veterans Health Administration 2011

Availability of Drinking Water in California Public Schools 2008

Nanomaterials in the Workplace: A Summary of the RAND Policy and Planning Workshop on Occupational Safety and Health 2007

Developing Process Indicators to Improve Educational Governance: Lessons for Education from Health Care 2005

School-Based Drug Prevention and Other Strategies For Reducing Drug Use 2005

After 9/11: Stress and Coping Across America 2002

The Pace of CalWORKs Implementation (February 2000) 2000

The Pace of CalWORKs Implementation (December 1999) 1999

Briefs

The American Working Conditions Survey Finds That Nearly Half of Retirees Would Return to Work 2019

Countering Sectarianism in the Middle East: Lessons from Lebanon, Bahrain, Syria, and Iraq 2019

The Ecology of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome 2019

Evolving the Practice of Evaluating Research-Portfolios 2019

Federal Block Grants to States for Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Homelessness: Potential Improvements to Funding Formulas 2019