Health, Policy & Regulation Archives

The Adderall Shortage Is Getting Worse in the Ways That Matter Most

May 8, 2026May 8, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The ongoing Adderall shortage, now in its fourth year, continues to worsen despite a DEA production quota increase. Structural issues in supply chains, pharmaceutical exits from the generic market, and a high demand fueled by telehealth prescriptions contribute to the crisis. Patients resort to unsafe alternatives, highlighting the inadequacy of regulatory responses.

Domestic Policy / Government / Health & Medical / Health Wellness / Health, Policy & Regulation / Justice & Governance / Mental Health / Public Health / Public Safety

Locked Up Instead of Helped: How America Is Failing Kids in Mental Health Crisis

February 14, 2026February 14, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

An NPR investigation reveals a troubling trend where mentally ill children end up in juvenile detention due to a lack of available psychiatric treatment options. This crisis stems from decades of reduced psychiatric capacity and insufficient community care. Lawmakers must address this moral failure by expanding treatment options and rebuilding local support systems for vulnerable youth.

Health & Medical / Health, Policy & Regulation / Mental Health

Kaiser’s $30 Million Settlement: A Mental Health Failure Wrapped in Bureaucracy

February 13, 2026February 13, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Kaiser Permanente will pay $30 million to settle claims by the U.S. Department of Labor for inadequate mental health care coverage under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The settlement highlights systemic barriers to access and enforcement failures, emphasizing the need for rigorous compliance and accountability in mental health care.

Government / Health & Medical / Health, Policy & Regulation / Laws / Mental Health / Public Health

Adderall Shortage Persists Into 2026 — Modest DEA Quota Increase Offers Limited Relief

January 27, 2026January 26, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - 1 Comment

The ongoing Adderall shortage in the U.S. has persisted since late 2022, causing inconsistent access for patients. Although the DEA increased production limits for stimulants, manufacturing delays and supply chain issues complicate availability. Patients are urged to plan refills early while advocates continue to push for systemic changes to address this crisis.

Government / Health & Medical / Health Wellness / Health, Policy & Regulation / National Affairs / National Policy / Politics / Public Health

Congress Strikes Rare Health Care Deal Targeting Drug Middlemen

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Congress has reached a rare bipartisan agreement targeting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to improve transparency and accountability in drug pricing. The legislation aims to limit practices that inflate costs, protect independent pharmacies, and strengthen regulatory oversight, marking a significant health policy advancement without imposing direct price controls.

Government / Government Watch / Health & Medical / Health Wellness / Health, Policy & Regulation / Mental Health / Public Health

The Adderall Shortage Isn’t an Accident—It’s a Policy Failure

December 22, 2025December 22, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - 1 Comment

The ongoing Adderall shortage, affecting Americans with ADHD since late 2022, results from regulatory failures and mismatched supply and demand. Rising ADHD diagnoses, increased telehealth access, and reduced stigma highlighted the need for flexible production quotas. Patients face significant disruptions, impacting their performance and well-being, while effective governance remains elusive.