Public News Service

A new online resource helps LGBTQ+ couples navigate advance planning decisions (Felix/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

End-of-life decisions made easier for LGBTQ+ people with new online toolkit

LGBTQ+ Americans are twice as likely to experience discrimination in health care, including as they age, according to a new survey from the Kaiser …

Actions by the Biden administration reduced the number of people with medical debt on their credit reports from 46 million in 2020 to 15 million Americans in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Nationally proposed medical debt policies can aid NYers

New Yorkers could see relief from medical debt if several national proposals move forward. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed a new …

Columbia County and many other rural counties in New York are facing ongoing shortages of mental health professionals. (Adobe Stock)

Wellness Hub to fill continuum-of-care gaps

Columbia County, New York, is developing a new center to help people with mental illness and substance use disorder. The Wellness Hub stems from a …

Weill Cornell Medicine notes that, along with drinking water to remain hydrated in extreme heat, foods such as watermelon, cantaloupe, grapefruit and homemade popsicles can work well, too. (Adobe Stock)

NY medical professional advises best ways to beat the heat

New York doctors are advising people how to stay healthy in the summer heat. Temperatures across the state will reach the high 80s and mid-90s in …

A new report from the nonprofit Inseperable found in 2017, mental health and substance use disorder-related emergency department visits cost the U.S. more than $5.6 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY 988 services rank high, but can be improved

While New York's 988 services rank highly, a new report showed improvements can be made. The report found New York has an 88% response rate for 988 …

Port Richmond on Staten Island has the highest amount of lead/possible lead service line in all of New York City, 60.67%. (Adobe Stock)

Critics: NYC bill takes wrong approach to lead pipe removal

A New York City bill is a catch-22 for removing lead pipes. The so-called "Rotten Apple Bill" makes city property owners remove their home's lead …

M�s all� de las leyes clim�ticas, la decisi�n de la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos en dos casos podr�a anular regulaciones sobre pol�ticas de salud, ya que la mayor�a de las leyes de salud son regulaciones federales. (Adobe Stock)

Corte Suprema decidirá si mantiene la “deferencia Chevron”

Dos casos de la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos podrían cambiar el papel de las agencias federales a la hora de aclarar leyes ambiguas. Los …

Beyond climate laws, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in two cases could overturn regulations on health policy, since most health-care laws are federal regulations. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS to decide whether to uphold ‘Chevron deference’

Two U.S. Supreme Court cases could change federal agencies' roles in clarifying ambiguous laws. The cases, Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and …

The number of young children ages 3 and 4 not in school remained the same before and after the pandemic at 42%, which is lower than the national average of 54%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY kids’ pandemic-era education troubles persist

A new report found New York kids' well-being is improving despite lingering pandemic issues. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book …

Los informes muestran que cerrar Mount Sinai Beth Israel significa enviar personas a Bellevue o al Hospital Tisch de NYU Langone, que tienen departamentos de emergencia de gran volumen con tiempos de espera de hasta tres horas. (Wikimedia Commons)

Hospital Mount Sinai Beth Israel cerrará el 12 de julio

Está previsto que el Hospital Mount Sinai Beth Israel de la ciudad de Nueva York cierre el 12 de julio. Mount Sinai Health Systems cita razones …

Reports show closing Mount Sinai Beth Israel means sending people to Bellevue or NYU Langone's Tisch Hospital, which have high-volume emergency departments, with up to three-hour wait times. (Wikimedia Commons)

Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital slated to close July 12

New York City's Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital is slated to close on July 12. Mount Sinai Health Systems cites financial reasons since the hospital …

Cineasta documenta a los padres mientras utilizan la ayuda médica para morir

Una nueva serie documental analiza la ayuda médica para morir a través de los ojos de personas con enfermedades terminales que abogan por un…

Filmmaker documents parents' last moments as they use medical aid in dying

A new documentary series looks at medical aid in dying through the eyes of terminally ill people advocating for a peaceful passing on their own terms…

Despite certain barriers to care, New York ranks high on Mental Health America's 2023 Access to Care Report. (Adobe Stock)

NY budget requires insurers to pay rates as high as Medicaid

New York's 2025 budget improves access to mental-health services. Budget legislation stipulates commercial insurers have to pay rates similar to …

Una encuesta del Siena College revela que el proyecto de ley neoyorquino de ayuda m�dica para morir cuenta con el apoyo de todas las regiones y partidos. (Adobe Stock)

Proyecto de ley en NY sobre ayuda médica para morir obtiene más apoyo

El proyecto de ley de ayuda médica para morir de Nueva York está ganando más apoyo. La Sociedad Médica del Estado de Nueva York …

A Siena College poll finds New York's medical aid-in-dying bill has support across regions and party lines. (Adobe Stock)

NY medical aid-in-dying bill gains broader support

New York's medical aid-in-dying bill is gaining further support. The Medical Society of the State of New York is supporting the bill. New York's bill …

Expertos afirman que los errores m�s comunes en la planificaci�n de la atenci�n m�dica consisten en redactar una directiva anticipada y no comunic�rsela a nadie, o no agregar una cl�usula adicional al testamento en vida que especifique el tipo de atenci�n que desea recibir. (Adobe Stock)

Neoyorquinos podrán beneficiarse de planificación temprana en sus decisiones médicas

Hoy es el Día Nacional de las Decisiones de Atención Médica, y los neoyorquinos tienen motivos para empezar a planificar con …

Experts said common mistakes people make in health care planning are completing an advanced directive, and not telling anyone or not adding a rider to their living will specifying the kind of care they want. (Adobe Stock)

NYers can benefit from early health care decision planning

Today is National Healthcare Decisions Day, and New Yorkers have reason to start early planning. A new report cites rates of Alzheimer's disease …

Un estudio de KFF encontr� que entre 2004 y 2021, los honorarios de las instalaciones crecieron un 531 %, cuatro veces la tasa de los honorarios profesionales (132 %) por los servicios de gesti�n y evaluaci�n del departamento de emergencias. (Adobe Stock)

Estados Unidos podría aprender de la ley de divulgación de tarifas de instalaciones de NY

Mientras que las agencias federales toman medidas enérgicas contra las "tarifas basura", los expertos creen que pueden aprender un par de cosas …

A KFF study found between 2004 and 2021, facility fees grew 531%, four times the rate of professional fees (132%) for emergency department evaluation and management services. (Adobe Stock)

US could learn from NY’s facility fees disclosure law

As federal agencies crack down on "junk fees." experts feel they can learn a thing or two from New York. The state is one of 13 to pass facility fee …

Research showed between 10% and 30% of county residents in the state of New York had a dual-use special-need plan in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

NY senior advocates see advantages to dual-use special needs plans

Senior and older adult advocates in New York find certain healthcare plans are helping people get the best bang for their buck. Dual-eligible …

States such as Colorado, Minnesota and Washington have improved access to health care for immigrants. The programs are seeing great results in reducing disparities the migrant population faces in accessing health care. (Adobe Stock)

NY Legislature includes ‘coverage for all’ in Senate, House budgets

Both chambers of the New York state Legislature have included coverage for all legislation in their respective budgets. The bills would update the …

As of December, more than 2.5 million Medicaid enrollees renewed their coverage, and more than 1.1 million enrollees were disenrolled. This includes almost 600,000 people who were deemed ineligible and more than 509,000 who were disenrolled for procedural reasons. (Adobe Stock)

Community health center leaders examine primary care crisis

Community health center leaders from New York and across the nation are meeting in Washington this week. They'll be strategizing about how to address …

Since its launch, the EPA's Clean Bus Program has awarded more than $1.8 billion in grants to 652 school districts across the U.S. The money will help replace 5,103 diesel buses. (Adobe Stock)

Grants awarded to buy NY electric school buses

Federal funds have been awarded to New York applicants transitioning to electric school buses. The $69 million grant is part of the Environmental …

A New York Health Foundation report finds 50% of severely low-income New Yorkers, meaning less than $25,000, reported anxiety or depression at twice the rate of households with incomes exceeding $100,000. (Adobe Stock)

NYers' mental health declines despite increase in practitioners

New York bucked a national trend of increasing chronic conditions, but faced other health issues. UnitedHealthcare's America's Health Ranking …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported neonicotinoids could jeopardize more than 200 plants and animals protected by the Endangered Species Act. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates urge Gov. Hochul to ban harmful pesticides in NY

Wildlife advocates are urging New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign what's known as the Birds and Bees Protection Act. The bill bans neonicotinoids…

Tras una devastadora tormenta invernal, los defensores de los derechos de los discapacitados en Texas descubrieron que entre el 75% y el 80% de las personas discapacitadas se hab�an quedado sin electricidad ni agua. Algunos otros desaf�os que enfrentaron fueron los medicamentos en mal estado que requer�an refrigeraci�n y la falta de acceso a asistencia m�dica a domicilio. (Adobe Stock)

Defensores de discapacitados en NY dan consejos sobre clima invernal

A medida que se acerca el invierno, los neoyorquinos con discapacidades se preparan para afrontar una época difícil del año. Uno de …

After a devastating winter storm, Texas disability-rights advocates found between 75% and 80% of disabled people lost power and water. Some other challenges they faced were spoiled medications requiring refrigeration, and lack of access to critical in-home health-care assistance. (Adobe Stock)

NY disability advocates provide winter weather tips

As winter approaches, New Yorkers with disabilities are preparing to tackle a tough time of the year. One of the biggest challenges is getting …

Una encuesta realizada en 2022 por Compassion & Choices revela que el 57% de las y los enfermeros apoyan la ayuda m�dica para morir, profesionalmente, y el 49% dijo que la apoyan personalmente. (Adobe Stock)

Proyecto de Ley de Asistencia Médica para Morir recibe fuerte apoyo en NY

La legislación para permitir la ayuda médica para morir se ha introducido en el estado de Nueva York cada año desde 2015, y sus …

A 2022 Compassion & Choices poll finds 57% of nurses support medical aid in dying, professionally, and 49% said they support it personally. (Adobe Stock)

Medical aid-in-dying bill sees stronger support in NY Legislature

Legislation to allow medical aid in dying bill has been introduced in New York State every year since 2015, and its backers say 2024 could be the …

The Center on Budget Policy and Priorities found New York could see a $73,239,000 reduction in fruit and vegetable benefits for people in the WIC program. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed WIC cuts could prove detrimental to NY families

Congress' proposed cuts to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children will have significant effects on New York …

The New York City Comptroller's Office reported the number of migrants not living in New York City but still in its care has grown from 276 in May to 2,127 in September. (Adobe Stock)

NYC community health centers focus on migrant health

A network of New York City community health centers is in the crossfire of the city's migrant crisis. Ryan Health is a system of primary health …

The Healthcare Association of New York State found people with complex care cost hospitals $169 million in unreimbursed costs. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY can do more for people with complex needs

A recent report found New York State can do more to bolster health care for people with complex needs. The Rockefeller Institute report detailed how …

According to KFF, Community Health Centers served a record number of patients in 2021, representing a 1% increase from just before the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Community Health Centers: Red lights flashing for staying funded

Congress is bracing for a possible government shutdown as progress stalls in approving new federal spending plans before a Sept. 30 deadline…

In 2022, New Yorkers were paying $8,596 for employer-sponsored health coverage. Now, those prices have gotten closer to $9,000. (Adobe Stock)

NY Health Experts Help People Find Health Care Plans

New York health experts are preparing people for the health-care coverage open-enrollment period. Between 2010 and 2021, the number of New Yorkers …

At least 11 major cities across the United States are hosting National Day of Action rallies today to call attention to reforms they say are needed in the nation's immigration detention system. (Susan Vineyard/Adobe Stock)

Immigration Advocates Host National Day of Action Rally

Immigration advocacy groups are calling on New Yorkers to join them in Foley Square at noon today. It's a National Day of Action to call attention to …

An Oliver Wyman report finds half of Gen Z members surveyed are being treated for at least one mental health issue, a rate almost double that of previous generations. (Adobe Stock)

Gen Z NYers Take Different Approach to Healthcare

As 'Gen Z' New Yorkers enter the workforce, their healthcare needs and concerns are varying from previous generations. Along with differences in …

In a hearing about the American Broadband Deployment Act, which could preempt local governments zoning laws regarding cell towers, no local or state governments were asked to testify. Instead, members of broadband organizations testified. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. House Bill Would Minimize Local Input on Cell-Tower Location

A bill in Congress could almost eliminate local input on cell-tower location, in New York and across the U.S. The American Broadband Deployment Act …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds declines in HIV/AIDS aren't even across all racial and ethnic groups. The lowest decline was 27% between 2017 and 2021 among young Black and African American gay and bisexual males ages 13 to 24. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Some New Yorkers Disproportionately Affected by HIV

As New York honors National HIV Testing Day, experts are hoping to end the disproportionate effects of HIV and AIDS. A report from the Human …

Despite some studies illuminating the health impacts of non-ionizing radiation from cellphones and other wireless devices, the Food and Drug Administration maintains there is no association between exposure to radio frequency from cellphone use and health problems. (Ernst Moeksis/Wikimedia Commons)

Advocates Petition FDA to Abide by Law on Non-Ionizing Radiation

A New York nonprofit group is petitioning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to abide by a law passed in 1968, which addresses how the FDA is …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises people to wear masks to help avoid wildfire smoke, and when driving, to close all vents and windows and run the air conditioner in 'recirculate' mode to reduce outside air intake. (Adobe Stock)

Canadian Wildfires Affect Health of Humans, Wildlife

As smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets New York and much of the East Coast, it's causing a wide range of health effects - and not just for people…

A 2019 report from the New York State Comptroller's Office found almost 85% of green jobs were in increased demand. A 2022 report found there are 35,700 workers in New Jersey's green economy. (Adobe Stock)

NY/NJ Offshore Wind Farms Grow Job Opportunities

Offshore wind in New York and New Jersey is becoming a large contributor to job growth. New York's offshore wind investments are slated to create …

An Annie E. Casey Foundation report found the number of kids entering foster care because of behavior issues has declined from 49% in 2006 to 30% in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY Foster Kids Need Better Support

Foster children in New York and across the nation need better transition support once they age out, according to a new report from the Annie E…

Mental Health America's 2023 State of Mental Health found 214,000 New York children, about 16.03%, experienced at least one major depressive episode, an increase of 35,000 or 2.74% from 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: More Support Needed to Improve Youth Mental Health

Parents in New York and across the U.S. want to see schools improve kid's mental health, a recent survey found. The National PTA Survey showed 72% …

A report from the Healthcare Association of New York State finds almost half of New York's hospitals reduced or eliminated services to mitigate staffing challenges, all while making sure critical services remain available. (Adobe Stock)

NY Budget Creates Wins, Losses for Hospitals in State

New York State's new 2024 budget provides some needed relief to hospitals. Along with a Medicaid rate increase, the budget includes $1.4 billion …

New York State's 2024 budget provides more than $1 billion in funding for residential units and intensive services to people with serious mental illnesses at the highest risk of homelessness. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Mental Health Budget Boosts Continuum of Care

Provisions in New York state's 2024 budget will have resounding impacts across the state. Along with $60 million to improve youth mental health …

In 2022, for the first time, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended doctors screen children age 8 and older for anxiety. (Adobe Stock)

NY Works to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis

With the Covid-19 public health emergency over, New York and the U.S. are dealing with a youth mental health crisis. According to Mental Health …

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation's 2022 Women's Health Survey, 21% of women, including 38% of uninsured women, said it is difficult to find a doctor who can explain things so they are easy to understand. (Adobe Stock)

NY Works to Improve Women’s Health

This week is National Women's Health Week, and New York is taking steps to improve women's health. The New York state Legislature has passed …

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