Mientras los legisladores estatales continúan las negociaciones sobre la expansión de Medicaid, los defensores dicen que décadas de financiación para iniciativas comunitarias han ayudado a crear soluciones y han reducido la brecha en la atención médica.

El vicepresidente de programas de Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, Adam Linker, dice que se ha trabajado para desarrollar la capacidad de toma de decisiones de los grupos comunitarios durante la implementación de diferentes iniciativas y programas estatales destinados a mejorar la salud de los residentes.

"El aspecto más importante para mejorar la salud y reducir las disparidades raciales y éticas es realmente asegurarse de que estas comunidades rurales tengan voz en los programas y políticas que más las afectan", comentó además Linker.

Tres millones de habitantes de Carolina del Norteviven en un condado rural que carece de una infraestructura de atención médica de calidad y tienen más probabilidades de morir de enfermedades cardíacas, diabetes, enfermedades pulmonares y suicidio.

Carolina del Norte es uno de los pocos estados que han optado por no expandir Medicaid desde que la Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precioofreció a los estados la oportunidad de flexibilizar los requisitos de elegibilidad hace más de una década.

Brandy Bynum Dawson, del North Carolina Healthcare Association (Asociación de Atención Médica de Carolina del Norte), señala que además de la falta de médicos para la atención primaria, también es difícil encontrar especialistas en las regiones rurales. Ella cree que la expansión de Medicaid podría ayudar a reducir la escasez.

"Eso abarca toda la gama, desde médicos hasta psiquiatras y otros proveedores de salud mental, dentistas, pediatras y ginecólogos", señaló Dawson.

La presidenta del Trust, Laura Gerald, explica que su organización ha estado trabajando para brindar incentivos a médicos, enfermeras y otros profesionales de la salud para que practiquen y vivan en áreas rurales. Ella señala a la Escuela de Medicina Osteopática Jerry M. Wallace en la Universidad de Campbell en las afueras de Raleigh, que usó una subvención de dos millones de dólares para ayudar a aumentar la inscripción de estudiantes rurales.

"Hemos apoyado el programa de médicos comunitarios, a través de la sociedad médica a lo largo de los años, y también he apoyado instituciones como la Universidad de Campbell que están capacitando a proveedores para trabajar en estas áreas", insistió Gerald.

En una reunión de ayuntamiento virtual realizada por la Asociación de Atención Médica de Carolina del Norte, los líderes de hospitales rurales analizan que se enfrentan a un aumento en las visitas a urgencias por problemas de salud conductual.

A new study showed costs are rising for caring for Hoosiers with Alzheimer's disease and forms of dementia.

The report indicated nearly 122,000 residents age 65 and older are living with the health conditions. The 2025 Alzheimer's disease Facts and Figures report showed Indiana has 219,000 unpaid family caregivers, who cost the state almost $7 billion annually.

Natalie Sutton, executive director of the Greater Indiana chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, said knowing the difference between the two disorders is important for an accurate diagnosis.

"Dementia is an umbrella term that represents a set of symptoms that are known with cognitive impairment, memory loss, and ultimately an impact on activities of daily living," Sutton explained. "Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disease that is the most significant cause of someone developing dementia, or those symptoms that we know."

The timing of a diagnosis can influence the quality of life for someone with Alzheimer's disease and dementia symptoms, which can be present in the brain for years prior to detection. Alzheimer's and dementia are unique and personal illnesses, Sutton pointed out, so the frequency and type of care provided should be tailored to a patient's needs.

Forgetting what day it is or misplacing routinely used items are often mistaken for general age-related changes instead of Alzheimer's or dementia. The report found almost four of five Americans would want to know if they have the disease before symptoms surface due to concerns over how a diagnosis could affect daily activities. Sutton noted science is addressing the concerns.

"We can detect and diagnose Alzheimer's with biomarkers like imaging and cerebral spinal fluid, and there are blood tests now that are being used in research settings that are proven to be highly effective," Sutton outlined.

In 2024, Indiana passed a bill requiring insurance companies to cover biomarker testing. Sutton added two Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments to slow the progression of Alzheimer's are covered by most insurance companies and Medicare.

A 24/7 resource helpline is available at 800-272-3900.


get more stories like this via email

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services is reporting a second confirmed measles case in March, in a child who was traveling through the state while seeking treatment.

The first reported case this year occurred in an adult Kentucky resident in February. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus spread through the air that can cause serious health complications.

Cody Kemmer, communications coordinator with Kentucky Voices for Health, said declining vaccination rates in the state have allowed measles to start spreading again.

"Kentucky already had one of the lowest MMR coverages in the nation, and that brings us to our lowest coverage in seven years," said Kemmer. "In fact, we've got lower statewide coverage than some of those states that are currently experiencing outbreaks, so we are vulnerable."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said as of May 1, 935 confirmed measles cases have been reported nationwide. Nearly all involve people who were unvaccinated or unsure about their vaccination status.

According to state data, vaccination rates among Kentucky kindergartners have dropped to levels lower than before the pandemic.

Kemmer said the disruption caused by COVID-19 set many families off track.

"With the pandemic, many families fell behind on their routine checkups and wellness visits," said Kemmer. "That delay created a lag in staying current with the CDC schedule for recommended vaccines."

He added that the end of the school year is a good time to start making doctor's appointments, especially for new families navigating immunization schedules.

"We want to encourage families to be proactive and make an immunization plan for their family," said Kemmer. "Staying on track with those recommended immunizations, like the MMR vaccine, lets families enjoy their summer."

A recent poll by the health policy research organization KFF found nearly a quarter of participants believed false claims about measles vaccinations and have not had their child vaccinated.



get more stories like this via email

Groups advocating for better access to health care have introduced what they call "Care4All California," a package of 13 bills designed to shore up the health system as the state braces for the possibility of huge cuts in federal funding for Medi-Cal.

The bills aim to get more people insured, connect them to care and make health care more affordable.

Chris Noble, organizing director for the nonprofit Health Access California, explained the group's priorities.

"It's crucial that our State Legislature shows their commitment to advancing a universal, affordable and equitable health care system," Noble emphasized. "This year's package of legislative and budget priorities requires no interventions by the federal government and should be adopted to safeguard our health care system in case there are federal attacks."

One bill would make sure people with Medicare supplemental insurance cannot be penalized for having preexisting conditions. Another would require hospitals to prescreen all patients to see if they are eligible for discounted or charity care programs. A third bill would allow undocumented people access to health plans on the CoveredCA exchange. Opponents cited cost concerns.

Noble emphasized the bills build on the progress California has made to lower its uninsured rate.

"These priorities will continue to cover gaps within our health care system, ensure that when people are denied or delayed care, there's certain accountability, or ensure that folks are getting access to accurate and up-to-date provider directories," Noble outlined.

Advocates have also made a number of budget requests, including one to give kids who qualify for Medi-Cal continuous coverage from birth to age 5, rather than making their parents reapply every year.