Wednesday is National Healthcare Decisions Day, a time to educate health care providers and consumers about advanced care planning.

People are encouraged to make their wishes for their end-of-life care to be known. For example, discuss whether they want all possible medical interventions at the end or prefer palliative care.

Brandi Alexander, chief engagement officer for the national end-of-life advocacy group Compassion & Choices, said it is important to make decisions before you are unable.

"The more we have tools and the more we normalize the conversation we can start changing some of the negative stigma that comes with talking about death," Alexander explained. "Because once you're talking about it and you know what options are available to you, you can then really advocate for yourself within the health care system and that's how we really create change."

People should consider completing an advance directive, and giving someone they trust health care power of attorney so they can make medical decisions on their behalf if necessary. Find out more from the End-of-Life Decisions Guide & Toolkit on the Compassion & Choices website.

Surveys show 37% of Black adults in California said they have felt judgment or discrimination from health providers, which may lead to a hesitancy to discuss end-of-life care.

Zeena Regis, director of priority populations for Compassion & Choices, said advance care planning is less common in communities of color.

"Seventy-six percent of Latinos and 68% of Black adults in California have not documented their wishes for medical treatment at the end of life," Regis reported.

On a positive note, data show hospitals in California are more likely to offer palliative care than those in the rest of the country.

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.


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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.



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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.