Health Issues / Public News Service

In 2026, it is estimated Medicare Part D enrollees will likely save $1.5 billion on out-of-pocket costs due to negotiated drug prices. (C Daniels/Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 25, 2024

Medicare open enrollment can bring cost savings for Tennesseans

For millions of Tennesseans age 65 and older, Medicare can be a vital resource and it is the time of year to give their coverage a closer look…

Health-care workers have put a strike on the table at two Providence facilities. (Oregon Nurses Association)

Friday, October 25, 2024

OR Providence doctors, nurses authorize strike

Health-care workers in Oregon have authorized a potential strike that includes nurses at Providence Women's Clinic and doctors at Providence Saint Vin…

Breast cancer in the United States occurs primarily in middle-aged and older women, but age is not the only risk factor. (TarasGrebinets/Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 25, 2024

NM women get new recommendations for breast cancer screenings

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and health professionals are urging New Mexico women and those in other states to get screened at younger …

The top reasons for Medicaid or exchange-eligible Rhode Islanders to be uninsured are concerns about the quality of care, the choice of providers and worries providers might treat the person differently. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 25, 2024

Experts have advice for RI residents during Medicare open enrollment period

Rhode Island experts said people must carefully consider what is important to them in an insurance plan during Medicare's open enrollment period…

For 2024, Medicare changed its prescription drug programs to capped at $2000 in annual out-of-pocket expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 25, 2024

Nebraska seniors urged to review options during Medicare open enrollment

Experts are encouraging Nebraska seniors and others to review their health care needs during open enrollment season. Medicare's open enrollment is …

Experts say Medicare Advantage plans often provide types of coverage original Medicare does not but they advise seniors to check individual plans to see what they offer. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 25, 2024

Kansans can review care options during Medicare open enrollment

Advocates are encouraging Kansas seniors to review their health care needs during Medicare's open enrollment period, which is underway now through …

In 2022, nearly 15,000 children in Ohio were in out-of-home care, with about 8,500 in foster homes, 4,000 with relatives or family friends, and others in residential or alternative placements. More than 3,400 children are waiting to be adopted. (Social media is shaping the 2024 presidential race like never before, especially among young voters in Ohio./Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 25, 2024

A growing crisis in mental health care for Ohio children

The growing crisis in Ohio's child welfare system is drawing attention, particularly for its impact on children's mental health. Across the state…

Medicare Advantage plans will see significant changes to both funding and drug-cost liability for 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Medicare Advantage changes hit Alabama amid open enrollment; experts offer tips

Medicare Advantage, a private version of Medicare plans offering additional benefits such as dental and vision coverage, is becoming more uncertain …

Abbey Hall, the daughter of a former Delaware County Sheriff, said the experience of having to cross state lines for medical care made her feel like a fugitive. (Adobe stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Indiana’s restrictive abortion laws force mother to seek care in Illinois

A Carmel, Ind., mother of two is sharing a very personal story hoping it affects Hoosiers ahead of Election Day. Abbey Hall was forced to travel to …

More than a quarter of working-age households in 2022 couldn't afford basic needs such as health care. But this is worse than in 2019, since wages didn't keep up with rising costs. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

CT residents must carefully consider health-care plan needs

With Medicare's open-enrollment ongoing, Connecticut experts are advising people on what to look for in an insurance plan. The state's rising cost of …

Medicare Advantage Plans provide coverage in more areas than original Medicare plans. (may1985/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Medicare enrollees can evaluate, change plans in SC

It is the time of year when people eligible for Medicare can shop around and make sure they are signed up for the health coverage that makes the most …

Starting in January, the Biden administration's cap on prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D will be limited to $2,000 per year. (Margaret/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Medicare changes could save Hawaiians big bucks during open enrollment

For Hawaiians on Medicare, opening the mail is the first step in successfully navigating 2025 health-care coverage. It's open enrollment season…

As of 2022 there were more than 800,000 Marylanders enrolled in Medicare. (Jim Vallee / Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Marylanders encouraged to weigh options during open enrollment season

With open enrollment season getting underway, advocates are reminding Marylanders to consider their options before the window closes. Medicare's …

Many people who rely on 'Part D' coverage for essential medications like those used to treat diabetes, heart failure and cancer will likely pay less out-of-pocket for these drugs, starting in 2025. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Medicare open enrollment in MS requires some homework

Medicare open enrollment is underway and older adults in Mississippi are being encouraged to weigh their coverage options. More than 625,000 people …

As of 2022, there were more than 79,000 Alaskans on Medicare. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Advocates: Alaskans should review health plans during open enrollment

With open enrollment season underway, advocates are reminding Alaskans to consider their options before the window closes. Medicare's open enrollment …

California's Every Woman Counts program offers free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services to income-eligible patients. (Happy Vector071/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Breast cancer rates rising in women younger than 40, Asian women

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - and experts say in recent years, they've seen a rise in diagnoses among women younger than age 40…

As pandemic-related Medicaid coverage extensions came to an end, 2.4 million individuals who were previously covered under Medicaid or CHIP switched to Marketplace plans during the 2024 open-enrollment period. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

DE residents revamp health care plans during open enrollment

Open enrollment is here - a brief window for Delaware residents and people all around the country nationwide to revamp their health-care plans…

Since 2010, eight rural hospitals have closed in North Carolina. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

New federal program offers hope to revive Martin County Hospital

By Taylor Sisk for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News …

The open-enrollment period is here. Experts say now is the time to review and update your health insurance plans. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Arkansans choose insurance benefits during open-enrollment period

The open enrollment period for Medicare and other health care plans is underway and Arkansans are making their selections for insurance coverage for t…

About 21% of Wyoming's population, or nearly 124,000 people, were enrolled in Medicare coverage in June 2023, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)

WY health insurance experts: Everyone should check their plans

The enrollment period for Medicare is already underway and open enrollment on the Health Insurance Marketplace is about to begin. Experts in Wyoming …

According to KFF, 17.7% of South Dakota adults report having medical debt at some time between 2019 and 2021, which is more than twice the U.S. average rate of 8.6%. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Health insurance plans offer preventive services to South Dakotans

Navigators in South Dakota are on call to help people seeking health insurance during open enrollment. Open enrollment is the time for people to sign …

Most healthcare plans cover preventive care, such as wellness visits and screenings, at no extra cost. (Talia Mdlungu/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Open enrollment is here; Michiganders refresh health care plans

Open enrollment time is here - a brief window for Michiganders and folks nationwide to update their health insurance choices. Healthcare experts …

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive mental health care, including counseling, medication and peer support to help veterans thrive, serving more than 1.7 million veterans in the past year. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

PA group offers free, comprehensive resources to veterans

A Pennsylvania nonprofit is working to provide essential services to veterans and active-duty military personnel. Pennsylvania is home to more than 7…

At 16 months of age, Lexi Badenhop's team of physicians say she is hitting milestones she might have missed without fetal surgery for spina bifida. (Nationwide Children's Hospital)

Transforming lives through spina bifida treatment in Columbus

October marks Spina Bifida Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a birth defect that affects one in 2,000 births in the United …

According to federal data, Minnesota is home to 1,141,334 Medicare beneficiaries. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Insurance experts: don't shrug off Medicare enrollment needs

Medicare open enrollment is underway and it is the time of year when other public health coverage programs and employer-sponsored plans carry out thei…

The survey shows that because of Texas abortion laws many OB/GYN physicians and resident physicians are considering or have made changes to their practices that reduce the availability of OB/GYN care in the state. (Laura/Adobe Stock)

Abortion ban prompts concern among TX doctors

A recent survey of OB/GYNs in the state shows that doctors are concerned and confused by Texas' abortion ban. 76% of doctors surveyed say they feel …

According to federal data, Wisconsin is home to 1,263,841 Medicare enrollees. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Enrolling in Medicare or other plans? Experts say read the fine print

Medicare open enrollment is underway and it is also the time of year when other public health coverage programs and employer-sponsored plans carry out…

Due to provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, 1.9 million Medicare enrollees with the highest drug costs will save an average of $2,500 per year, according to the White House. (Adobe Stock)

Utahns are encouraged to explore health care options during open enrollment

The annual Medicare open enrollment period is now underway and older Utahns are being encouraged to consider their choices. Advisers said a good …

Depending on the county, there are between five and 41 Medicare Advantage plans to choose from in Oklahoma. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Medicare open enrollment underway with key changes

It is the time of year when people on Medicare can make changes to their health plans. For more than more than 700,000 Oklahomans, it means doing …

Statistics from the ALICE in Arkansas initiative show a significant increase in the number of ALICE households following COVID. (Zadvornov/Adobe Stock)

AR business owners collaborate to help ALICE residents

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

One of the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services members stated all five Behavioral Health Managed Care Organizations fell short of their requested rate increase by more than 25%, meaning this provider is not being compensated for the true cost of care. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Report: PA Behavioral health rate hikes essential for vital provider services

Behavioral-health providers in Pennsylvania face financial instability because of inconsistent rate increases, affecting staff recruitment and …

Polling by the mental health advocacy group Inseparable showed 81% of voters support expanding mental health services in K-12 schools by hiring and training. (Adobe Stock)

Mental health takes center stage in NC superintendent race

As mental health challenges continue to rise among young people, advocates across North Carolina are pushing for increased access to mental health …

According to federal data, North Dakota is home to 146,837 total Medicare beneficiaries. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Through Medicare enrollment, older ND residents can improve their daily lives

Medicare open enrollment is underway, and North Dakota seniors are encouraged to weigh the various plans. Advisors said it is important to consider …

More than 20 standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are available in all New Hampshire counties for the state's more than 300,000 Medicare recipients. (Adobe Stock)

Medicare open enrollment in NH runs through Dec. 7

Medicare open enrollment is underway and New Hampshire seniors are encouraged to weigh the various plans. Advisors said it is important to consider …

Alex Watters works at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. He says he's had to turn down promotions and other opportunities to keep his income below the threshold that allows him to receive benefits as a quadriplegic. (Alex Watters/IDDC)

Iowans with disabilities see employment gains but challenges remain

State data show more Iowans with disabilities are employed. And advocates with the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council point out that - during …

Starting in January 2025, Medicare Part D enrollee out-of-pocket costs will be limited to $2,000 per year. (Adobe Stock)

Medicare open enrollment brings Mainers new savings on prescription drugs

Medicare open enrollment is underway and Maine seniors are encouraged to weigh the various plans. Advisors say it's important to consider both …

Under WA Cares, workers pay 58 cents for every $100 they make to fund long term care benefits for themselves. (wladimir1804/Adobe Stock)

WA voters to decide future of long-term care program

Ballots are showing up in people's mailboxes and one of the measures Washingtonians will decide on is the fate of a long-term care program in the stat…

The Americans with Disabilities Act, adopted in 1990, helped usher in a wave of acceptance and new standards. But officials in states like North Dakota say there's still some outdated language used in public institutions that serve these populations. (Adobe Stock)

In ND, disability language is on the ballot this fall

Ballot questions, like one dealing with property taxes, are getting attention this election season in North Dakota. But another gets to the heart of …

Open enrollment for Medicare runs now through Dec. 7. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobestock)

Medicare open enrollment now through Dec. 7

Nearly 6.5 million Californians on Medicare can change their plan during the open enrollment period, which just got underway and runs through Dec. 7…

Moloka'i residents have some of the lowest power consumption rates in the Hawaiian Archipelago and the state's highest energy costs, including the nation's most expensive fee per watt. Many of the 7,300 residents often forgo reliable power, opting to live off the grid as self-sufficient homesteaders.(Adobe Stock)

A solar transformation for Moloka'i

By Naoki Nitta for Grist.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Hawaii News Service reporting for the Grist-Solutions Journalism Network-Public News S…

Early voting in Texas runs from Oct. 21 through Nov. 1. (DOERS/Adobe Stock)

Early voting kicks off in TX

Early voting kicks off in Texas today, and when voters cast their ballots, they'll vote for more than just the president. They'll also pick members …

A 2021 study found that social isolation and loneliness may increase cardiovascular disease risk by 29% in post-menopausal women. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

MO doctor discusses link between menopause, heart health

Research shows menopause can impact heart health, and the American Heart Association in Missouri is urging women to stay informed and take preventive …

Medicare payment rates have fallen by 29% over the last two decades, when adjusting for the costs of running a practice, according to the American Medical Association. (Adobe Stock)

Medicare payment cuts leave New England private practices in critical condition

Ongoing cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates are leaving New England private practices in critical condition. Doctors said the outdated payment …

Eligibility for Medicare typically starts at age 65. (STOATPHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Oregonians have chance to evaluate, change their Medicare plans

It is the time of year when people eligible for Medicare can shop around and make sure they are signed up for the health coverage that makes the most …

There are multiple coverage options available with Medicare. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Idahoans: Picking the best Medicare plan

It is the time of year when people can shop around and make sure they are signed up for the health coverage that makes the most sense for them…

More than 160,000 Vermont residents received Medicare in 2024, and many will benefit from a new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs starting January 1, 2025. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Open enrollment brings changes to VT Medicare Advantage market

Vermont seniors are encouraged to weigh their health plan options during the Medicare open enrollment period, which runs through December 7. Many …

According to KFF data, in 2024, Illinois had almost 2.4 million total Medicare beneficiaries. (Adobe Stock)

Medicare plan for IL residents has changes

Open enrollment for Medicare ends on Dec 7. The federal health insurance program is for anyone aged 65 or older. Some people younger than 65 with …

Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, said the state's protective order registry had more than 1 million protective orders for workplace or domestic violence in 2023. (Adobe stock)

New report: Indiana courts face mental health crisis

Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, has released the 2023-24 annual report for the state's courts. The report shows Indiana's …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - October 25, 2024

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Health

Medicare open enrollment can bring cost savings for Tennesseans

OR Providence doctors, nurses authorize strike

NM women get new recommendations for breast cancer screenings

Experts have advice for RI residents during Medicare open enrollment period

Nebraska seniors urged to review options during Medicare open enrollment

Kansans can review care options during Medicare open enrollment

A growing crisis in mental health care for Ohio children

Medicare Advantage changes hit Alabama amid open enrollment; experts offer tips

Indiana’s restrictive abortion laws force mother to seek care in Illinois

CT residents must carefully consider health-care plan needs

Medicare enrollees can evaluate, change plans in SC

Medicare changes could save Hawaiians big bucks during open enrollment

Marylanders encouraged to weigh options during open enrollment season

Medicare open enrollment in MS requires some homework

Advocates: Alaskans should review health plans during open enrollment

Breast cancer rates rising in women younger than 40, Asian women

DE residents revamp health care plans during open enrollment

New federal program offers hope to revive Martin County Hospital

Arkansans choose insurance benefits during open-enrollment period

WY health insurance experts: Everyone should check their plans

Health insurance plans offer preventive services to South Dakotans

Open enrollment is here; Michiganders refresh health care plans

PA group offers free, comprehensive resources to veterans

Transforming lives through spina bifida treatment in Columbus

Insurance experts: don't shrug off Medicare enrollment needs

Abortion ban prompts concern among TX doctors

Enrolling in Medicare or other plans? Experts say read the fine print

Utahns are encouraged to explore health care options during open enrollment

Medicare open enrollment underway with key changes

AR business owners collaborate to help ALICE residents

Report: PA Behavioral health rate hikes essential for vital provider services

Mental health takes center stage in NC superintendent race

Through Medicare enrollment, older ND residents can improve their daily lives

Medicare open enrollment in NH runs through Dec. 7

Iowans with disabilities see employment gains but challenges remain

Medicare open enrollment brings Mainers new savings on prescription drugs

WA voters to decide future of long-term care program

In ND, disability language is on the ballot this fall

Medicare open enrollment now through Dec. 7

A solar transformation for Moloka'i

Early voting kicks off in TX

MO doctor discusses link between menopause, heart health

Medicare payment cuts leave New England private practices in critical condition

Oregonians have chance to evaluate, change their Medicare plans

Tips for Idahoans: Picking the best Medicare plan

Open enrollment brings changes to VT Medicare Advantage market

Medicare plan for IL residents has changes

New report: Indiana courts face mental health crisis