Health Issues / Public News Service

States on April 1 began ending Medicaid coverage for people found ineligible or whose redetermination can't be completed for procedural reasons, a process known as Medicaid unwinding. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Ohio sees coverage losses as Medicaid unwinding continues

More Ohioans are at risk for losing their health coverage through Medicaid because of procedural errors, according to a recent analysis. Federal rule …

KFF research suggests that Medicaid expansion has helped reduce disparities in coverage by income, age, marital status, disability status and, in some studies, race/ethnicity. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

North Carolinians gain greater access to health care with Medicaid expansion

Starting Friday, North Carolinians will have greater access to health care as the long-awaited Medicaid expansion is launched. Medicaid will …

Nationally only 26% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when survival rates are much higher. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, November 27, 2023

Report: MD needs to do more for high-risk lung cancer population

The American Lung Association has released its annual State of Lung Cancer report - showing Maryland needs to do more for high-risk patients…

After her doctor retired in 2020, Albuquerque's Anne Withrow faced a long waiting list for transgender health care. (photo courtesy of Cecilia Nowell)<br />

Monday, November 27, 2023

NM's gender-affirming policy generates waitlists for health care

By Cecilia Nowell for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Serv…

Of more than 150,000 people evaluated, Idaho found only about 30,000 were eligible for Medicaid after extended protections went away this year. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 27, 2023

Children lost health coverage in ID's Medicaid unwinding process

Idaho acted quickly to remove people from Medicaid after special COVID-19 protections expired in April, including health coverage for tens of …

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

Monday, November 27, 2023

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 University of Connecticut is offering a program to prepare students to become licensed professional counselors. It combines a 600-hour internship where students combine clinical work with what they learn in class, as part of a move to develop a better pipeline into the behavioral health system. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT needs to bolster child behavioral health system

A report has found Connecticut could do more to strengthen its youth behavioral health system. Connecticut and the U.S. are facing an increasing …

The latest KFF survey reveals one in six respondents say they can't afford to take time off work to get a COVID-19 vaccine, including more than one-third of Hispanic adults and one-in-five Black adults. (Lakshmiprasad/Adobe Stock)

COVID vaccine resources for older minorities in Tennessee

A new survey found 59% of Black and Hispanic adults reported they have already received the new COVID-19 vaccine or intend to do so. According to …

Eleven nonprofit organizations have been selected to receive funding from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky's Funding for Recovery Equity and Expansion program. (Ally Wells)

KY substance abuse groups focus on recovery equity and expansion

A new statewide program in Kentucky is providing addiction advocacy groups and recovery centers with flexible funding to focus on resource equity and …

In 2018, cigarette smoking cost Nevada $796 million in lost productivity from smoking-related illnesses and health conditions, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

NV community leaders call for stop on proposed menthol cigarette ban

Some community leaders in Nevada want the Biden administration to reconsider a proposed ban on menthol cigarettes. The Food and Drug Administration …

In 2022, about 29% of the people in Florida's prison system were age 50 or older, which is one reason their advocates are urging state lawmakers to ensure prison housing units are climate-controlled. (geralt/Pixabay)

Heat crisis in FL prisons: Lawmakers urged to add air conditioning

Florida lawmakers are being asked to use the winter months to swiftly install air conditioning in prison housing units before the return of scorching …

The Data Resource Library was collaboratively developed by grantees and community partners to bridge the gap between data literacy, accessibility and capacity, creating an engaging and direct resource.(Adobe Stock)

NC groups create database to increase access for health equity

Organizations in North Carolina are stepping up to make data more accessible for those in need. Kate B. Reynolds, together with the North Carolina …

Between 2019 and 2021, North Dakota saw a decline in high-schoolers using e-cigarette-type products, mirroring national trends. (AdobeStock)

National tobacco use data show mixed results for teens

Cigarettes may not appeal to America's youth like they did in the 1960s, but a significant number still experiment with e-cigarettes. The Centers …

A detail from an illustration created by Hopelab depicts climate anxiety among youth. (Julie Tinker/Hopelab)

Research links climate-change impacts to depression in high schoolers

New research found natural disasters and pollution linked to climate change are contributing factors to high rates of anxiety and depression among you…

Seven in ten people in the United States will need long term care. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

'Sandwich generation' lauds WA's long-term care savings program

Washingtonians with kids and older parents in need of care are praising the peace of mind the state's new retirement savings program is providing them…

Midwives and other health staff are looking to unionize at 10 Legacy Health locations. (honcharr/Adobe Stock)

OR women's health clinic staff seek to unionize to improve conditions

Workers at Legacy's women's health clinics have announced their intention to unionize. About 60 nurse midwives and other health staff at clinics in …

Asian children are the only group to have continued seeing improved uninsured rates from 2019 pre-pandemic to the present: From 4.4% in 2019, down to 4.2% in 2021 and 3.8% in 2022. (Tom Wang/Adobe Stock)

PA sees drop in health insurance coverage for children as national rates rise

A new analysis of 2022 census data has uncovered a troubling trend: The uninsured rate for Pennsylvania children worsened during the final full year o…

State health officials say it can take an ambulance 30 minutes to respond in South Dakota's more remote areas. That's why the health department is working with the American Heart Association to spur more communitywide readiness plans for when a resident experiences a heart attack. (Adobe Stock)

It takes a village, or a community, to respond to heart scares

Today is National Rural Health Day - and in South Dakota, some smaller communities are trying to become more "cardiac ready." Across rural America…

Around 61 million people, nearly 20% of the U.S. population, lives in rural America and subsequently faces more health challenges than those living in more populated areas. (Robert Peak/Adobe stock)

American Heart Association of MO observes National Rural Health Day

On National Rural Health Day, the American Heart Association in Missouri spotlights efforts for healthier rural living. According to a Pew Research …

Federal data suggest at least seven in 10 people have lost their Medicaid coverage for procedural reasons, such as missed deadlines, paperwork lost in the mail, or slow processing by state agencies. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Medicaid’s 'unwinding' takes heavy toll on Texas children

More American children had health insurance during the pandemic than ever before. But now, as states are required to re-enroll those eligible for …

Panelists discuss the 33rd edition of Kentucky Youth Advocates County Data Book, which looks at how Kentucky kids are faring in terms of economic security, education, health, family and community. (Adobe Stock)

Report: KY faces workforce crisis in sectors that support children

New county-level data show Kentucky is facing a severe shortage of workers in sectors supporting children, including teachers, counselors, child care …

Exposure to videos and photos on social media can lead to eating disorders among teen and adolescent girls, as well as serious mental health issues, including suicidal behavior, according to researchers at Havard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (Adobe Stock)

Federal legislation aims to protect kids from social media harms

Pressure is mounting on lawmakers to hold social media companies accountable for algorithms and other practices linked to eating disorders, …

Community-based organizations applied for grants from $5,000 to $20,000, to support and actively promote the Healthy School Meals for All program locally. (Adobe Stock)

Free Healthy School Meals for Public School Students Underway

After Colorado voters approved a measure to provide free meals to all public school students regardless of their ability to pay last year, 41 …

According to Pacific Environment, wind-assist propulsion can reduce greenhouse gas emissions per cargo ship by 30% over the course of a voyage. (Cargill and BAR Technologies)

Southern CA ports lead the way for 'green' shipping

The importance of making ports and shipping more environmentally friendly was the topic of a town hall meeting on Tuesday. Three California members …

According to AARP, there are 6.5 million veteran and military caregivers across the U.S., providing the equivalent of $14 billion in unpaid care per year. (Adobe Stock)

AARP co-hosts webinar on caregiving for veterans

AARP is partnering with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation for a webinar today on the financial impacts of caregiving for veterans. New data show family …

Family farm advocacy groups have been fighting the proliferation of manure digesters and related factory farm gas infrastructure. They say independent family farms raising livestock sustainably have been shut out of conservation programs due to lack of funding. (Nina Lawrenson/peopleimages.com)

MO family farmers: Inflation Reduction Act funds not for factory farms

Advocates for Missouri's small family farms have taken to the U.S. Capitol today, to talk with lawmakers about what could be done in the next Farm …

Hispanic and multiracial high schoolers were most likely to report poor mental health, while Black and Hispanic students were most likely to report symptoms of depression, according to The Sycamore Institute report. (Highwaystarz/Adobe Stock)

Report uncovers trends in TN youth mental health crisis

More young people in Tennessee are experiencing poor mental health and symptoms of depression, and suicide attempts have been trending upward…

A 2021 AARP report estimates the hourly economic value of unpaid family caregiving in Indiana at $14.61, and those hours add up to $10.8 million per year. (Adobe Stock)

IN family caregivers need more support

About 790,000 Hoosiers are family caregivers for relatives in declining physical or mental health. But Indiana ranks fairly low in support for family …

According to the American Lung Association, around 238,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed this year, and more than 127,000 people will die from lung cancer. (Peakstock/Adobe Stock)

Report: NE lung cancer screening of high-risk individuals among lowest in U.S.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and a newly released report shows far too few Nebraskans at high risk for lung cancer are getting the …

Research shows Black women have a maternal mortality rate nearly three times that of white women in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Report finds Kentucky maternal deaths extend into postpartum period

Maternal mortality has increased in Kentucky, and the latest data from the United Health Foundation show more moms - especially those of color - are …

Sen. Holly Thompson, R-Scott City, sponsored legislation to decriminalize fentanyl testing strips, which used to be considered drug paraphernalia. (luchschenF/Adobe Stock)

Newly legal fentanyl testing strips help fight overdose deaths in MO

The rise in deaths involving synthetic opioids or fentanyl have overdose-prevention advocates looking for solutions across the nation. Gov. Mike …

Abortions have increased in states bordering Idaho since the beginning of the year. (Fitz/Adobe Stock)

Federal judge puts ID abortion travel ban on hold

A federal judge has temporarily blocked an anti-abortion law in Idaho restricting people's ability to travel to other states for the procedure…

While enrollment in SilverEnhanced Savings has hit the funding cap, undocumented Coloradans who are not eligible for other programs can still get health insurance through Omni-Salud. (Adobe Stock)

Strong demand among undocumented Coloradans for health coverage

Colorado's Omni-Salud program - which allows low-income undocumented Coloradans and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients to enroll in aff…

Caregiving duties differ based on the medical conditions of the person being cared for. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Family caregivers reminded to take care of themselves

November is National Family Caregivers Month and a few tips can help people with these duties. Executive Director of the Oregon organization Aging …

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers resources for caregivers of veterans enrolled in VA health care through the VA Caregiver Support Program. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky Veterans' caregivers financially overburdened

Veterans Day happens once a year, but all year round, Kentuckians provide care for the veterans they love. According to data from AARP, they spend on …

Among all tobacco products, youths perceived e-cigarettes to be the least harmful, according to the Texas Youth Tobacco Survey. yta/AdobeStock)

CDC: mixed success on tobacco reduction among school kids

Cigarettes may not appeal to America's youth like they did in the 1960s, but a significant number still experiment with e-cigarettes. The Centers …

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 …

In a 2022 poll by the Pew Research Center, 30% of adults said marijuana should be legal for medical use and 59% supported it being legalized for medical and recreational use. Ten percent did not support legalization for either medical or recreational use. (bukhta79/Adobe Stock)

Advocates hope voters make Nebraska 48th state to approve medical cannabis

When it comes to getting the legalization of medical cannabis in front of Nebraska voters, supporters hope the third time's the charm. Nebraska…

Harmful chemicals including lead, particulate matter, pesticides, and phthalates added to plastics, impair brain development in children. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio children are being harmed by toxic chemicals

Children of color and from low-income families in Ohio and across the nation are not only exposed to more dangerous toxic chemicals including lead…

Forensic nurses are trained to provide consultation testimony for civil criminal proceedings, courtroom testimony, and to intersect with the legal system in ways other health care professionals typically do not. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Forensic nurses offer trauma-informed care

Sexual assault survivors in rural Ohio may have to travel hours to get a forensic exam. During National Forensic Nurses Week, Ohio advocates say …

Last year, Kansas voters overwhelmingly rejected efforts to eliminate the right to abortion under the state Constitution. Missouri's total abortion ban went into effect in June 2022. (trac1/Adobe Stock)

KS ruling broadens access to abortion, reproductive healthcare

A Kansas state court judge has blocked several abortion-related restrictions, in a decision which is bound to have an effect in neighboring Missouri…

Farmers and ranchers steward about 44% of the United States' landmass. (ZoranZeremski/Adobe Stock)

Delayed Farm Bill could affect millions of Americans

The Farm Bill, typically renegotiated every five years will likely be extended to six years this time around, as Congress seems months away from …

In 2021, clinicians at Community Health Centers in Colorado treated nearly 950,000 patients in 2.7 million visits for primary care as well as dental, vision, mental health and substance abuse concerns. (Adobe Stock)

Troubles in Congress could impact health-care access for Coloradans

Colorado's community health centers that serve all patients regardless of their ability to pay are already one month into their new fiscal year…

Report: Toxic chemicals stealing kids’ future potential

Children of color and from low-income families in Colorado and across the nation are not only exposed to more dangerous toxic chemicals - including le…

A United Health Foundation report found the number of women's health care providers declined by 7% nationally between 2019 and 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Report ranks Maryland 11th in health of women, children

A new report covering women's and children's health shows Maryland is doing well overall, but some concerning trends have emerged. The 2023 Health …

More than two dozen over-the-counter eyedrop products could be contaminated and should not be used by consumers, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Eye experts urge caution after FDA recalls dozens of eyedrop brands

As the Food and Drug Administration warned more than two dozen over-the-counter eyedrops could potentially cause infection, partial vision loss and …

Stroke is ranked as the second-leading cause of death worldwide, with an annual mortality rate of about 5.5 million people. (elenabsl/Adobe Stock)

Many good reasons to learn how to spot a stroke

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, so learning how to spot one can be vital in saving your own life, or someone else's…

The United Health Foundation's 2023 Health of Women and Children report cited some strengths in Pennsylvania, including a low rate of foster-care placement instability, a high childhood immunization rate and low percentage of uninsured women ages 19-44. (Adobe Stock)

Report shows uptick in maternal mortality for PA women of color

Pennsylvania ranks 23rd among states for the overall health of women and children in a new America's Health Rankings report by the United Health Found…

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Health

Ohio sees coverage losses as Medicaid unwinding continues

North Carolinians gain greater access to health care with Medicaid expansion

Report: MD needs to do more for high-risk lung cancer population

NM's gender-affirming policy generates waitlists for health care

Children lost health coverage in ID's Medicaid unwinding process

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

Report: CT needs to bolster child behavioral health system

COVID vaccine resources for older minorities in Tennessee

KY substance abuse groups focus on recovery equity and expansion

NV community leaders call for stop on proposed menthol cigarette ban

Heat crisis in FL prisons: Lawmakers urged to add air conditioning

NC groups create database to increase access for health equity

National tobacco use data show mixed results for teens

Research links climate-change impacts to depression in high schoolers

'Sandwich generation' lauds WA's long-term care savings program

OR women's health clinic staff seek to unionize to improve conditions

PA sees drop in health insurance coverage for children as national rates rise

It takes a village, or a community, to respond to heart scares

American Heart Association of MO observes National Rural Health Day

Medicaid’s 'unwinding' takes heavy toll on Texas children

Report: KY faces workforce crisis in sectors that support children

Federal legislation aims to protect kids from social media harms

Free Healthy School Meals for Public School Students Underway

Southern CA ports lead the way for 'green' shipping

AARP co-hosts webinar on caregiving for veterans

MO family farmers: Inflation Reduction Act funds not for factory farms

Report uncovers trends in TN youth mental health crisis

IN family caregivers need more support

Report: NE lung cancer screening of high-risk individuals among lowest in U.S.

Report finds Kentucky maternal deaths extend into postpartum period

Newly legal fentanyl testing strips help fight overdose deaths in MO

Federal judge puts ID abortion travel ban on hold

Strong demand among undocumented Coloradans for health coverage

Family caregivers reminded to take care of themselves

Kentucky Veterans' caregivers financially overburdened

CDC: mixed success on tobacco reduction among school kids

Proposed WIC cuts could prove detrimental to NY families

Advocates hope voters make Nebraska 48th state to approve medical cannabis

Ohio children are being harmed by toxic chemicals

Forensic nurses offer trauma-informed care

KS ruling broadens access to abortion, reproductive healthcare

Delayed Farm Bill could affect millions of Americans

Troubles in Congress could impact health-care access for Coloradans

Report: Toxic chemicals stealing kids’ future potential

Report ranks Maryland 11th in health of women, children

Eye experts urge caution after FDA recalls dozens of eyedrop brands

Many good reasons to learn how to spot a stroke

Report shows uptick in maternal mortality for PA women of color