Expansion Archives - DR News - News, Retirement, Finance

Health Care Advocates Push for Rhode Island Medicare Savings Program Expansion to Help Low-Income Seniors

Providence, Rhode Island – As May unfolds, it marks the celebration of Older Americans Month, a time of importance for the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island. This nonprofit organization focuses on advocating for policies and programs that enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals in the state. One critical aspect of aging well is ensuring economic security, which involves having enough financial resources to cover essential needs such as healthcare. Data from the …

Privacy Rule Expansion Impact on Abortion Seekers: What You Need to Know

Washington, D.C. – The Biden administration’s recent expansion of health privacy rules has significant implications for individuals seeking abortions in the United States. This move is aimed at enhancing confidentiality and protection for those accessing reproductive healthcare services. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act’s (HIPAA) final rule has mandated changes for group health plans to better support the privacy of reproductive health care. These adjustments are designed to uphold the privacy rights of individuals …

Expansion of CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Approved by House

HARTFORD, CT – The House in Connecticut recently voted to expand the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave law, sending the legislation to the governor for final approval. The bill, Senate Bill 222, includes various provisions aimed at improving the current program, such as requiring employers to report to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Authority and giving the authority more power to address fraudulent filings. One key addition to the bill is the …

Mississippi Surprises with Medicaid Expansion Milestone after Years of Resistance

Jackson, Mississippi – After years of being one of the holdout states on Medicaid expansion, Mississippi lawmakers recently made a groundbreaking decision. The state, known for its conservative leanings, reached an agreement to extend Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, providing health coverage to an additional 200,000 low-income residents. This move comes as a significant shift in Mississippi’s healthcare landscape, where dire health outcomes and struggling rural hospitals have been a pressing issue. The agreement …

Medicaid Expansion Compromise Voted Down by House Democrats in Mississippi Capital

Jackson, Mississippi – House Democrats in Mississippi have long advocated for the expansion of Medicaid to provide health care to the state’s working poor. However, a recent agreement between House and Senate Republicans regarding Medicaid expansion has divided Democrats within the House. While House Democrats have historically supported Medicaid expansion, many are now opposing the current bill proposed by Republicans. The disagreement stems from a work requirement that Senate Republicans insisted be included in the …

Health Information Exchange QHN Summit Highlights Future Affiliation Expansion

Grand Junction, Colorado – Quality Health Network (QHN) recently hosted its annual Healthier Together Summit, celebrating 20 years of service to western Colorado and outlining its future goals. The summit focused on the importance of sharing health data and coordinating patient care among various healthcare systems and providers in the region. Established through a collaborative effort involving St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, Community Hospital, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Hilltop Community Resources, and the Mesa County Physicians …

Kansas Health Institute Study Explores Expansion of Holistic Care Coordination Across Health Programs in Kansas

Topeka, Kansas – Holistic care coordination (HCC) has emerged as a patient-centered approach that takes into account the physical, emotional, and social aspects of both the patient and their family in the creation of a comprehensive health care plan. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Program recently collaborated with the Kansas Health Institute on a study in 2023 to investigate the potential expansion of the HCC …

SSI Rental Subsidy Expansion Set to Impact Thousands of Americans in 2024

Washington, D.C. – Thousands of United States citizens receive Social Security checks each month, providing a vital source of income for many individuals. However, in addition to these payments, the Administration also disburses Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to specific groups of citizens. This supplementary payment plays a crucial role in improving the standard of living for many beneficiaries. To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), individuals must meet two specific criteria set forth by the …

Medicaid Expansion Legislation Met with Opposition from Georgia Governor, Despite Pathways Program Launch

Atlanta, Georgia – Governor Brian Kemp recently signed a high-profile healthcare measure into law, sparking renewed discussions on the potential for full Medicaid expansion in the upcoming year. Despite his firm stance against full expansion, Governor Kemp emphasized the need for more time to implement and enroll individuals in the Pathways to Coverage program. Launched last July, Pathways to Coverage aimed to partially expand coverage for low-income Georgians who meet certain activity requirements. However, the …

Lane Expansion on Washington Bridge Eases Morning Commute Chaos

Providence, Rhode Island – Commuters faced a welcomed change on Wednesday as the Rhode Island Department of Transportation opened a third eastbound lane on the Washington Bridge amid a challenging morning commute. The addition of the extra lane aimed to alleviate traffic congestion and long wait times experienced by drivers during peak hours. Initially, the third lane was not ready for the start of the day, causing delays and frustration among commuters. However, as the …