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Medicaid Managed-Care Contracts Awarded to Five Health Plans in Florida

Tallahassee, FL – The state Agency for Health Care Administration has made a significant announcement regarding the Medicaid managed-care program, revealing plans to award contracts to five health plans. These contracts are projected to involve tens of billions of dollars over the coming years, impacting approximately 3.45 million individuals who receive healthcare through the managed-care system as of February. Among the five chosen health plans are Florida Community Care, LLC; Humana Medical Plan, Inc.; Simply …

Healthcare Bill to Address Monopolization and Auditor Transparency Advances in House Public Health Committee

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – The House Public Health Committee in Indiana has been very productive, advancing four bills related to healthcare, dentistry, mental health services, and the Indiana Department of Health. The largest bill, however, was not voted on as the committee’s chair, Rep. Brad Barrett, decided to hold off in order to allow for committee amendments before the next meeting. One of the bills discussed during the committee’s session borrowed much of its content from …

Maternal Health Equity Legislation to Address Disparities in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Legislation is in the works that could lead Michigan to join 41 other states in licensing and reimbursing birth centers for their services. The focus of these bills is on addressing issues such as maternal and infant mortality, as well as improving access to medical care in light of increasing disparities in maternal health. With plans to open a Black-led birth center later this year, BirthDetroit, a Detroit organization, is at the …

Abortion Rights Battle in Kansas: Governor Kelly Vetoes Bills Restricting Health Care and Implementing Invasive Surveys

TOPEKA, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas wielded her veto power on Friday to reject bills aimed at restricting gender-identity health care for transgender youth and introducing penalties for coercing someone to have an abortion. These decisions underscore the ongoing debate in the state over personal freedoms and government intervention in healthcare and reproductive rights. One of the bills vetoed by Governor Kelly, Senate Bill 233, sought to prohibit gender-affirming care for transgender minors …

Mortality Rates Rising: Rural Health Disparities Widen According to Recent Report

Phoenix, Arizona – A recent report from the Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service has highlighted concerning trends in mortality rates among rural Americans compared to their urban counterparts. The study, which analyzed CDC death data from 1999 through 2001 and 2017 through 2019, found that individuals aged 25 to 54 living in rural areas were experiencing significantly higher rates of natural-cause mortality, particularly from chronic diseases and cancer. The gap between rural and urban …

Seniors Returning for Checkups Thanks to RSV Shots, Bringing Good News for Health Care

Senior citizens in Chicago, Illinois, are experiencing a positive trend in healthcare. The introduction of RSV shots has resulted in an increase in seniors attending their checkups, marking a significant improvement in their health care habits. The introduction of the RSV shot has been a game-changer for senior citizens’ healthcare in Chicago. The shot has effectively driven seniors back to their doctors’ offices, encouraging them to prioritize their health and well-being. This positive development has …

Health Policy Commission Faces Complex Evaluation of Steward Health Care’s Sale to Optum

Boston, Massachusetts – Members of the Massachusetts Policy Commission board are facing a daunting task as they delve into evaluating the proposed sale of Steward Health Care’s physician network to UnitedHealth Group’s Optum. The potential sale has raised concerns about the impact on patients and the viability of small community hospitals, prompting Commissioner Barbara Blakeney to describe the situation as “mind-bogglingly complex and potentially harmful.” Stewardship Health, the physician network in question, is set to …

Rulemaking Rush: Biden’s Impact on Health Care Regulations

Washington, DC – President Joe Biden faces a challenging period as his administration navigates the complex terrain of health care rulemaking. With the country still grappling with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the decisions made by the Biden administration will have a significant impact on the future of healthcare in the United States. One key area of focus for Biden is in implementing policies that address healthcare affordability and accessibility. This includes efforts to expand access …

Health care bill legalizing subscription-based care passes Alaska Legislature, awaits governor’s signature

Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska Legislature recently passed a bill that could revolutionize healthcare in the state. The bill allows for subscription-based health care, a concept that resembles a gym membership but for primary care services. This approach, known as direct health agreements, offers patients access to healthcare services without involving insurance companies. Conservative groups, including the Alaska Policy Forum, have long advocated for this move, arguing that it could help reduce healthcare costs in …

Trump’s Health Record: A Look Back at His Second Presidency

Des Moines, Iowa – Former President Donald Trump is reigniting his promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act as he hits the presidential campaign trail. Despite his previous failure to present his replacement plan, he continues to advocate for a change in healthcare policy, even as the Obama-era health law gains popularity and widespread use. Trump’s administration achieved policy changes that remain relevant today, including efforts to bring more transparency to healthcare prices. …