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Alabama Governor Ivey Signs Bill Allowing ALFA to Offer Health Plans
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill into law that enables the Alabama Farmers Federation to provide health plans (Alfa Health Plans) to its members. This legislation has garnered support from farmers and small business owners seeking affordable healthcare options. However, it faces opposition from healthcare groups concerned about potentially inadequate coverage and an unlevel playing field due to fewer regulations.
AL.com
Yellowhammer News
Alabama Reflector
Alabama Political Reporter
MU Health Care and Anthem Contract Dispute: Impacting Patients and Healthcare Access
MU Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield failed to reach an agreement on contract renewal, impacting over 90,000 patients. Patients are facing challenges such as increased costs, difficulty accessing specialists, and confusion regarding coverage. Negotiations remain stalled, with both sides presenting differing perspectives on the reasons for the impasse and the impact on healthcare affordability and accessibility.
The Maneater
Columbia Missourian
KRCG
KOMU 8
Ohio and California Address Medical Debt: Legislation Aims to Ease Burden
This article discusses initiatives aimed at alleviating the financial burden of medical debt. In Ohio, lawmakers are considering capping interest rates, preventing credit reporting, and banning wage garnishment. Nationally, the HOPE Act proposes savings accounts for healthcare expenses. The article highlights the widespread impact of medical debt and the potential benefits of these legislative efforts.
Fresno Bee
10TV
The Columbus Dispatch
Spectrum News
Social Security Glitches: Beneficiaries Face Payment Disruptions and Erroneous 'Death' Status
The Social Security Administration is facing increased reports of glitches, including beneficiaries being wrongly declared dead and experiencing payment disruptions. These issues are impacting access to funds, insurance, and other essential services. Advocates and employees attribute these problems to understaffing, technological issues, and policy changes aimed at modernizing the agency and preventing fraud, leading to concerns about the program's effectiveness.
Miami Herald
Johnson Shelves Aggressive Medicaid Cuts Amid Republican Divisions, Faces Moderate Pushback
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing internal GOP pressure over proposed Medicaid cuts. Moderate Republicans are resisting aggressive measures, threatening to derail the broader budget plan. Approximately 64 Republicans represent districts with high Medicaid enrollment, potentially complicating efforts to pass significant cuts. This situation underscores the challenges in balancing fiscal goals with political realities and healthcare needs.
Politico
CNN
The New York Times
Politico
Sandra B. Greene: 45 Years of Research and Impact at UNC-Chapel Hill
Sandra B. Greene is celebrated for her 45-year contribution to research at UNC-Chapel Hill. She has significantly impacted health policy and management through teaching, research, and data initiatives like the Carolina Cost and Quality Initiative. She also chairs the N.C. State Health Coordinating Council, influencing health facility expansion and access in North Carolina.
UNC Research
Epstein Becker Green Adds Health Care Regulatory Attorneys Baldwin and Thallner
Epstein Becker Green (EBG) has announced the addition of Gary L. Baldwin and Karl A. Thallner, Jr. to its Health Care and Life Sciences practice. These additions aim to bolster the firm's expertise in health plan regulatory compliance, strategic planning, and health care regulatory matters. The move reflects EBG's commitment to providing comprehensive legal counsel in the evolving health care landscape.
Epstein Becker Green
Epstein Becker Green Expands Health Care Practice with Baldwin and Thallner
Epstein Becker Green (EBG) has announced the addition of Gary L. Baldwin and Karl A. Thallner, Jr. to their Health Care and Life Sciences practice. Baldwin brings expertise in health plan regulatory compliance, while Thallner offers extensive experience in health care regulatory, reimbursement, and compliance matters, strengthening EBG's capabilities in the healthcare sector.
Epstein Becker Green
Sen. Kennedy Introduces Same Care, Lower Cost Act to Cut Medicare Overcharges
The Same Care, Lower Cost Act aims to rectify a provision in Medicare's billing structure that allows hospitals to charge higher rates for outpatient care, even when it can be safely provided in non-hospital settings. The bill seeks to implement site-neutral payments, potentially saving Medicare and taxpayers billions of dollars over the next decade.
AMAC
Oak Street Health: Integrated Primary Care Model Improves Outcomes for Older Adults
Oak Street Health's primary care model for older adults focuses on personalized care, strong patient-provider relationships, and integrated physical, behavioral, and social support. This model, enabled by Medicare Advantage, emphasizes preventative care and is supported by a multidisciplinary team. It results in reduced hospital admissions and improved patient well-being through early behavioral health support and proactive risk assessment.
CVS Health
AMFM Healthcare Partners with Aetna to Expand Mental Health Care Access in CA
AMFM Healthcare announced it is now an in-network provider with Aetna across California. This partnership aims to remove financial barriers for individuals and families seeking mental health treatment. The agreement covers AMFM Healthcare's continuum of care, including residential and outpatient programs for adults and teens, providing Aetna members with streamlined admissions and reduced costs.
PR Newswire
MU Health Care and Anthem Impasse: Students and Patients Face Healthcare Disruptions
The contract dispute between MU Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has left over 90,000 patients, including MU students, facing healthcare disruptions. Students are experiencing barriers to accessing care, while other patients are struggling with continuity of care and potential cost increases. Negotiations remain stalled, with both sides blaming the other for the impasse.
Missouri Independent
KRCG
The Maneater
KOMU 8
Ohio Addresses Mental Healthcare Access: Insurance Navigation and Crisis Support
The article summarizes Ohio's efforts to improve mental healthcare access through insurance assistance and crisis support. It highlights the Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office (MHIA) and its resources for navigating insurance benefits, as well as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The article also mentions local events aimed at promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma.
Miami Valley Today
WCPO 9 Cincinnati
Record-Courier
9&10 News
Ohio MHIA Encourages Residents to Understand Mental Health Insurance Benefits
The Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office (MHIA) is encouraging Ohio residents to understand and utilize their mental health insurance benefits as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. MHIA provides free assistance with navigating insurance, understanding coverage, and appealing claim denials. The article outlines key aspects of mental health insurance and how MHIA can help individuals and families.
Miami Valley Today
GOP Faces Internal Discord Over Proposed Medicaid Cuts Amid Budget Negotiations
Republican lawmakers are facing internal disagreements over proposed cuts to Medicaid as they work to finalize the budget. The cuts are intended to fulfill earlier budget agreements, but concerns are rising among moderate Republicans about the political ramifications of reducing Medicaid coverage, potentially endangering healthcare for millions and impacting vulnerable populations and political seats.
Politico
CNN
Los Angeles Times
The New York Times
Michigan Faces Healthcare Crisis: Medicaid Cuts Threaten Coverage for 700,000 Residents
Michigan is bracing for potentially devastating federal Medicaid cuts that could impact 700,000 residents. The cuts would reduce hospital and nursing home payments, potentially closing rural facilities. The state may need to reduce eligibility or benefits. The proposed cuts would impact healthcare access, employment, and the state's economic stability, especially in rural areas.
Thumbwind
Detroit Free Press
ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4
Lansing State Journal
Hickson v. St. David's: Disability Rights Case Threatens Healthcare Access
The Hickson v. St. David's case questions whether a hospital discriminated against a disabled man, Michael Hickson, by denying him care. His estate sued, alleging disability discrimination. The Fifth Circuit's decision could impact disability rights laws like the ADA and Section 504, potentially setting a precedent for restricting disability discrimination claims in medical settings.
Mother Jones
Augusta Veterans Expo: Benefits, Healthcare, Jobs for Veterans and Families
The Augusta Veterans Expo, hosted by the VA, aims to connect veterans, transitioning service members, and their families with crucial resources. The expo includes a benefits fair, health care fair, hiring fair, and specialized workshops. It offers assistance with claims, career guidance, PACT Act information, resume writing, and networking opportunities with employers.
VA News (.gov)
UNM Center for Health Policy Drives Public Health Improvements Across New Mexico
The UNM Center for Health Policy is actively involved in various public health initiatives across New Mexico, focusing on maternal health, behavioral health, and improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations. The center's work includes evaluating pregnancy care coordination, analyzing residential treatment centers for substance use disorders, and supporting the implementation of Mobile Crisis Teams.
The University of New Mexico
Missouri Court Orders Planned Parenthood to Release Transgender Care Records to AG
A Missouri appeals court has ruled that Planned Parenthood Great Rivers must comply with Attorney General Andrew Bailey's request for documents pertaining to gender-affirming care for minors. The ruling supports the state's consumer protection law and stipulates that HIPAA does not prevent the release of de-identified records. Planned Parenthood is evaluating its next steps in response to the decision.
Missouri Independent
STLPR
Bloomberg Law News
Missouri Independent
