Health Care
How one state has risen as ‘a leader’ in medical debt protections
Many states are cracking down on medical debt collection and payment practices, but New York’s efforts stand out, one expert says.
Hawaii is the first state where Medicaid covers comprehensive palliative care. That's good news for older adults.
Now six other states are considering increasing coverage for palliative care, which generally serves patients with pain or other symptoms from serious illnesses.
A prescription for housing?
Maryland is investing $5.4 million to help expand a promising pilot program that connects housing and health care statewide.
Guaranteed income programs might improve people's lives, but not their health
A new study examining cash transfer programs' effects on participants' health found limited impact.
The public sector is (finally) filling more vacancies, report finds
State and local governments have found success with a number of hiring strategies, easing long standing workforce shortages that started with the pandemic.
Montana looks to become latest state to boost nonprofit hospital oversight
Montana’s proposal to increase oversight is part of a national trend by states to ensure nonprofit hospitals act as charitable organizations as they claim tax-exempt status.
Older adults want to age in place. Current policies don’t make it easy.
More opportunities for social events and accessible health services are a top priority for older adults, a new survey finds.
The fittest cities in America: See how yours compares
City officials have an important role to play in ensuring the well-being of their communities. Here’s how they can address resident health through policy and resources.
New $255M federal grant will help state, local public health agencies modernize data systems
The program looks to improve data sharing infrastructure and processes for public health agencies to better detect and manage health threats.
Rescue from above: How drones may narrow emergency response times
While research has often found that drones arrive faster than first responders, there’s little conclusive evidence that drones improve health outcomes.
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Georgia’s Medicaid work requirements have brought high costs, low enrollment
The state’s experience so far stands in stark contrast with that of North Carolina, where half a million people have signed up for Medicaid coverage in the first seven months of its expansion.
A California medical group treats only homeless patients—and makes money doing it
Since its launch three years ago, Healthcare in Action has cared for about 6,700 homeless patients and has placed about 300 people into permanent or temporary housing.
Gen Z thinks government should solve societal issues. Is it ready to hire them?
The workforce’s youngest generation has a desire to address major problems. This creates a unique opportunity for state and local governments.
As public health becomes political, state surgeons general play delicate role
Louisiana just became the sixth state with its own surgeon general.
Federal regulator: Pharmacy middlemen appear to be raising prices, hurting patients
The Federal Trade Commission released an interim report saying that sprawling health care conglomerates are driving out competition in the pharmacy sector and appear to be increasing prices in the process.
A GUIDE to caring for older adults with dementia
The federal program looks to support older adults aging in place and their caregivers, which could help reduce state Medicare and Medicaid expenditures.
The sweeping impact of the Supreme Court’s Chevron reversal
Repealing the 40-year-old doctrine throws laws on climate, conservation, health, technology and more into doubt.
A $15M grant program looks to improve maternal mental, behavioral health
Pregnant people are at a heightened risk of developing mental health or substance use disorders, which is why the federal government is investing in a program to improve health care for new parents amid a maternal health crisis.
The road AHEAD: Maryland to be a test-subject state in new federal hospital model
The federal AHEAD model aims to help participating states implement what’s called a total cost of care model, in which states take responsibility and accountability for health outcomes of their patients.
How states are cracking down on rising prescription drug costs
From creating drug price review boards to bulk purchasing medications, state officials are keen on keeping health care costs down amid skyrocketing prescription costs.
