Credit rater predicts Obamacare insurers will have a relatively stable 2018; Buffalo, New York, has the country's first opioid court aimed at saving lives; ambulance rides are down in cities with Uber.
Credit rater A.M. Best is predicting that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance markets will have a relatively stable 2018 as insurers have adapted to the uncertainty presented by the Trump administration. The Hill reported that insurers have benefited from high rate increases, limited competition, and a stabilizing population in the exchanges. In addition, the analysts at the credit rater believe Congress will not focus on trying once again to repeal the ACA.
Unlike typical drug courts, the nation’s first opioid court, in Buffalo, New York, recognizes that failure is part of recovery. Some of the criminal defendants entering the courtroom in Buffalo are taking part in an experimental program, The New York Times reported. The goal of the program is simple: save lives as the opioid epidemic continues. The court’s judge is a former drug user who requires participants of the program to appear daily. The program started in May 2016, and to date only 1 of the 92 participants has died from an overdose.
More and more patients are using ride-sharing apps, such as Uber, to get a ride to the emergency department (ED) instead of paying the high cost of an ambulance ride. According to Forbes, per capita ambulance usage volume is down at least 7% in the cities that have Uber. However, while Uber may be a cheaper alternative, it should only be used for low-risk patients who are stable, but too sick to drive themselves. Using a ride-sharing app to get to the ED can benefit more than the insurance company and the patient—when low-risk patients use Uber, it can reduce the overall wait times for an ambulance so patients in a true emergency situation can get lifesaving care quicker.
Standard Criteria for Loss of Ambulation Needed in DMD
April 19th 2024A recent study suggests the differences between ambulation definitions for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can impact the identification of ambulant vs nonambulant individuals, and standard criteria across settings are needed.
Read More
Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
Listen
Early Involvement Critical in Treating Immunotherapy-Induced Overlap Syndrome
April 19th 2024A series of case studies reveals the importance of early diagnosis and involvement of special teams of clinicians when dealing with potential cases of overlap syndrome, which encompasses myocarditis, myasthenia gravis, and immune checkpoint inhibitor–related myositis.
Read More
Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
Listen