Kentucky’s Medical Marijuana Ban Gets Challenged
A lawsuit is challenging Kentucky’s criminal ban against medical marijuana. The lawsuit claims that medical marijuana is a viable alternative to ease health problems, including opioid addiction, and that the ban violates privacy protections. With Kentucky struggling with the country’s third-highest death rate from opioid overdoses, medical marijuana could provide a solution and reduce hospital admissions. More than half the country (29 states and the District of Columbia) allows medical use of marijuana.
Nevada on Cusp of Offering Medicaid for All
If Nevada’s Republican governor does not act by Friday, a bill that passed the state legislature allowing everyone to buy into Medicaid would become law. According to NPR, if the bill becomes law, it will be the first of its kind. The bill allows anyone to buy into Medicaid, which state lawmakers expect will result in cheaper health insurance options for Nevadans. The bill’s sponsor estimates that 300,000 Nevadans may enroll if Medicaid expansion is rolled back under a Republican healthcare reform bill at the federal level.
VA Is Facing a Surprise Budget Gap
A program that allows veterans to access private-sector care is running out of money sooner than expected. According to the AP, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has requested that it be allowed to fill the gap by shifting money from other programs. The VA secretary attributed the shortfall to increased demand from veterans—initially the VA thought the funding for the program would last through the end of 2017. To slow spending for the program, the VA told medical centers to limit the number of veterans sent to private doctors.
Examining Low-Value Cancer Care Trends Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 25th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the April 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on the rates of low-value cancer care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Empowering Community Health Through Wellness and Faith
April 23rd 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. In the third episode, Camille Clarke-Smith, EdD, MS, CHES, CPT, discusses approaching community health holistically through spiritual and community engagement.
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Insurance Coverage Limits JAKi Therapy Access for Patients With AA, Especially Non-White Populations
April 25th 2024A survey study showed major barriers to Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) therapy for patients with alopecia areata, especially for non-White patients who face higher rates of being uninsured and struggle more to afford the treatment.
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