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Viewpoints: Predictions of rising premiums in 2015; anniversary of health law

No one challenges reality like Kathleen Sebelius, who assured the world on Sept. 30, 2013 that the Affordable Care Act website would be open for business the next day. "We're very excited about tomorrow," Sebelius said. "Shutdown or no shutdown, we're ready to go."

24 Mar 2014

Treat or eat: Many people forced to choose between food or medicine

Chronically ill adults who reported food insecurity in their household (not having consistent access to food due to lack of financial stability) were significantly more likely to report cost-related medication underuse, according to a new study in The American Journal of Medicine,. The term cost-related medication underuse refers to taking less medication than prescribed, or not taking it at all due to financial concerns.

21 Mar 2014

GHIT Fund announces grants to speed up innovative drug development for neglected diseases

The Global Health Innovative Technology Fund, a new public health partnership that is bringing Japanese know-how and investment to the global fight against infectious diseases, today announced three grants worth a total of US$6.8 million to speed the development of innovative drugs for some of the world’s most neglected diseases—schistosomiasis, Chagas disease and parasitic roundworms.

20 Mar 2014

Strengthening health systems is the most critical investment in global health, finds survey

Strengthening the health systems that provide health products and care is the most critical investment in global health, according to international survey results released today by leading global health organizations, PSI and PATH, as well as Devex, the global development media brand.

19 Mar 2014

Study estimates a third of uninsured won't enroll in health plans

The Fiscal Times reports that the study by Bankrate.com shows government outreach efforts are falling short. Meanwhile, news outlets look at enrollment efforts in New Jersey, Montana, Maine, Washington, Pennsylvania, Ohio and California.

18 Mar 2014

Binghamton University plays role in improving Rwandan’s healthcare system

Twenty years after the Rwandan Genocide left nearly 1 million dead and 2 million homeless, Binghamton University is playing a role in improving the nation's healthcare. Karen Feltham, a clinical instructor in the Decker School of Nursing, spent the 2013 fall semester in Rwanda working with women in the Rwandan Midwives Association.

17 Mar 2014

Study explores the effect of falling incomes

Becoming poor makes people feel unhappy immediately due to the loss of income and status and this does not improve, even over the long term.

17 Mar 2014

State highlights: Vt. health care costs plan; Iowa inmate coverage; Mich. abortion law takes effect

A selection of health policy stories from Vermont, Iowa, Michigan, California, Florida, Wisconsin and North Carolina.

14 Mar 2014

Racial differences in health outcomes between blacks and whites associated with synthesize of Vitamin D

A new study investigating racial disparities in birth outcomes shows that contrary to some theories Vitamin D is unlikely to play a role in differences in preterm birth and low birth weight between African-Americans and whites.

14 Mar 2014

First Edition: March 13, 2014

Today's headlines include details of Wednesday's Capitol Hill testimony by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

13 Mar 2014

Bacterium and fungus partner to cause painful form of tooth decay in preschool children

Early childhood caries, a highly aggressive and painful form of tooth decay that frequently occurs in preschool children, especially from backgrounds of poverty, may result from a nefarious partnership between a bacterium and a fungus, according to a paper published ahead of print in the journal Infection and Immunity.

13 Mar 2014

Viewpoints: No reason to delay health law; GOP may need an alternative message; shrinking abortion options

HealthCare.gov is working better, so the technical barriers to pushing people into new plans aren't as high. The law, meanwhile, attempts to establish a norm that all Americans should have coverage of a certain quality and comprehensiveness. In general and over time, this is good for them and for the system as a whole.

11 Mar 2014

Survey credits health law for lowered uninsured rate

News outlets report on implementation issues including the declining rate of uninsured people, confusion created by recent administrative changes and a union's assertion that the law will increase inequality.

10 Mar 2014

Longer looks: Health care in jail; preventing Medicare drug fraud; new medical codes

"Sheriff Ashe," [the waitress] began. "My daughter is in your jail." She then told me her daughter's story. "Laura," as I'll call her here, was a bright and sociable girl who, after graduating from high school, went on to community college.

10 Mar 2014

Aetna honored with 2014 Innovation in Reducing Health Care Disparities Award

Aetna was honored today by the National Business Group on Health (NBGH) with the 2014 Innovation in Reducing Health Care Disparities Award. Aetna is a three-time recipient of the award that recognizes organizations for their commitment to equality in health care and exceptional support for cultural diversity.

8 Mar 2014

Medicaid expansion: With Arkansas 'private' plan authorized for another year, officials now focus on possible fixes

After surviving an effort earlier this week to defund it, supporters of the state's private option are now working on alterations that will smooth its future. Meanwhile, the back-and-forth over whether to pursue the expansion continues in Virginia and Utah.

7 Mar 2014

Feds give South Dakota's partial Medicaid expansion plan a thumbs down; Utah may need a special session

News outlets report on these and other state efforts to address issues related to expanding the state-federal health insurance program for low-income people.

6 Mar 2014

Arkansas House votes to fund Medicaid expansion private option

The measure, which extended for one year this "private" approach to expanding health insurance coverage to low-income state residents, failed in four previous votes. Its opponents say the debate is not over -- they are just "hitting the pause button."