HEALTHCARE POLICY

Apr 14 2025HEALTH

Navigating Moral Minefields in Healthcare

In the world of healthcare, there are many tough topics. These topics are often controversial and can divide people. Three big ones are voluntary assisted dying, safe zones around reproductive health clinics, and a proposed bill about conscientious objection. These issues were discussed at a conference in Melbourne. This was a big deal because it brought together...

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Apr 08 2025POLITICS

Health Secretary's Moves Stir Controversy in Native American Communities

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently met with Native American leaders, expressing his dedication to improving the Indian Health Service. However, his actions have sparked outrage. He laid off staff from programs supporting Native people, closed regional offices, and dismissed senior advisers for tribal issues. All of this happened without consulting tribal...

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Apr 07 2025HEALTH

US Babies At Risk: Time to Wake Up

The United States faces a serious issue with the number of babies dying before their first birthday. This problem is not new, but it is getting worse. In fact, the US ranks behind many other developed countries in this area. This is a big deal and needs attention. The numbers are clear. For every 1, 000 babies born, about 5. 6 do not make it to their first birth...

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Apr 01 2025HEALTH

The Hidden Barriers to Abortion Access in Türkiye

In Türkiye, women have the right to an induced abortion within the first ten weeks of pregnancy. This procedure is even considered a free public health service. Yet, many women face significant hurdles when trying to access these services in public health facilities. This situation is not new. Over the past decade, various local reports and studies have highlighted t...

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Mar 26 2025POLITICS

The End of LGBTQ Health Research

The federal government recently pulled the plug on numerous research projects focused on the health of LGBTQ individuals. This move, part of a broader trend, has sparked significant debate. The decision to cancel at least 68 grants, totaling nearly $40 million, has left many researchers in the lurch. These grants, awarded to 46 different institutions, were primarily...

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Mar 15 2025POLITICS

Dr. Oz's Tax Tangle: A Clash of Views

The spotlight is on Dr. Mehmet Oz, who is up for a big job. He is nominated to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. But there's a twist. Some Democrats think he might not have paid his fair share of Social Security and Medicare taxes. They say he paid very little in 2022 and nothing in 2023, missing out on $440, 000 in taxes. Oz's team says he's follo...

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Mar 15 2025HEALTH

Dr. Oz's Big Plans for Medicare and Medicaid

Dr. Mehmet Oz, a former TV host and heart surgeon, is up for a big job. He wants to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This job is huge. It's about managing nearly $1. 5 trillion spent by the government on health insurance for seniors and low-income Americans. This includes Medicare, which covers around 65 million people, and Medicaid, which support...

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Mar 14 2025HEALTH

The Hidden Truth About Alcohol Treatment in Medicaid

Medicaid is a big deal in the United States. It covers a huge chunk of people who need help with alcohol use disorder. The majority of Medicaid enrollees are managed by Medicaid Managed Care Plans (MCPs). These MCPs are responsible for providing health services to nearly 80% of Medicaid enrollees. This makes them the largest provider of addiction treatment service...

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Feb 18 2025HEALTH

The Ups and Downs of Health Policy: What Orthopaedic Surgeons Need to Know

Imagine you're an orthopaedic surgeon. You've got a lot on your plate, and now you've got to deal with health policy changes. Where do you even start? First, let's talk about money. Medicare, the big health insurance program for seniors, has been cutting payments to doctors for years. Since 2001, payments have dropped by nearly 30%. That's a huge hit to your...

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Feb 16 2025HEALTH

Idaho's Medicaid Expansion: A Political Tug of War

Idaho's Medicaid expansion is under the microscope. Lawmakers are debating a bill that could potentially end the program. This bill, proposed by Rep. Jordan Redman, aims to implement 11 new policies by July or risk repealing the expansion. Redman insists that his bill isn't about ending Medicaid expansion, but rather about making it more accountable and cost-effectiv...

reading time about 2 minutes