Federal News
Task Force Recommends Screening All Adults for Alcohol Misuse
Questions about alcohol use should be a part of regular physical checkups, according to a panel of experts. About 21% of American adults admit that they engage in risky drinking behaviors, from overindulging, which can lead to physical and mental harm, to alcohol dependence. And it remains the third leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. (Source: TIME Healthland) [Read article]
W.H. Won't Ding Medicaid Expansion Holdouts
The Obama administration health officials proposed ignoring states’ decisions to expand Medicaid over the next two years when calculating the Disproportionate Share Hospital reductions. That means states won’t face a financial penalty for refusing the Medicaid expansion, though they’d still forgo billions in federal Medicaid dollars to cover some of their poorest residents. (Source: Politico) [Read article]
Coverage Problems Could Still Remain For Young Adults
Supporters and critics of the Affordable Care Act seem to agree on at least one thing: Allowing young adults to stay on their parents' health plans until they reach age 26 is a smart move. Starting next year, young adults will have more options for coverage in addition to their parents' plans. But despite the expanded choices, some may continue to face problems commonly associated with their age group—coverage for mental health issues, substance abuse and maternity care. (Source: Kaiser Health News) [Read article]
Hospitals, Testing Companies Face Questions About Value Of Community Screenings
Hospitals hoping to attract patients and build their brands are teaming up with medical-screening companies to promote tests aimed at consumers worried about potentially deadly heart disease or strokes. What their promotions don't say is that an influential government panel recommends against using many of the tests on people without symptoms or risk factors. (Source: Kaiser Health News) [Read article]
Robots as Pharmacists?
This report examines how a robotic pharmacy at the UCSF Medical Center could be the next big thing for hospitals. (Source: CNN) [Watch]
Special Issue of Health Affairs 'Tackles' the Cost Conundrum
In this special issue, researchers take a look at the recent slowdown in the growth of health care spending and question whether this slowdown is temporary or here to stay. Their studies examine the major cost drivers associated with health care spending and offer possible solutions that could put Medicare back on track. (Source: Health Affairs) [Read article]
Should Food Stamps Pay To Indulge A Sweet Tooth?
Millions of Americans rely on food stamps to keep from going hungry. They can also use them to buy sugary drinks. Some groups, including the National Center for Public Policy Research, say that's not right. Host Michel Martin discusses this with the Center's Justin Danhof, and University of Illinois Professor Craig Gundersen. (Source: NPR) [Listen]
Talk. They Hear You. Underage Drinking Prevention Campaign
This publication provides parents of children ages 9 to 15 with the tools and information they need to start talking with their children early about the dangers of alcohol. Includes a suite of materials that helps reinforce the underage drinking prevention campaign’s messages. (Source: SAMHSA) [Read article]
