Health Care
1 million+ patients lose coverage as insurers, hospitals drop Medicare Advantage
For retired state employees in 13 states, Medicare Advantage plans are the only option.
Millions of aging Americans are facing dementia by themselves
At least 4.3 million people 55 or older who have cognitive impairment or dementia live alone in the United States, according to estimates from University of California-San Francisco research.
20 states sue feds to block staffing mandates for nursing homes
The states say the new staffing requirements pose "an existential threat to the nursing home industry" and will force nursing homes to go out of business.
Abortion is on the ballot in 10 states this year. Here's why that matters.
Voters have approved every ballot measure initiative protecting the right to abortion since the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Could voters in Missouri reverse the trend?
Meet the 2024 Rising Stars
This year's cohort of Rising Stars has been selected for their accomplishments and impact over the past year and for their leadership potential.
States weigh how to protect older adults from HIV-related discrimination in health care
More than half of Americans living with HIV are over 50. For this growing population, discrimination can compound health challenges.
How one state has risen as ‘a leader’ in medical debt protections
Many states are cracking down on medical debt collection and payment practices, but New York’s efforts stand out, one expert says.
Hawaii is the first state where Medicaid covers comprehensive palliative care. That's good news for older adults.
Now six other states are considering increasing coverage for palliative care, which generally serves patients with pain or other symptoms from serious illnesses.
A prescription for housing?
Maryland is investing $5.4 million to help expand a promising pilot program that connects housing and health care statewide.
Guaranteed income programs might improve people's lives, but not their health
A new study examining cash transfer programs' effects on participants' health found limited impact.
Featured eBooks
The public sector is (finally) filling more vacancies, report finds
State and local governments have found success with a number of hiring strategies, easing long standing workforce shortages that started with the pandemic.
Montana looks to become latest state to boost nonprofit hospital oversight
Montana’s proposal to increase oversight is part of a national trend by states to ensure nonprofit hospitals act as charitable organizations as they claim tax-exempt status.
Older adults want to age in place. Current policies don’t make it easy.
More opportunities for social events and accessible health services are a top priority for older adults, a new survey finds.
The fittest cities in America: See how yours compares
City officials have an important role to play in ensuring the well-being of their communities. Here’s how they can address resident health through policy and resources.
New $255M federal grant will help state, local public health agencies modernize data systems
The program looks to improve data sharing infrastructure and processes for public health agencies to better detect and manage health threats.
Rescue from above: How drones may narrow emergency response times
While research has often found that drones arrive faster than first responders, there’s little conclusive evidence that drones improve health outcomes.
Georgia’s Medicaid work requirements have brought high costs, low enrollment
The state’s experience so far stands in stark contrast with that of North Carolina, where half a million people have signed up for Medicaid coverage in the first seven months of its expansion.
A California medical group treats only homeless patients—and makes money doing it
Since its launch three years ago, Healthcare in Action has cared for about 6,700 homeless patients and has placed about 300 people into permanent or temporary housing.
Gen Z thinks government should solve societal issues. Is it ready to hire them?
The workforce’s youngest generation has a desire to address major problems. This creates a unique opportunity for state and local governments.
As public health becomes political, state surgeons general play delicate role
Louisiana just became the sixth state with its own surgeon general.
