Health Issues / Public News Service

More than 20 standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are available in all New Hampshire counties for the state's more than 300,000 Medicare recipients. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Medicare open enrollment in NH runs through Dec. 7

Medicare open enrollment is underway and New Hampshire seniors are encouraged to weigh the various plans. Advisors said it is important to consider …

One of the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services members stated all five Behavioral Health Managed Care Organizations fell short of their requested rate increase by more than 25%, meaning this provider is not being compensated for the true cost of care. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Report: PA Behavioral health rate hikes essential for vital provider services

Behavioral-health providers in Pennsylvania face financial instability because of inconsistent rate increases, affecting staff recruitment and …

Statistics from the ALICE in Arkansas initiative show a significant increase in the number of ALICE households following COVID. (Zadvornov/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

AR business owners collaborate to help ALICE residents

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

Polling by the mental health advocacy group Inseparable showed 81% of voters support expanding mental health services in K-12 schools by hiring and training. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Mental health takes center stage in NC superintendent race

As mental health challenges continue to rise among young people, advocates across North Carolina are pushing for increased access to mental health …

According to federal data, North Dakota is home to 146,837 total Medicare beneficiaries. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Through Medicare enrollment, older ND residents can improve their daily lives

Medicare open enrollment is underway, and North Dakota seniors are encouraged to weigh the various plans. Advisors said it is important to consider …

Early voting in Texas runs from Oct. 21 through Nov. 1. (DOERS/Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Early voting kicks off in TX

Early voting kicks off in Texas today, and when voters cast their ballots, they'll vote for more than just the president. They'll also pick members …

More than 160,000 Vermont residents received Medicare in 2024, and many will benefit from a new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs starting January 1, 2025. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Monday, October 21, 2024

Open enrollment brings changes to VT Medicare Advantage market

Vermont seniors are encouraged to weigh their health plan options during the Medicare open enrollment period, which runs through December 7. Many …

Open enrollment for Medicare runs now through Dec. 7. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobestock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Medicare open enrollment now through Dec. 7

Nearly 6.5 million Californians on Medicare can change their plan during the open enrollment period, which just got underway and runs through Dec. 7…

Starting in January 2025, Medicare Part D enrollee out-of-pocket costs will be limited to $2,000 per year. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Medicare open enrollment brings Mainers new savings on prescription drugs

Medicare open enrollment is underway and Maine seniors are encouraged to weigh the various plans. Advisors say it's important to consider both …

A 2021 study found that social isolation and loneliness may increase cardiovascular disease risk by 29% in post-menopausal women. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

MO doctor discusses link between menopause, heart health

Research shows menopause can impact heart health, and the American Heart Association in Missouri is urging women to stay informed and take preventive …

Medicare payment rates have fallen by 29% over the last two decades, when adjusting for the costs of running a practice, according to the American Medical Association. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Medicare payment cuts leave New England private practices in critical condition

Ongoing cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates are leaving New England private practices in critical condition. Doctors said the outdated payment …

There are multiple coverage options available with Medicare. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Tips for Idahoans: Picking the best Medicare plan

It is the time of year when people can shop around and make sure they are signed up for the health coverage that makes the most sense for them…

Eligibility for Medicare typically starts at age 65. (STOATPHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Oregonians have chance to evaluate, change their Medicare plans

It is the time of year when people eligible for Medicare can shop around and make sure they are signed up for the health coverage that makes the most …

According to KFF data, in 2024, Illinois had almost 2.4 million total Medicare beneficiaries. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Medicare plan for IL residents has changes

Open enrollment for Medicare ends on Dec 7. The federal health insurance program is for anyone aged 65 or older. Some people younger than 65 with …

Alex Watters works at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. He says he's had to turn down promotions and other opportunities to keep his income below the threshold that allows him to receive benefits as a quadriplegic. (Alex Watters/IDDC)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Iowans with disabilities see employment gains but challenges remain

State data show more Iowans with disabilities are employed. And advocates with the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council point out that - during …

Under WA Cares, workers pay 58 cents for every $100 they make to fund long term care benefits for themselves. (wladimir1804/Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

WA voters to decide future of long-term care program

Ballots are showing up in people's mailboxes and one of the measures Washingtonians will decide on is the fate of a long-term care program in the stat…

The Americans with Disabilities Act, adopted in 1990, helped usher in a wave of acceptance and new standards. But officials in states like North Dakota say there's still some outdated language used in public institutions that serve these populations. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

In ND, disability language is on the ballot this fall

Ballot questions, like one dealing with property taxes, are getting attention this election season in North Dakota. But another gets to the heart of …

Moloka'i residents have some of the lowest power consumption rates in the Hawaiian Archipelago and the state's highest energy costs, including the nation's most expensive fee per watt. Many of the 7,300 residents often forgo reliable power, opting to live off the grid as self-sufficient homesteaders.(Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

A solar transformation for Moloka'i

By Naoki Nitta for Grist.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Hawaii News Service reporting for the Grist-Solutions Journalism Network-Public News S…

Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, said the state's protective order registry had more than 1 million protective orders for workplace or domestic violence in 2023. (Adobe stock)

New report: Indiana courts face mental health crisis

Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, has released the 2023-24 annual report for the state's courts. The report shows Indiana's …

Online resources including JustPlainClear.com and MedicareMadeClear.com can offer Massachusetts residents insights into the best Medicare plan for their individual needs. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Medicare open enrollment in MA brings prescription drug savings

Medicare open enrollment is underway and Massachusetts residents over 65 are encouraged to consider their health plan options. Changes this year …

New report offers solutions for CT's 'disconnected' youth

A new report offers some solutions for at least 119,000 young people in Connecticut who are described as being "disconnected" from work or school…

Mammography exams at a younger age can help doctors detect breast cancer earlier, when it is more treatable. (My Ocean studio/Adobe Stock)

Women urged to screen for breast cancer at earlier age

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and health professionals are urging women to get screened at earlier ages than previously suggested…

Family caregivers typically play a critical role in long-term care decisions. (freeograph/Adobe Stock)

Tips for discussing long-term care plans with loved ones

October is Long-Term Care Planning Month, and a few tips can help people when talking with their loved ones about this topic. Conversations about …

According to a 2022 Pew survey, kids spend on average more than 91 minutes a day on TikTok. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentucky sues TikTok over child harm, consumer protection violations

An analysis of court documents by Kentucky Public Radio revealed the social media company TikTok knew users can become addicted to the platform in und…

Tennessee's new HEAL Program will provide $65 million to eligible counties affected by Hurricane Helene. The money will be divided equally among the affected counties to help with cleanup and rebuilding. (Ruslan Gilmanshin/Adobe Stock)

East TN mobile health center rolls in to help, post-Helene

A community health center in East Tennessee is offering essential medical services on wheels, to families cleaning up after Hurricane Helene…

The Annual Election Period for Medicare enrollment changes is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year. (HeungSoon/Pixabay)

VA seniors urged to review Medicare plans during open enrollment

Medicare's open enrollment period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 allows Virginians covered by Medicare to reevaluate their health coverage options and select …

Lead pipes were banned in Kentucky in 1998, according to the Northern Kentucky Water District. (Adobe Stock)<br />

EPA: Kentucky lead pipes on the way out

Utilities in Kentucky will soon begin replacing lead pipes that supply drinking water to homes, after the Environmental Protection agency announced …

In 2024, 450,374 West Virginia residents relied on Medicare for health coverage, according to the health care advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Medicare open enrollment: Tips to help older West Virginians select plans

Medicare open enrollment begins today and for West Virginians over 65, this season is a time to reconsider their health care needs. More than 450,000…

Cuts to an at-home program helping people with speech difficulties could leave some Oregonians struggling to communicate. (ChiccoDodiFC/Adobe Stock)

OR home health speech program could be stifled

Providence Health and Services could close an at-home program enabling communication by people with diseases making it hard or impossible to speak…

Ambulances near Pinedale, Wyoming drove 94,000 miles last year to compensate for a lack of local medical services, according to the Sublette County Hospital District. (Wikimedia Commons)

Pinedale, WY bucks trend, builds new rural hospital

By Sarah Jane Tribble for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Wyoming News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News…

Cost remains the primary barrier for Coloradans to seek health care, with 83% percent of reporting they worry about being able to afford it. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado lawmakers urged to address 'hidden' hospital fees

"Facility fees" originally meant to help struggling hospitals keep emergency room doors open 24 hours a day are now being applied to outpatient servic…

The Florida Association of Community Health Centers has a Disaster Relief Fund, which raises money to assist health center staff and their families in recovering from the devastation of hurricanes Helene and Milton. (Pixabay)

FL Community Health Centers plead for operational funding post-hurricane

Following Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton left a trail of destruction across the Sunshine State and the combination has pushed some Community …

The effects of relational bullying were found no matter the student's race, gender, or socioeconomic status, according to a new study from Wayne State University. (Adobe Stock / AI)

MI Study: Relational bullying harms teens' view of career prospects

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and a new study showed teens bullied in high school tend to become pessimistic about their future…

A Kaiser Family Foundation survey found the $2,000 Medicare out-of-pocket cap would have saved money for roughly 1.5 million seniors in 2021, over 200,000 of whom spent $5,000 or more on their prescriptions that year. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

AARP NE highlights 2025 Medicare cost savings

Medicare's open enrollment period starts tomorrow and runs through Dec. 7. AARP Nebraska is encouraging Medicare recipients to review their …

Suzanne Craig receives her award from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. In 2020, more than 42% of U.S. adults reported not visiting a dentist or dental clinic in the past year, according to the CDC.(Adobe Stock)

Western KY dental clinic a lifeline for many unable to access care

A community dental clinic in Owensboro has helped more than 25,000 low-income residents access dental care. Suzanne Craig - the public health …

About 21% of Mississippi residents are Medicare beneficiaries, or about 625,000 people. That's higher than the national average of 19%. ((JLco/Julia Amaral/Adobe Stock)

Report: MS seniors to benefit from Medicare drug price cap

Mississippians on Medicare could see big savings next year, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. More than 19,000 Mississippi residents will …

Two in five college students said their mental health affects their ability to perform academically, while one in 10 rated their mental health as

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Well-being 101: U of Maine researchers reveal keys to college success

A new study from the University of Maine showed college students' well-being is as important as their grade-point average for overall success…

Republican lawmakers in New Hampshire regularly introduce legislation to restrict access to abortion services, including previous bills to enact 15-week and 15-day abortion bans. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Reproductive freedom on ballot in NH governor’s race

In the race for New Hampshire governor, the candidates' positions on reproductive rights could be a deciding factor. Pollsters have said it is a …

According to the Public Policy Initiative, Indiana's incarceration rate is 721 per 100,000 residents.<br />(Adobe Stock)

IN correctional facilities show higher cancer rates

Two specific types of cancer are showing up in high numbers among people in jail and prison and Indiana is no exception. A new study found a lack of …

The financially beleaguered U.S. Postal Service expects to save billions of dollars by using electric rather than gas-powered mail delivery trucks. (USPSoig.gov)

NM streets will be quieter, cleaner when USPS electric mail trucks arrive

Neighborhoods across New Mexico and other states will soon be cleaner and quieter as the U.S. Postal Service rolls out its new electric mail-delivery …

A recent report gave Wyoming low marks for its efforts to reduce exposure to lead in K-12 schools. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Feds set deadline to replace lead water pipes; schools excluded

Groups that advocate for clean water are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on replacing lead pipes - but they warn that the dr…

Data suggest that, contrary to popular belief, rural and urban voters in America share many bedrock values. (Matt/Adobe Stock)

Ohio voters have more in common than you might think

As Ohio heads into a pivotal election season, the divide between rural and urban voters might seem deep - but one expert says the gap isn't as wide …

More than 80% of the 62,557 taps tested from 1,738 schools and child care centers across Massachusetts since 2016 have tested positive for lead, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. (Adobe Stock) <br />

EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help

Clean water advocates in Massachusetts are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water i…

Around 42% of female survivors experienced their first rape prior to age 18; 28% of male survivors were first raped prior to age 11. One in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually victimized before age 18. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

Improving Ohio's sexual violence response teams

Sexual violence remains a significant concern in Ohio, and specialized teams, such as Sexual Assault Response Teams and Coordinated Community …

When someone experiences a stroke, 1.9 billion brain cells are lost during every minute, according to Jefferson Health. (Adobe Stock)

'Time is brain': New program streamlines stroke care in SD

When it comes to stroke care, experts say, "time is brain." Now, a program launching in South Dakota will coordinate and strengthen stroke care …

There is no safe level of lead in a person's blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Scientists note even low lead levels have been shown to affect IQ, the ability to pay attention and academic achievement. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New EPA lead rule leaves ME schools with clean water homework

Clean water advocates in Maine are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water in school…

Domestic violence-related homicides in Ohio doubled from 2018 to 2019, highlighting a growing crisis in the state. (Domarita Lopez-Wilcox)

Tragic toll of domestic violence in Ohio

In Ohio, the effects of domestic violence continue to devastate families. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network released its ninth annual fatality …

This year, the North Carolina Maternal Mortality Review Committee reported bias and discrimination contribute to traumatic and near-death experiences. (Adobe Stock)

NC moms speak out on medical neglect in high-risk pregnancies

By Kylie Marsh for the Charlotte Post, with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - October 22, 2024

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Health

Medicare open enrollment in NH runs through Dec. 7

Report: PA Behavioral health rate hikes essential for vital provider services

AR business owners collaborate to help ALICE residents

Mental health takes center stage in NC superintendent race

Through Medicare enrollment, older ND residents can improve their daily lives

Early voting kicks off in TX

Open enrollment brings changes to VT Medicare Advantage market

Medicare open enrollment now through Dec. 7

Medicare open enrollment brings Mainers new savings on prescription drugs

MO doctor discusses link between menopause, heart health

Medicare payment cuts leave New England private practices in critical condition

Tips for Idahoans: Picking the best Medicare plan

Oregonians have chance to evaluate, change their Medicare plans

Medicare plan for IL residents has changes

Iowans with disabilities see employment gains but challenges remain

WA voters to decide future of long-term care program

In ND, disability language is on the ballot this fall

A solar transformation for Moloka'i

New report: Indiana courts face mental health crisis

Medicare open enrollment in MA brings prescription drug savings

New report offers solutions for CT's 'disconnected' youth

Women urged to screen for breast cancer at earlier age

Tips for discussing long-term care plans with loved ones

Kentucky sues TikTok over child harm, consumer protection violations

East TN mobile health center rolls in to help, post-Helene

VA seniors urged to review Medicare plans during open enrollment

EPA: Kentucky lead pipes on the way out

Medicare open enrollment: Tips to help older West Virginians select plans

OR home health speech program could be stifled

Pinedale, WY bucks trend, builds new rural hospital

Colorado lawmakers urged to address 'hidden' hospital fees

FL Community Health Centers plead for operational funding post-hurricane

MI Study: Relational bullying harms teens' view of career prospects

AARP NE highlights 2025 Medicare cost savings

Western KY dental clinic a lifeline for many unable to access care

Report: MS seniors to benefit from Medicare drug price cap

Well-being 101: U of Maine researchers reveal keys to college success

Reproductive freedom on ballot in NH governor’s race

IN correctional facilities show higher cancer rates

NM streets will be quieter, cleaner when USPS electric mail trucks arrive

Feds set deadline to replace lead water pipes; schools excluded

Ohio voters have more in common than you might think

EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help

Improving Ohio's sexual violence response teams

'Time is brain': New program streamlines stroke care in SD

New EPA lead rule leaves ME schools with clean water homework

Tragic toll of domestic violence in Ohio

NC moms speak out on medical neglect in high-risk pregnancies