SUMMARY: Carter County, Kentucky, has controversially spent $15,000 of its opioid settlement funds on an ice rink, raising concerns about its relevance to the ongoing opioid crisis. Advocates argue that resources could be better allocated to overdose prevention, such as Narcan kits or local substance abuse programs. Brittany Herrington, a local in recovery, criticized the decision as neglecting community needs. While officials claim the rink fosters drug-free youth activities, critics note it lacks direct ties to combating addiction. Local leaders are calling for stricter oversight on how settlement funds are used, emphasizing the need for targeted support in addressing substance use disorders.

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SUMMARY: During his confirmation hearing for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made inaccurate statements about Medicaid, such as claiming it is fully federally funded and that many enrollees face high out-of-pocket costs. Medicaid, a $880 billion program, provides health coverage to over 79 million low-income and disabled Americans. It differs from Medicare, which serves older adults. Eligibility depends on income, and states have flexibility in program design. Funding is shared between federal and state governments. Medicaid faces potential cuts, but its popularity (77% favorability) complicates efforts for significant changes.

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The post Republicans Are Eyeing Cuts to Medicaid. What’s Medicaid, Again? appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: Colleen Henderson faced a harrowing journey when her daughter was diagnosed with a grapefruit-sized tumor after initial misdiagnoses. The treatment cost exceeded $1 million, leading Henderson to battle UnitedHealthcare for coverage, ultimately resulting in bankruptcy. A California legislative proposal, SB 363, aims to penalize insurers who frequently deny claims and mandate transparency in denial rates. With an alarming 72% of appeals reversed, the bill could impact around 12.8 million Californians on private insurance. Consumer advocates stress the need for reforms to hold insurers accountable for denial practices, especially in mental health care, amid rising health care costs and insurance denials.

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The post Deny and Delay? California Seeks Penalties for Insurers That Repeatedly Get It Wrong appeared first on kffhealthnews.org