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Doctors say children of immigrants are missing health care
Nada Hassanein, Stateline, Sept. 15
Four in 10 pediatricians reported that kids in immigrant families are avoiding coming in for health care because of concerns about immigration status, according to a new survey. The survey also found that immigrant families are avoiding applying for government programs such as Medicaid, and just over a fifth of pediatricians surveyed said families had avoided sending their children to school. The American Academy of Pediatrics, which conducted the survey, said the findings are likely an undercount of what is actually happening.
A cancer survivor hoped to work — then she lost her Medicaid disability coverage
Katheryn Houghton, KFF Health News, Sept. 15
Taya Hailstone of Montana has been in remission from childhood Hodgkin lymphoma for five years. Although she still struggles with the effects of the cancer, the state decided last year that she is no longer eligible for low-cost disability health coverage through Medicaid. She’s been able to keep coverage while she appeals the case, but soon may face another challenge. If she cannot keep her disability coverage she would still qualify for Medicaid based on her income, but would have to prove she’s too sick to meet the new work requirements.
U.S. health officials move quickly to deploy medical A.I. despite concerns
Christina Jewett, The New York Times, Sept. 14
The Trump administration is accelerating efforts to make artificial intelligence an integral part of medical care in the United States. The federal government is providing its support and resources to projects that use AI to diagnose and prescribe treatments to patients. The effort has raised concerns among some officials, who say that change is moving too quickly, without enough evidence of the technology’s safety and effectiveness. Concerns about the dangers of AI and calls to regulate it have erupted recently, as some top executives of AI labs have issued warnings about the technology.
Four rural CT hospitals receive $46 million in federal health grants
Sasha Allen, The Connecticut Mirror, Sept. 16
Four rural Connecticut hospitals are getting millions in federal grant dollars from the Rural Health Transformation Program. Charlotte Hungerford, Day Kimball, Sharon and Windham each received a share of $46 million. The hospitals will use the funds for several different initiatives, including expanding telehealth and transport services to help improve access to care. The state is receiving an additional $104 million from the program which will be used for a wide range of projects including health care workforce development in rural areas, maternity and postpartum services, and mobile health units.
For some CT residents, double-digit health insurance hikes on the way. ‘Left to drown’
Liese Klein, CT Insider, Sept. 15
Connecticut residents who purchase health insurance on the state’s Affordable Care Act exchange will see double-digit increases to their premiums next year. The new rates reflect statewide trends in insurance and healthcare costs. Lawmakers on both sides and advocates criticized the increases. The state Insurance Department approved the new rates of 11.3% for individuals and 15.1% for small groups. “Again, Connecticut families are left to drown in ballooning premiums, deductibles, coinsurances and copays,” said Attorney General William Tong.