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The help that many older Americans need most
Paula Span, KFF Health News, April 27
In rural Oregon, Sandy Guzman, a community health worker, visits patients at their homes. Her work is different every day, but what is consistent is that she takes time to understand their needs. “Honestly, sometimes just sitting and listening” is the best response, she said. Experts say that a shortage of health care professionals and an aging population are driving demand for more community health workers. They often tackle problems that are not necessarily medical, such as installing wheelchair ramps or helping patients apply for food and housing assistance. “It’s like being the eyes and ears for the doctors, to see what’s happening outside the 20 minutes they get to spend with patients,” said Guzman.
Big companies position themselves for payday from $50B federal rural health fund
Sarah Jane Tribble, KFF Health News, April 28
Many small community health providers in rural areas are in need of funding to continue providing services for their patients, many of whom are covered by Medicaid. They hope to receive some help from the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, but may find they are sharing the billions with an army of corporate giants before the funding reaches their patients. State plans reveal that a large portion of the funds will go to companies that can increase the use of electronic health records, strengthen cybersecurity, and improve state and health system technology platforms.
New report shows some health equity wins. Experts fear they will be short-lived
Anil Oza, STAT News, April 29
A new report highlights successes in reducing health disparities in the United States. It found that, from 2022 to 2024, two states expanded eligibility for Medicaid, many states extended postpartum coverage for mothers, and enrollment in Affordable Care Act marketplace plans significantly increased. Despite improvements in some areas, racial and ethnic health disparities persisted in every state. Experts predict those inequities could soon worsen, due to policies from the second Trump administration, including changes to insurance coverage and vaccine policies and cuts to programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
SNAP Education helped fight food insecurity in CT and beyond. Then its federal funding was cut
Michayla Savitt, Connecticut Public Radio, April 28
A nutrition education program for people who receive SNAP benefits hasn’t been running since October 2025, when it was defunded by the federal government. The SNAP education initiative, known as SNAP-Ed, took a hands-on approach to teaching recipients about nutrition. Nutrition experts taught food preparation and safety skills to thousands of SNAP recipients, and demonstrated how to shop on a budget. Research shows the program helped improve families’ access to healthier food, which can prevent illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It was also a key part of fighting food insecurity, which has continued to increase since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medicaid rule targeting abortion providers set to expire
Sofia Resnick, Stateline, April 20
A controversial rule enacted last year that denies federal Medicaid funding to abortion providers is likely to expire this summer. The rule was presented by supporters as a ban on funding for abortions, but actually prevented clinics from being reimbursed under federal Medicaid for birth control, infection testing and treatment, and a wide range of other services. Planned Parenthood says more than 50 health centers across 18 states closed last year, 23 of them because of the Medicaid rule. Connecticut is among the states that have committed funding to replace federal Medicaid funding, though not enough to completely fill the gap.