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If Roe v. Wade is overturned, people of color likely to be disproportionately impacted
Sarah McGrew, WTMJ-TV, May 3
After a draft opinion was leaked suggesting that Roe v. Wade will be overturned, health professionals have expressed concern about the disproportional impact the decision could have on people of color. A study from Duke University shows that a total abortion ban would result in a 21% increase in overall pregnancy-related deaths, but would increase by 33% for Black birthing people.
Connecticut acts to help its lead-poisoned children
Jenifer Frank, Connecticut Health I-Team, May 4
Connecticut plans to use $30 million in federal dollars to combat childhood lead poisoning. For years, Connecticut law lagged behind the scientific findings that ever-smaller amounts of lead can cause irreversible harm to young children. The state will now increase early interventions by gradually lowering the blood levels that trigger parental notification, lowering the blood lead counts requiring home inspections, and requiring more frequent testing of children who live in areas where lead exposure is more common.
Hospital care costs are wildly different across CT. Explore the once secret data.
Mary Katherine Wildeman, CT Insider, April 28
If a woman with an Anthem health insurance plan gives birth by C-section at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, her insurer would pay the hospital $10,988. But if she instead chose Bridgeport Hospital just three miles away, the rate her insurance company has agreed to pay for the same procedure would be less than half that amount.
Insurance exchange launches enrollment period for low-income families
Jenna Carlesso, The Connecticut Mirror, April 26
Access Health CT has opened a special enrollment period for low-income families throughout the rest of the calendar year. Residents whose household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level qualify for low- or no-cost health plans. That’s a household income of $26,120 for a family of two, $39,759 for a family of four, or $46,560 for a household of five.
U.S. pediatricians’ group moves to abandon race-based guidance
Lindsay Tanner, The Associated Press, May 2
For years, pediatricians have followed flawed guidelines linking race to risks for urinary infections and newborn jaundice. In a new policy, the American Academy of Pediatrics said it’s putting all its guidance under the microscope to eliminate “race-based” medicine and resulting health disparities.