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Some states are helping to make Obamacare plans more affordable
Shalina Chatlani, Stateline, Feb. 18
At least 10 Democratic-leaning states are using their own money to help people buy Obamacare health plans, at least partially replacing the federal tax credits that expired at the end of last year. The state assistance is helping hundreds of thousands of people lower their monthly premium payments, which otherwise would have doubled or even tripled. New Mexico is the only state to completely fill the gap left by the expiration of the federal help. Other states, like Connecticut, are offering limited assistance. Connecticut is offering aid to households with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level and will spend $115 million this year to partially offset the expiration of federal subsidies.
Alabama’s ‘pretty cool’ plan for robots in maternity care sparks debate
Sarah Jane Tribble, KFF Health News, Feb. 12
A plan to use robots to improve care for rural pregnant women and their babies in Alabama has received a mixed response. The idea was pitched in the state’s application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program as a way to address Alabama’s higher than average infant mortality rate and a profound loss of obstetric services. Doctors and advocates say there are not enough health workers to serve patients in many rural communities. In those areas, doctors lean on phone consultations and – when equipment and internet are available – telehealth. While some are excited about the idea to use robots as a solution, others argue that they cannot take the place of trained specialists who provide the level of care that pregnant women need.
Dental hygiene students bring free mobile clinic to help bridge gap for patients in need
Julia LeBlanc, NBC Connecticut, Feb. 12
Students from the University of Bridgeport Fones School of Dental Hygiene are meeting patients where they are, providing free dental care through a mobile clinic at schools across the area. Twice a week, they visit Oakview School in Trumbull, a special education school serving young adults. In some cases, the students are struggling with sensory issues or are stuck on long waitlists for specialized care. The mobile clinic helps bridge the gap in access to dental care. “There are many barriers to care in general, you know, in life for everyone. So when it comes to special needs or special care dentistry, those barriers become a little bit more,” said Krystal Quaynor, an adjunct clinical professor at the school.
Harmful chemicals lurk in extensions and braiding hair marketed to Black women, study finds
Claretta Bellamy, NBC News, Feb. 12
The same chemicals found in pipes, pesticides and floor tiles are also present in some wigs, braiding hair and hair extensions, according to a new study. Some of the chemicals are known to cause birth defects, cancer, and reproductive issues. Many of the harmful hair products are used by and marketed to Black women. Chemical relaxers also pose an increased risk of cancer. For Black women, hair braiding is often seen as a protective style — it allows the hair to grow and gives it a break from relaxers. “To find out that this style is also exposing them to toxic chemicals is really unfortunate,” said Lariah Edwards, an associate research scientist at Columbia University. She called the findings another “catch 22 for Black women.”
For the first time, five Black surgical residents are leading the way at Johns Hopkins Hospital
Haniyah Philogene, TheGrio, Feb. 17
A team of five Black surgical residents is making history at Johns Hopkins Hospital. It is the first time that an all-Black team is leading the hospital’s flagship Halsted service in Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. Black individuals make up 13% of the United States population but only 6% of general surgeons nationwide. Dr. Lawrence B. Brown, one of the residents, says he is the first physician in his family. “It’s service. That’s what’s important to me. Equity has to remain at the forefront of how we deliver patient care, how we do research, how we scale programs up in our healthcare system.”