Category: Public Health

The Policy, and Politics, of Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage, the private-sector alternative to original Medicare, now enrolls nearly half of all Medicare beneficiaries. But it remains controversial because — while most of its subscribers like the extra benefits many plans provide — the program frequently costs the federal government more than if those seniors remained in the fully public program. That controversy […]

CDC: Tuberculosis cases increase for 2nd year in a row

After what was a substantial decline in 2020, tuberculosis cases in the U.S. rebounded by 5 percent in 2022, up again for the second year in a row, according to the CDC. 

Being ‘Socially Frail’ Comes With Health Risks for Older Adults

Researchers are identifying new ways to assess older adults’ social circumstances and identify risks that can compromise their health. “It’s a more complete picture of older adults’ circumstances than any one factor alone,” one expert said.

Fresh Produce Is an Increasingly Popular Prescription for Chronically Ill Patients

Fresh produce prescription programs are getting a boost in Montana as a way of helping people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The approach may be a model for other rural states to promote healthy eating in food deserts.

US child mortality rising at rates not seen in 50 years

Child and adolescent mortality rates are climbing in the U.S. at the sharpest rates in nearly 50 years, a trend that has “ominous implications,” new research published in JAMA on March 13 revealed.

End of Covid Emergency Will Usher in Changes Across the US Health System

The May 11 expiration of the federal government’s pandemic emergency declaration will affect patient care across a broad range of settings, including telemedicine, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Unlocking the secret to successful weight loss: Curiosity is the key

The obesity epidemic is reaching an all-time high. It’s no surprise why – the fitness industry pushing expensive diets and intense workouts, combined with limited access to affordable health care options, makes it difficult for people to ma…

FDA to end some COVID-19 policies, revise others for long-term guidance

In advance of the ending of the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, the FDA will end some of the 72 pandemic-related guidance policies and keep some in place for an additional 180 days after the PHE ends, according to a notice in the March 13 F…

US to declassify COVID-19 origins information

President Joe Biden on March 20 signed a bill into law to declassify information about the pandemic’s origins. 

Mental Health Care by Video Fills Gaps in Rural Nursing Homes

In-person mental health care is hard to arrange in rural nursing homes, so video chats with faraway professionals are filling the gap.