Category: Public Health

Medicare Advantage Plans Send Pals to Seniors’ Homes for Companionship — And Profits

Many Medicare Advantage plans send caregivers to the homes of seniors periodically to help with housework and provide companionship. But the workers may also prod seniors into activities that boost the plans’ Medicare ratings and federal reimbursements.

Want Vulnerable Californians to Have Healthier Pregnancies? Doulas Say the State Must Pay Up.

California was supposed to start paying doulas this year to help Medicaid enrollees have healthy pregnancies. But the benefit has been delayed because doulas feel lowballed by the state’s proposed reimbursement rate, which is below what most other states pay.

Want Vulnerable Californians to Have Healthier Pregnancies? Doulas Say the State Must Pay Up.

California was supposed to start paying doulas this year to help Medicaid enrollees have healthy pregnancies. But the benefit has been delayed because doulas feel lowballed by the state’s proposed reimbursement rate, which is below what most other states pay.

What’s driving Europe’s uptick in COVID-19 cases: 5 notes

COVID-19 cases are beginning to rise in several European countries, which could signal a slight rise in cases this spring in the U.S. 

Despite Seniors’ Strong Desire to Age in Place, the Village Model Remains a Boutique Option

Membership-based villages help arrange services for seniors — such as handyman help or transportation to appointments — and provide social connections through classes, leisure opportunities, or community events. Despite great promise, they have been slow to expand because of difficulties raising funding and keeping people interested.

US government lets digital health company pay drug users to stay clean

A new legal opinion from the White House is allowing a company to pay people with drug addictions for staying clean, The Washington Post reported March 11. 

COVID-19 cases at lowest level since July: 10 CDC findings

The nation’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases dipped below 40,000 this week, mirroring levels last seen in July 2021, CDC data shows. 

Flu increasing across most of US — 10 CDC notes

Flu activity is increasing across most of the U.S., with the highest flu test positivity levels reported in Central and South-Central states, according to the CDC’s FluView report published March 11.

Flu shot offers little protection this season, CDC data shows

This season’s flu vaccine is only 16 percent effective at preventing infection, according to new estimates from the CDC.

9 states where COVID-19 deaths have climbed the last 2 weeks

COVID-19 deaths are falling nationwide, but nine states are still seeing higher daily death averages than recorded two weeks ago.