Author: Melissa Patrick
-
Kentucky Health Cooperative, largest private provider on state insurance exchange, gets $65 million loan to keep going
The Kentucky Health Cooperative, a non-profit, consumer-governed health insurance company, received a $65 million federal loan last month to keep it afloat just days before the second open-enrollment period began,...
-
Ten common myths about diabetes busted
Kentucky ranks 17th in diabetes, and many Kentuckians are newly diagnosed every year with the disease, usually Type 2 diabetes. The diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have...
-
Ky. ranks 8th in the number of high-prescribing Medicare physicians for powerful narcotic painkillers and stimulants
Kentucky ranks eighth in Medicare physicians who are considered “high prescribers” of Schedule 2 medications, drugs that have the highest potential for abuse like oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine and Ritalin, according...
-
Spending bill allows schools that show ‘hardship’ to vary from requirement to serve 100 percent whole grains
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News The massive 2015 spending bill signed by President Obama Dec. 16 includes a provision to help schools struggling with the whole-grain and sodium requirements...
-
Dec. 15 is deadline for Jan. 1 Kynect coverage; final deadline in second open enrollment is Feb. 15
Kentuckians can sign up for coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act through Kynect, Kentucky’s health insurance exchange, through Feb. 15. But to be covered on Jan. 1, you...
-
Flu activity becomes widespread, closing schools
Kentucky’s flu activity level has become widespread, which means at least half the regions of the state have reported confirmed cases of influenza. Schools are a testimony to this increase...
-
Kentucky drops two spots in America’s Health Rankings, based on data since 2012 or earlier
Kentucky dropped two spots in the 25th annual America’s Health Rankings report this year and finds itself once again as one of the bottom five healthiest (or unhealthiest) states. Since...
-
Kentucky ‘s spending of tobacco settlement on tobacco-prevention programs fall far short of what CDC recommends
Kentucky ranks 39th in the country in funding programs that prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit, according to a national report from a coalition of public-health organizations. Kentucky ranks...
-
Anti-obesity program targets preschoolers, will expand to rural Kentucky next year
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News The latest America’s Health Rankings report ranks Kentucky as the 47th healthiest state, a fall from 45th last year. With the exception of one...
-
Kentuckians rank high in colorectal cancer deaths; study will use emergency rooms to promote screening to save lives
University of Kentucky College of Nursing Associate Professor Jennifer Hatcher has received a two-year $359,528 grant for her project, “Promoting Colorectal Cancer Screenings in Rural Emergency Departments.” The grant, given...