Category: HEALTH POLICY
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House sends tobacco-free schools bill to Senate with three days left in session, minimum needed for passage; backers have hope
Rep. Kim Moser — By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News A bill to make all Kentucky public schools and events tobacco-free passed the state House overwhelmingly Tuesday, but with just three...
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Thinking About Health column: Seniors have until March 31 to change options for Medicare or Medicare Advantage
By Trudy Lieberman, Rural Health News Service Solicitations for Medicare Advantage plans once again have been arriving in the mail, promising the best bargain since sliced bread. A case in...
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Outlook seems bleak for Passport Health Plan, only nonprofit among five companies than manage Medicaid for the state
The state’s only nonprofit Medicaid manager, Passport Health Plan, is “facing extinction” unless it gets a favorable court ruling or more help from the state, Passport CEO Mark Carter told Boris...
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Ban on tobacco use in schools still alive; may pass House with measure raising to 21 legal age to buy tobacco and e-cigarettes; question may be ‘coming to terms’ with agricultural community
By Melissa Patrick and Al Cross Kentucky Health News With just three days left to pass bills, lawmakers in the state House are still working on measures that would protect...
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House committee strongly endorses medical marijuana, but time and the Senate stand in the way, in a session about to end
Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville (LRC Public Information photo) — With a resounding 16-1 vote, a House committee approved a bill Wednesday to legalize medical marijuana in Kentucky, but it seems unlikely...
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Kentuckians use too many antibiotics; we’re No. 1 in the nation, and a campaign has started to reduce inappropriate use
Kentucky has the highest rate of antibiotic use in the United States, and the University of Louisville School of Medicine is trying to do something about it. The school’s Department of Pediatrics has mounted...
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Sponsor of bill to ban tobacco use at all public schools and events files last-ditch amendment to give districts 3 years to opt out of it
Rep. Kim Moser — This is an updated version of a story that was first published Saturday, March 2. By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News FRANKFORT, Ky. — The sponsor...
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State officials defend handling of hepatitis A outbreak as an additional warning is revealed and legislators voice concern
Health Secretary Adam Meier (center) led a March 1 news conference on hepatitis A. Sen. Ralph Alvarado (left) and Sen. MorganMcGarvey (right) have want to examine the state’s response to the outbreak. (Facebook Live image) — By Melissa Patrick...
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Tobacco-free-school bill on life support; move afoot to make 21 legal age for e-cigs; some legislators want just one tobacco bill
Health advocates rallied at the state Capitol Feb. 28 to ask legislators to bring the tobacco-free school bill up for a vote, saying it has the votes to pass. (Photos...
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Guthrie tries to preserve funding for Medicaid program that gets beneficiaries out of facilities and into community-based support
Brett Guthrie (Ft. Collins Coloradoan photo) — U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie is working to find money to save a program aimed at moving Medicaid beneficiaries, mainly those with disabilities, out of...