State Health Notes February 2005

State Health Notes
February 2005 Issues

Volume 26, Number 438: February 21, 2005

Cover Story - Teenage Drivers: Saving Lives by Imposing Restrictions
To a teenager, a driving license is a ticket to freedom – but unless the child drives safely, it could be a ticket to the morgue. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death in young people, because they’re inexperienced, easily distracted and prone to take risks. Most states are trying to protect both teens and other drivers by instituting graduated licensing requirements.

Focus On - States Turn to Family Planning Waivers to Serve Women, Save $
A federally financed study has found that Medicaid family planning waivers save states millions of dollars, largely by reducing the number of unplanned births. Medicaid pays for more than one-third of the nation’s 4 million annual births.

Highlights
Medicaid study...ADAP waiting lists...Drug resistant HIV... Malpractice insurance in RI...Oral health in AK...Gun control...Breast feeding rights...NM lawmakers walking for health...Contraceptive coverage in OR.

Graphically Speaking - Typical Middle-Class Americans File for Medical Bankruptcy
Nearly half of the 1.5 million bankruptcies filed in 2001 were caused by medical illness.

FYI - Road Rage: Trying to Put Aggressive Drivers in Park
State are trying to put the brakes on “road rage” by passing legislation that makes aggressive driving a punishable offence.

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Volume 26, Number 437: February 7, 2005

Cover Story - States Begin Debate over Health Policy, as Governors Unveil Proposals
Lawmakers face thorny issues in health policy this year, many of which were laid out by the nation’s governors in their annual State of the State addresses. Rising Medicaid costs, access to prescription drugs, access to health insurance, long-term care and obesity are just a few of the topics discussed by the governors.

Focus On - The Fight Over Sex Education: Part II
Abstinence-only or abstinence-plus? Part II. Researchers delve into the difficult matter of what works best to protect teenagers against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Maine dramatically lowers its teen pregnancy rate.

Highlights
CO restores benefits...Infant mortality rise...Obesity lawsuit moves ahead...Fidgeting burns calories…Large employers offer low-cost plan...MD HMOs plan to pass on costs...Behavioral health costs in ME...CA kids incarcerated...Rural, urban doctors paid the same...Right-to-Life case.

FYI - Don’t Pass Gas: Creating Smoke-Free Environments
A new media campaign uses humor against a serious public health threat – secondhand smoke. The American Legacy Foundation warns viewers: “Don’t Pass Gas.”

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