State Health Notes

State Health Notes
January 2003 Issues

Volume 24, Number 388: January 27, 2003

Cover Story - High-Risk Health Insurance Pools: States Seek Help for “Uninsurables”
Health insurance for people with preexisting medical conditions is costly, and states have tried to help by establishing high-risk pools. An infusion of new federal funds may help them carry out their mission.

State Speak - Selecky: A Juggling Act on Public Health
Washington Secretary of Health Mary Selecky discusses department plans to combat bioterrorism and address the big budget shortfall.

Highlights
ME Rx program update…A+ for KY Medicaid plan…Health care spending up… SCHIP, Medicaid cuts … Count of uninsured kids… IOM top 20 health priority areas …NJ cancer control plan… State grades on tobacco settlement $$… Fattest & fittest cities … Diabetes, obesity on the rise… NJ stem cell research … Palliative care program

FYI
Oregon Poster Campaign Aims to Get Men Into Nursing Careers

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Volume 24, Number 387: January 13, 2003

Cover Story - Point-Counterpoint: Simmons, Butler Discuss the Need for Health System Reform - and Barriers to It
With 41 million Americans lacking health insurance, it may be time to discuss a comprehensive, national solution. Two experts with different takes on the issue debate options for an overhaul of the health system.

Highlights
MI Medicaid Rx ruling… NYC indoor smoking ban… Smoking rules for MN offices, factories and warehouses... OK Restaurant Assn seeks 2/3 vote on smoking ban... Rural assistance center at UND

FYI - Serving the Over-60 Crowd: A Specialized California Clinic
The Over 60 Health Center in Berkeley, CA provides low-income seniors with health, social services.

Public Health News - Cancer Screenings: Sorting Through Science and the Maze of Guidelines
The changing science makes it difficult for policymakers and the public to assess the benefits and risks of screening tests for various cancers. A look at the controversy.

Health Talk - Atkins: Prevention as Part of Primary Care
David Adkins, M.D., who’s been a science advisor to the U.S.Preventive Services Task Force, discusses screening guidelines development.

Vital Signs
The American Cancer Society’s screening guidelines for three forms of cancer: what, how often, who?

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