Volume 25, Number 421: May 31, 2004

Cover Story - States Rein in Medicaid Spending Through “Hard” and “Subtle” Cuts
While most state budgets are recovering, Medicaid is still in jeopardy of being cut, especially if another round of federal fiscal aid is not forthcoming. A look at how Washington and Missouri are dealing with their programs.

Focus On - Suicide Prevention: A Trend That’s Saving Lives
About 30,000 Americans commit suicide each year. But suicide prevention has been neglected as a public health issue, largely because of the stigma. Now, however, states are launching prevention programs.

Highlights
Disparate access to Rx… Uninsured in EDs… Health care after retirement… Safety Net holes… Hip Hop and Tobacco… MA smoking liability… LA psychologist prescribing privileges… Vending machine survey… Behavioral Rx spending… ID drug assistance… MO drug donations.

Graphically Speaking - Many Young Adults Lack Coverage; What to Do?
Young adults make up a disproportionate share of the uninsured, says a Commonwealth Fund report.

Tracking Trends - States Addressing Custody of Children with Mental Illness
States address custody issues for children with mental illness.

Volume 25, Number 420: May 17, 2004

Cover Story - SCHIP: Enrollment Slows As State Budgets Dip
Constrained by tight budgets, many states have frozen or scaled back their SCHIP programs, though some states have expanded coverage, partly because studies show that investing in SCHIP saves money in the long run.

State Speak - Josefina Carbonell: Enabling Seniors to Stay in their Homes
The Administration on Aging head, Josephina Carbonell, has a vision for the future, and it’s one in which seniors can live in their homes as they age. It also includes healthy habits and preventive care. “It’s never too late to start exercising.”

Highlights
NJ, Medical errors...Soda & diabetes. . Kids’ blood pressure...Medicaid & family planning....Small businesses and coverage...MN in drug purchasing pool...Cold medicine limits in IA.... MD website for lower-cost drugs ...IL, HIV+ organ donation.

Graphically Speaking - Thirty States to See Reductions in Federal Medicaid Matching Rates
More than half the states should experience a decrease in their federal Medicaid matching rates in FY 2006; 5 will receive large gains.

Tracking Trends - Rx Importation Debate Gains Momentum
More states jump on the drug reimportation bandwagon, even though drug cost increases are easing slightly.

Volume 25, Number 419: May 3, 2004

Cover Story - States, Feds Tackle Obesity, Soon to Kill More People than Tobacco
Health experts predict that in 2005, obesity will become the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., killing more than 500,000 each year. With the human and financial costs of obesity so enormous, states and the federal government are struggling to trim the nation’s waistline.

Public Health News - States Using Evidence-Based Methods to Prevent Child Abuse
Nearly 900,000 children were abused last year; most were victims of neglect, but 1,400 were homicides. States are joining with the CDC and others to scientifically test new ways of preventing maltreatment and neglect.

Public Health Talk - Lutzker: Preventing Child Maltreatment
John Lutzker from the CDC talks about child maltreatment prevention models, and offers recommendations to states trying to implement programs.

Vital Signs
Facts and figures on the rates and types of child abuse and neglect.

Highlights
Family Planning Savings...Skin Cancer Education...OH, IA Battle against Methamphetamine...Medical Malpractice in OH.