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State Health Notes
November 2005 Issues
Volume 26, Number 457: November 28, 2005
Cover Story - Improving Dental Care for Children: Alaska Turns to Dental Health Aides
The rate of tooth decay among American Indians and Alaska Natives is 2.5 times greater than in the general population. Hoping to improve the situation, Alaskan tribes are sending members abroad to become specialized dental care workers.
Graphically Speaking - Troubling Trends in Infant Health
The rate of preterm births has jumped 30 percent since 1980. Research!America documents the risks and concomitant costs associated with premature birth, as well as the importance of timely prenatal care.
Highlights
Part D Lawsuit…LA waiver…IL coverage for kids…Obesity epidemic, or not?...PA pays for hospital infections…Smoking rate down…NY mulls tobacco lawsuit…Dial-a-Doc in TX…ED study…Paying for abstinence…WV bans 190-proof booze
Focus On - States Embracing Creative Ways to Increase Adoptions
Each year, roughly 523,000 children are in foster care. States are trying to boost the number of children who are placed in permanent homes by using everything from public service announcements to professional photos in traveling shows.
FYI - Montana Waiver: Covering Big Sky Residents
Montana is applying for an 1115 waiver that will expand coverage without increasing costs to the state.
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Volume 26, Number 456: November 14, 2005
Cover Story - Medicare Part D: Bracing for Implementation
Come Jan. 1, 2006, Medicare Part D takes effect, offering 42 million beneficiaries access to prescription drugs. While the program is expected to greatly help beneficiaries, state officials are concerned that implementation will be difficult.
Primary Care News - Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome: States Mandate Education in Hospitals, Schools
Each year, up to 1,400 infants die or are severely injured from violent shaking at the hands of their caregivers. A handful of states are enacting laws requiring hospitals and schools to educate parents, and potential parents, about the hazards of shaking.
Graphically Speaking - Hospitals Investing in Information Technology, But Slowly
Hospitals have been pioneers in harnessing information technology but challenges remain, says a report from the American Hospital Association.
Highlights
TennCare fraud and abuse; limits on Rx…Depression screening… Substance abuse treatment saves $$...Overdose prevention…Tax credits…Medical debt and housing status…Organ donation…WA smoking ban…Future of diabetes
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