Families USA’s Post

https://lnkd.in/eVPkZYzS This is a very sad commentary and what it says to me is that technology is not going to solve all of our problems. How can we reconcile lower life expectancy, higher avoidable mortality rates, high coinsurance and deductibles (which results in people not seeking care) and other adverse factors, compared to other high-income nations, with the amount of money that we pour into this system or rather non-system? I'm not sure exactly how much we're going to accomplish with all of the competitive aspects of our Healthcare delivery in this country; but, somehow I am not holding out much promise for reform at this time, when it appears that competition is only going to become fiercer. I hope I'm wrong, and I hope that whatever efficiencies are going to be introduced into the health system, there is an emphasis on prevention and also poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, gun violence and socioeconomic inequality that are responsible for dragging down our health performance. What can we do to promote these objectives? People are complaining about the high cost of things. Maybe we ought to begin with soul searching and advocate in the interest of our own health and well-being. #newagingpartnership #caregivingconfidential #healthreform #publichealth #socialwork

Nearly 90% of Americans struggle with health literacy, making it difficult to understand and make informed decisions about their health or find and use health care services that may be available to them.   Throughout Health Literacy Month this October, I want to stress the important role we can all play in making sure our communities and those we serve are able to take charge of their health and make the best possible decisions about their own care. Health care providers and public health professionals can help break down complicated terms and processes, demystify health care coverage, and connect people to services that can have a measurable impact on a person’s health and life.   If you’re unsure of where to start with materials and resources that can help explain common health care terms and questions in plain language, I urge you to visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health’s Coverage to Care resources.   #HealthLiteracy #Coverage2Care

Top thing on my mind this afternoon: Ahh, lists & rankings. Rankings & lists. One in the same, really. And still my all-time favorite thing to read about. Just, not this one. As the title reads, "U.S. ranks last for health care affordability for lower-income adults." Yikes. "The researchers found that the U.S. does particularly poorly for lower-income citizens. Nearly half (46%) of lower-income Americans said they delayed or skipped health care treatments or visits because of affordability issues. Even among higher-income Americans, more than one-quarter of respondents (29%) said they were likely to skip or delay health care because of the cost." We also should probably start giving the British a break for their bad teeth. "The U.S. ranked second among all countries in adults with lower or average incomes who were more likely to skip dental care; 46%, just below 47% for those in New Zealand." Not a joyful list but one that has an impact all the same. https://lnkd.in/g-G2vkmh

Health care costs are top of mind for many Americans right now. Whether we have experienced high costs first hand or read about rising costs in the news, we are aware that high costs are a reality in our health care system. This week, Jane Sung and I published a report that highlights the particular burden of high health care costs on adults ages 50 to 64 ("midlife adults") https://lnkd.in/gc-JZ-qw. This report provides an overview of how high costs are affecting midlife adults and over the following months we plan to roll out a series of briefs that consider the impact of specific health care costs issues. AARP Policy, Research, and Thought Leadership

A Kaiser Family Foundation study found that 60% of people have delayed or skipped medical care because of cost. This can have negative consequences and can also lead to severe financial hardship. Here are a few reasons why enrolling in health care coverage can keep you well, physically and financially. #FloridaBlue

A Kaiser Family Foundation study found that 60% of people have delayed or skipped medical care because of cost. This can have negative consequences and can also lead to severe financial hardship. Here are a few reasons why enrolling in health care coverage can keep you well, physically and financially. #FloridaBlue

A Kaiser Family Foundation study found that 60% of people have delayed or skipped medical care because of cost. This can have negative consequences and can also lead to severe financial hardship. Here are a few reasons why enrolling in health care coverage can keep you well, physically and financially. #FloridaBlue

Today's Healthcare News: Universal Health Coverage in California – Progress and Next Steps 🌟 California has made remarkable strides in health coverage, but challenges remain in ensuring access for everyone. Key highlights: - Medi-Cal's Role: Over one-third of Californians rely on Medi-Cal, with Latinx populations benefiting significantly. Covered California serves as a vital resource for those earning above Medi-Cal thresholds. - Historic Low Uninsured Rate: California's uninsured rate dropped to 6.4% in 2023, reflecting a decade of focused efforts. - Addressing Disparities: American Indian/Alaska Native Californians face the highest uninsured rates, underscoring the need for targeted outreach and antiracist policies. - Medi-Cal Renewal Challenges: Over 1.8M Californians lost Medi-Cal coverage due to paperwork hurdles. Simplifying the renewal process is critical. - Potential Premium Hikes: If federal tax credits expire in 2025, Covered California premiums could rise by 63%, disproportionately impacting communities of color. Looking Ahead: Policy recommendations include permanent Medi-Cal flexibilities, expanded coverage for children and adults, streamlined processes, and extended premium tax credits. #HealthcareEquity #UniversalHealthCoverage #ACA #CoveredCalifornia #PublicHealth #PolicyMatters #MCG #SBM101 #SBMU https://lnkd.in/gere8hJG

It’s important that #OlderAdults compare #Medicare plans each year to make sure that their coverage still works for them and their individual health needs and #PrescriptionDrugs. #MedicareOpenEnrollment starts in one week—make sure the #OlderAdults in your community know where to start:👇 https://lnkd.in/e5vDWQsx

Chronic conditions not only physically affect patients in profound and debilitating ways but also impose significant financial burdens. This financial toxicity often leads to mental distress and poorer healthcare outcomes. While half of the American population suffers from a chronic condition, it is crucial to recognize that minorities in the United States are twice as likely to suffer from major chronic diseases-and that poverty exacerbates these disparities. Last night, we had the privilege of sitting down with the community to discuss how they can navigate health insurance when living with a Chronic Health Condition. We emphasized the importance of: • ASKING QUESTIONS (especially in your own language) • RIGHTS UNDER THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT • DARING TO APPEAL A DENIED CLAIM • ASKING FOR OUTSIDE FINANCIAL HELP My hope is that those living with chronic illnesses have the information and knowledge to advocate for themselves and their communities. Looking ahead, I dream of a future where patients with chronic conditions can focus on healing and living, rather than choosing between buying food and paying medical bills. Thank you, Advance Community Health for your Power Hour initiative, where the community can come together to connect and learn. #HealthcareAccessForAll #Healthliteracy #LanguageAccessRights #HealthEquity