Kaiser Health News
Across the South, Rural Health Care Has Become ‘Trendy.’ Medicaid Expansion Has Not.
SUMMARY: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clemson University’s primary care clinic in Walhalla addresses healthcare gaps for uninsured and primarily Hispanic patients. Many travel long distances for care from bilingual nurse practitioner Michelle Deem. Despite being known for football, Clemson is expanding its healthcare services with state funding to support rural health initiatives. However, many Southern states, including South Carolina, have not fully embraced Medicaid expansion, limiting access for low-income adults. Advocacy groups aim to change this, seeking to improve healthcare access amid broader rural health challenges, including hospital closures and inequitable health outcomes in the region.
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Kaiser Health News
As States Mull Medicaid Work Requirements, Two Scale Theirs Back
SUMMARY: President Trump’s return to the White House has reignited interest among Republicans in Medicaid work requirements, with states like South Carolina and Ohio seeking to implement such policies. However, Georgia and Arkansas are proposing changes to their existing work requirement programs, revealing the challenges of these initiatives. Consumer advocates argue that these requirements create unnecessary obstacles and do not effectively improve employment outcomes. While some states consider work requirements, many eligible for Medicaid already work or can be exempt. Critics emphasize that such programs often burden low-income families and can lead to loss of health insurance without improving job opportunities.
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Kaiser Health News
Montana Looks To Regulate Prior Authorization as Patients, Providers Decry Obstacles to Care
SUMMARY: The Volpe family from Helena, Montana, has faced significant delays in their son’s treatment for a chronic bowel disease due to the prior authorization process required by their health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana. These delays lasted over 18 months, affecting the timely administration of essential treatments. In response, lawmakers are drafting bills for the 2025 Montana Legislature to limit insurers’ power in denying necessary care via prior authorization. This issue has gained traction nationally, as many states have enacted similar laws. Pediatricians argue that the current system leads to increased burnout and hindered patient care.
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Kaiser Health News
Doctor Wanted: Small Town Offers Big Perks To Attract a Physician
SUMMARY: Havana, Florida, a rural community of 1,750 residents, is facing a doctor shortage after local physician Mark Newberry retired in December. To attract a new doctor, town leaders are offering rent-free medical office space equipped with essential tools. They emphasize the importance of having a local doctor for the community’s health needs, particularly for low-income and older residents with limited transportation options. Although interest has primarily come from nurse practitioners, the town hopes to recruit a primary care physician. Recently, they began contract negotiations with Camron Browning, a local who completed his residency and aims to serve his hometown.
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