Kaiser Health News
Health Insurers Limit Coverage of Prosthetic Limbs, Questioning Their Medical Necessity
SUMMARY: In 2023, Michael Adams faced insurance denial for a crucial prosthetic leg replacement. After losing his leg to cancer 40 years ago, he selected a health plan that covered advanced prosthetics, but his insurer deemed the replacement unnecessary, despite his doctor’s long-standing recommendation. This disparity in coverage, particularly between joint replacements and prosthetics, highlights ongoing discrimination in the amputee community. An estimated 2.3 million Americans live with limb loss, and many encounter barriers to obtaining necessary prosthetics. Leah Kaplan also struggled with insurance denial for a myoelectric prosthetic hand, emphasizing the financial and emotional toll of inadequate insurance coverage.
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Kaiser Health News
For Homeless Seniors, Getting Into Stable Housing Takes a Village — And a Lot of Luck
SUMMARY: Kim Hilton, 68, became homeless after rising rent in Montana forced him to leave his home. Unable to afford an apartment, Hilton lived in his truck, where he faced harsh winter conditions, diabetes complications, and multiple amputations. He was one of many seniors experiencing homelessness for the first time, a growing issue in the U.S. due to rising housing costs and medical needs. After nearly a year, Hilton secured a subsidized apartment, though his health had significantly declined. His case highlights the urgent need for affordable, accessible housing for seniors facing complex medical challenges.
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SUMMARY: California is implementing several new health care laws amid a year of relatively subdued policy changes. Key measures include ending medical debt’s impact on credit scores, extending hospital holds for violent offenders with severe mental illness, and banning PFAS chemicals in cosmetics. Additionally, public health officials now have the authority to inspect immigrant detention centers for compliance with regulations. Other notable laws mandate maternal mental health screenings, require accessible prescription labels for the visually impaired, and expand sick leave provisions. Governor Gavin Newsom has sought to delay mandatory fertility treatment coverage and has vetoed more ambitious health care reform proposals.
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SUMMARY: Growing old requires immense courage, as highlighted by Judith Graham’s conversations with older adults for her “Navigating Aging” columns. These individuals face uncertainties about health, support systems, and finances, yet they adapt and find meaning in their lives. Stories from people like Patricia Estess and Marna Clarke reveal the beauty of acceptance and resilience in aging. As Graham prepares for her own retirement and potential vision loss, she reflects on the importance of adapting to change, even without guarantees. Engaging with the experiences of others has enriched her understanding and commitment to navigate the complexities of aging.
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The Conversation5 days agoVaccine hesitancy among pet owners is growing – a public health expert explains why that matters
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News from the South - South Carolina News Feed6 days ago24 dead as fire crews try to corral Los Angeles blazes before winds return this week
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News from the South - Georgia News Feed7 days ago16 dead, 16 missing as fire crews try to corral Los Angeles blazes before winds return this week
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News from the South - Georgia News Feed3 days agoGeorgia senator arrested for trying to defy ban on entering House chamber
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News from the South - Texas News Feed7 days agoSurplus could fuel ‘life-changing decisions’ for Texans
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News from the South - Florida News Feed6 days agoMother of Jacksonville teen killed hours after high school graduation aims to keep his memory alive with special event
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News from the South - Florida News Feed6 days agoAsian stocks follow Wall Street’s retreat, oil prices surge
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News from the South - Florida News Feed3 days agoSpeaker Johnson removes chair of powerful House Intelligence Committee