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Twenty Percent of Hispanic/Latino Kansans Lack Health Insurance
Twenty percent of Hispanic/Latino people in Kansas were uninsured in 2022, well above 12.7
percent of Black people and 6.2 percent of White people in Kansas, reports the Kansas
Reflector. A report from the Kansas Health Institute found that. although 52 percent of all
uninsured Kansans are white, three in ten Hispanic/Latino Kansans were uninsured. Many
factors, including language, income, legal, and cultural issues converge to perpetuate coverage
disparities.
Kansas Medicaid Expanding Coverage of Doula Services
Kansas' Medicaid program will begin covering doula services for women and newborns on July
1, 2024, reports the Kansas Reflector. This move aims to improve maternal and infant health
outcomes by providing support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum periods. The addition
of doula services aligns with broader efforts to enhance health care support for pregnant people,
including expanding postpartum coverage to twelve months.
Rhode Island Passes Law to Keep Medical Debt off Credit Reports
Rhode Island passed legislation prohibiting the reporting of medical debt to credit bureaus and
introduces consumer protection measures against deceptive debt collection practices, reports
Newport Buzz. Effective January 1, 2025, the legislation seeks to alleviate the burden of
medical expenses, which often lead to long-term financial hardships such as bankruptcy and
credit score deterioration. This initiative is part of Rhode Island's broader HEALTH initiative,
focusing on enhancing health care accessibility and affordability statewide.
Los Angeles County Approves Medical Debt Relief for Residents
Los Angeles County has passed a plan to use $5 million to purchase and forgive residents’
medical debt, according to KFF Health News. The county estimates the investment will help
150,000 residents and eliminate $500 million in debt. The measure is part of a pilot program
with the national organization Undue Medical Debt.
Washington Expands Medicaid-Like Coverage Regardless of Citizenship Status
Washington has started enrollment for a Medicaid-like program available to undocumented
adults with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, reports The Seattle Times.
With coverage starting July 1, 2024, the Apple Health Expansion will cover, with some
limitations, primary and specialty care, emergency visits, dental visits, pediatric care, and
pregnancy and labor services with no out-of-pocket costs or copays. The state Health Care
Authority plans to cap new enrollments at 13,000 people.
Delaware Establishes Hospital Cost Review Board
Delaware has passed legislation to establish a hospital cost review board, reports the Delaware
Business Times. The Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board will oversee hospital budgets,
aiming to control rising health care costs. This initiative is expected to increase transparency
and affordability in health care services, particularly for low-income residents. The board will
consist of members with expertise in health care economics and policy, ensuring informed
decision-making to benefit the state's health care system.
Minnesota Passes Medical Debt Fairness Act
Beginning October 2024, Minnesota will prohibit reporting medical debt to credit bureaus and
transferring medical debt to spouses, reports CBS News Minnesota. Additionally, providers may
not withhold care due to outstanding medical debt and wage garnishment will be limited based
on income.
Oklahoma Establishes Out-of-Network Ambulance Service Provider Act
Oklahoma has enacted a new law to protect patients from surprise ambulance bills, reports
News 9. The law, effective November 1, 2024, aims to shield patients from unexpected charges
during emergency ambulance rides. It also provides financial support for rural EMS services,
helping them acquire equipment and offer competitive wages. This legislation is expected to
improve the financial stability of EMS providers and ensure better patient protection without
increasing insurance premiums.
Washington Enacts Premium Change Transparency Rule
Washington will require insurance companies to explain to policyholders why their premiums
have gone up, reports My Northwest. Starting June 1, 2024, insurers will have to include a
disclaimer on the first page of renewal notices and billings statements notifying policyholders
they can request more details about their premium increase, and the insurer must respond
within 20 days. Effective June 1, 2027, insurance companies will have to provide explanations
automatically before renewing a policy with a 10 percent or more increase. The rule from the
Washington State Insurance Commissioner’s office is reportedly the first of its kind in the
country.
Oregon Health Care Costs Rose 3.6 Percent, Driven by Prescription Drugs, Among Other Factors
The Oregon Health Authority’s annual report on cost growth trends found health care costs grew
3.6 percent in Oregon between 2021-2022, reports KTVZ. Overall spending growth was slightly
above the benchmark rate of 3.4 percent, however more than half of plans and provider
organizations met the target. Cost growth was driven by increases in hospital outpatient
services, behavioral health services, and changes in how providers were paid, with more
providers receiving prospective payments, quality payments, and other value-based
arrangements.
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