Your Weekly Dose of Health May 6, 2016

* Did you know your health insurance plan can change your prescription medication coverage mid-way through the coverage year? Click here to learn more about these negative mid-year formulary changes and to see how you can help stop these harmful changes.

 

National News:

  • Many insurance plans bought on the Affordable Care Act markets may increase their premiums by 10% or more according to the New York Times. Most who buy insurance probably won’t be affected, as federal subsidies offset the increases.
  • The Obama Administration this week granted Texas a 15-month extension on a Medicaid waiver that provides federal funds for some hospitals in the state.

State News:

  • Governor Cuomo this week announced that New York State of Health and the state Athletic Commission will work to enroll the state’s boxers into health plans. They will hold enrollment events across the state to coincide with boxer weigh-in dates.
  • Governor Cuomo this week announced funding for the FreshConnect Food Box Program, which brings healthy food options to underserved areas in the state.
  • Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and Congressman Maloney wrote a letter to the EPA urging them to test the water supply in the city of Newburgh.

City News:

  • Emergency room visits due to the abuse of synthetic marijuana have declined by 85% since last July. The de Blasio administration has made combating use of the drug a top priority.

Upcoming Events:

  • The United Hospital Fund is holding its annual Medicaid Conference on July 14th in New York City. Read more here.