State Health Watch Archives – October 1, 2003
October 1, 2003
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States with reformed litigation systems have lower premiums
With no consensus on the causes of malpractice insurance problems or their cure, many patients covered by state health programs such as Medicaid and the State Childrens Health Insurance Program may have a tough time obtaining needed health care. -
Fiscal Fitness: How States Cope - Want the job done right and cheaply? Here’s how states can help moms and taxpayers save
State agencies often are involved in programs so large and complex that it can be difficult to see the benefits for residents. But occasionally they are able to work with simple and straightforward programs that have an obvious positive impact on peoples lives and should benefit the state budget in the long-term. One example is the partnership between the New Mexico Department of Healths Women, Infants, and Children program and Fresh Baby, a start-up company founded to teach women to make their own baby food. -
Does malpractice liability pressure lead to reduced care?
As the debate over the malpractice insurance crisis continues with little sign of agreement on causes or cures, there is little definitive that can be said about the impact of malpractice insurance pressures on access to and utilization of care. -
Pennsylvania reform lauded by NASHP
Pennsylvanias 2002 comprehensive malpractice reform legislation is a model for states to consider, according to a 2002 paper by National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) senior analyst Mimi Marchev. -
Medicaid block grants could hurt mentally ill
What impact would there be if the federal government carries out its Medicaid reform strategy by making the program a block grant? The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law says the results could include making more people with mental illness homeless; denying early mental health treatment for children; and increasing the number of adults and juveniles with serious mental illnesses who are in jails, juvenile detention centers, and prisons because of lack of access to community mental health care. -
What can be done about a mental health system in disarray?
The nations mental health system is in a shambles and needs a major overhaul rather than incremental improvements. Thats the assessment of the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health appointed by President Bush.