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Health Care and Insurance News Bulletin

December 8 – December 22, 2022

The purpose of this bulletin is to compile a handful of articles relating to health care coverage in the United States that are most pertinent to LIUNA and its health and welfare funds. We hope you find this biweekly bulletin helpful and informative.

AP: US Study: Over Half Of Car Crash Victims Had Drugs In System
A large study by U.S. highway safety regulators found that more than half the people injured or killed in traffic crashes had one or more drugs, or alcohol, in their bloodstreams. Also, just over 54% of injured drivers had drugs or alcohol in their systems, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active ingredient in marijuana, the most prevalent, followed by alcohol, the study published [December 13^th] by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found.

CNBC: Biden Administration Makes At-Home Covid Tests Available For Free Again This Winter
The Biden administration is making rapid Covid tests available for free again this winter through a limited round of ordering. Households can now order a total of four rapid Covid tests for free at CovidTests.gov.

NPR: American Life Expectancy Is Now At Its Lowest In Nearly Two Decades
The average life expectancy for Americans shortened by over seven months last year, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That decrease follows an already big decline of 1.8 years in 2020. As a result, the expected life span of someone born in the U.S. is now 76.4 years — the shortest it has been in nearly two decades.

The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer: Popular ‘Heart-Healthy’ Dietary Supplements Don’t Lower Cholesterol, New Cleveland Clinic Study Suggests
If you’re taking fish oil or garlic pills to lower cholesterol, a new Cleveland Clinic study suggests it’s a waste of money. Six commonly used dietary supplements marketed for improving heart health did not lower “bad cholesterol” when compared to a low-dose cholesterol-lowering medication or placebo, in the Clinic study.

CNN: Only 14% Of Diagnosed Cancers In The US Are Detected By Screening, Report Says
A small proportion – 14.1% – of all diagnosed cancers in the United States are detected by screening with a recommended screening test, according to a new report. The remaining diagnosed cancers tend to be found when someone has symptoms or seeks imaging or medical care for other reasons, suggests the report, posted online [December 14^th] by researchers at the nonprofit research organization NORC at the University of Chicago.

ABC News: States Who Banned Abortion Already Had High Maternal Death Rates And Fewer Doctors: Study
States who imposed strict abortion laws this year were already more likely to have significantly higher maternal and infant death rates as well as fewer doctors providing care to women, according to an analysis released [December 14^th] by an influential nonprofit research group.

Reuters: Vape Retailer Avail Loses Challenge To Denial Of FDA Approval
A seller of flavored liquid used in e-cigarettes has lost its appeal of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's refusal to approve its products, the latest in a series of court orders upholding the agency's tightening regulation of the e-cigarette industry.

KHN Investigation: The System Feds Rely On To Stop Repeat Health Fraud Is Broken
A months-long KHN examination of the system meant to bar fraudsters from Medicaid, Medicare, and other federal health programs found gaping holes and expansive gray areas through which banned individuals slip to repeatedly bilk taxpayer-funded programs.

NBC News: Just A Couple Minutes Of Vigorous Activity Several Times A Day Might Lower One's Risk Of Death
Just one to two minutes of such activity three to four times daily, the results showed, was associated with an up to 40% lower risk of death over the course of seven years, relative to the people who did not engage in any vigorous activity. The risk of dying from heart disease was reduced even further: up to 49%.

ABC News: Doctors Should Ask Heart Patients If They Take Supplements To Manage Heart Failure
Doctors should ask patients with heart failure if they’re using any supplements, specific diets, or other types of complementary and alternative medicines to help manage potential benefits and risks, the American Heart Association said in a scientific statement published [December 8^th].

STATES IN THE NEWS

Iowa Public Radio: Iowa Announces A $44 Million Settlement With Medicaid Managed Care Organization Centene
The state attorney general’s office has reached a $44.4 million settlement with managed care company Centene over its pharmaceutical billing practices. Missouri-based Centene operates as Iowa Total Care in the state. It’s one of two managed care organizations currently contracted with the state and providing services under its Medicaid program.

New Hampshire Public Radio: N.H. To Receive $15 Million From Walmart For Opioid Crisis Recovery And Treatment
Attorney General John Formella announced [December 14^th] that New Hampshire will receive $15.5 million from Walmart over the next year to fund recovery services and treatment for people living with opioid use disorder.

Health News Florida: Filling Out Medical Forms Can Be Difficult. A Tallahassee Startup Has An App To Help.
A Tallahassee startup wants to make visits to the doctor a little easier. WellConnector is an app that replaces the paperwork patients have to fill out before visits with new doctors.

Anchorage Daily News: Acting Alaska Health Commissioner Hedberg Is Pick For Permanent Boss
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has named the Alaska Department of Health’s interim leader as the agency’s new permanent commissioner. In a prepared statement Monday, he announced the appointment of Heidi Hedberg, who has served in a variety of roles within the state’s division of public health.

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Lisa M. Sabitoni, Esq.
Executive Director
Laborers' Health & Safety Fund of North America
905 16th Street, NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20006