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The LATEST
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- Stateline Story
In Oregon, a New Health Care Debate Awaits
PORTLAND, Oregon - In Oregon, the health care debate is taking on a different twist. Incoming governor John Kitzhaber wants to "fundamentally change the way health care is organized and delivered" in his state. He spoke with Stateline recently to discuss his plans. more
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- Report
- Children's Dental Campaign
It Takes A Team
This 2010 report was the first to examine the impact that hiring new types of dental providers—dental therapists and hygienists-therapists—could have on both the productivity and profits of a private dental practice, where more than 90 percent of the nation’s dentists work.
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- Stateline Story
How Wisconsin Made Big Medicaid Cuts With Little Controversy
When lawmakers needed huge health care savings to balance the budget, they turned the decision-making over to a panel of stakeholders. The strategy could be a model for other states looking to squeeze money out of their Medicaid programs. more
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- Research & Analysis
- Children's Dental Campaign
Washington's ABCD Program
This 2010 Pew Center on the States report looked at how dental care remains the greatest unmet need for health services among children.
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- Stateline Story
Health Care Reform's X Factor
Nobody knows for sure how much expanding Medicaid will cost the states because it's impossible to say how many new people will sign up for the program. A new study says that new enrollments, and their associated costs, could run much higher than many states expected.more -
- Stateline Story
Rhode Island's Medicaid Gamble
A small state has launched a big experiment to cap Medicaid spending by keeping seniors at home and out of more costly nursing facilities. And the effort is getting high marks - so far.more -
- Stateline Story
Are There Enough Docs for the Newly Insured?
After Massachusetts started rolling out its 2006 law to ensure that nearly every one of its residents had health insurance, the sudden influx of newly insured patients created long waits to see primary care doctors. Now, physicians worry the entire country could see the same thing happen when the recently passed national health law takes full effect in 2014. more
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- Stateline Story
Hope for the Long Term
A casual observer of the health care debate might think the historic new federal law does little to help older Americans. In fact, emotional talk of "death panels" likely led more than a few people to expect bad news for end-of-life care. It's true that the new law promises to pay only a tiny share of states' biggest and fastest growing health care bill - long-term care for the elderly and other adults with disabilities. Still, its attention to the issue may end up paying much bigger dividends in the future. more
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- Stateline Story
Some States Like the Sweet Taste of Soda and Candy taxes
An ad by the New York City Health Department aims to link the consumption of sugary drinks with costly health problems. Are sugary sodas and candy the new tobacco and liquor - vices that states want to discourage to save on health care bills but also tax heavily to replenish empty coffers? Colorado recently lifted exemptions on soda and candy and expects to bring in $3.6 million. The governors of Massachusetts and Washington State both are eyeing candy and soda taxes. And, for the second year in a row, the governor in New York wants a higher tax on sugary drinks to help pay for the health problems associated with obesity. But critics say the taxes are discriminatory and bad tax policy. more
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- Stateline Story
Anthem Rate Hikes Felt Beyond California
TODAY'S TAKE: Sharp rate hikes by health insurer Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield are causing ripples in many states amid a well-publicized plan by the company to increase premiums by as much as 39 percent in California. The firm insures hundreds of thousands of people across the country with individual plans that could see double-digit increases in their monthly premiums.more