Your Weekly Dose of Health June 3, 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 find out how you can help stop them.*

National News:

  • Hillary Clinton recently floated the idea of expanding Medicare. The New York Times blog The Upshot discusses the pros and cons to expanding Medicare in the age of the Affordable Care Act.
  • A New York Times Editorial this week argues that there should be a fund created and maintained with the purpose of dealing with public health crises like the Zika virus. Right now, public health officials have to ask Congress for extra money, and in the case of the Zika issue Congress has been slow to deliver.
  • The death rate in the U.S. has risen for the first time in a decade, surprising researchers and experts.
  • California is working on becoming the first state to allow undocumented immigrants purchase health insurance through its exchange.
  • In Albany this week White Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Michael Botticelli, along with Congressman Tonko, Lt. Governor Hochul, and state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Commissioner Gozalez-Sanchez called for passing President Obama’s $1.1 billion proposal to combat heroin and opioid addiction.

State News:

  • In an op-ed in the Times Union, Bill Hammond of the Empire Center argues that the Department of Financial Services shouldn’t “meddle” with insurance rate increases.
  • Heroin and Opioid overdoses have fallen slightly in Erie county.
  • New York State launched the first phase of a $10.4 billion homeless action plan. Read more here.

New York City News:

  • Thrive NYC released its mental health progress report this week. Read here.

Upcoming Events:

  • Crain’s New York is hosting a healthcare summit on June 27th at the New York Athletic Club in New York City. More details here.
  • The United Hospital Fund is holding its annual Medicaid Conference on July 14th in New York City. Read more here.