From the article - The probe found widespread noncompliance and violations of federal law in how health plans and insurers cover mental health care, echoing the findings of a recent ProPublica investigation.
The U.S. Department of Labor found widespread noncompliance and violations of federal law in how health plans and insurers cover mental health care, findings that mirror a recent ProPublica investigation. Health plans, and the companies that administer them, have excluded key behavioral treatments, such as therapies for substance use and autism, and offered inadequate networks of mental health providers, according to a 142-page report released Jan. 17 in conjunction with the Treasury and Health and Human Services departments. Please read the entire story here: https://www.propublica.org/article/department-labor-investigation-health-insurance-doctors-healthcare
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What’s more, that confusion and frustration might be intentional. A physician employed by the health insurance company Elevance once told me, “We have productivity metrics. We probably have 10 or 15 minutes or so to do reviews and depending on the case, that may not be adequate. And we’re told denying things is OK because people can appeal.” The problem is that these appeals impose substantial costs on patients, many of whom don’t ultimately get their prescribed treatments. Read the entire article at the link - https://www.statnews.com/2025/01/23/health-insurance-denial-prior-authorization-help-appeal/ Frank Wampol had a dark realization when he came across some alarming data a few years ago: More than 5,000 male construction workers die from suicide annually — five times the number who die from work-related injuries, according to several studies. That’s considerably more than the suicide rate for men in the general population.
Please read the entire article here: https://www.oregonlive.com/health/2025/01/beyond-hard-hats-mental-struggles-become-the-deadliest-construction-industry-danger.html?outputType=amp From the article:
Determining when your aging parent needs help is an emotional and delicate process. Age-related physical and cognitive changes can happen so gradually that recognizing the right time to step in can be challenging. You don’t want to invade your aging loved ones’ space or take away their independence, but you also want to ensure their safety, health, and quality of life. Keep reading to learn the 10 signs your elderly parent needs help. The sooner you recognize them, the more likely you are to avoid a potential crisis. #5. Noticeable mood changes or irritability #9. Difficulty managing medications Please read the entire article here: https://www.talkspace.com/blog/signs-your-elderly-parent-needs-help/ From the article:
A USC-led study has found that mild cognitive impairment is linked to blood vessel dysfunction in the brain’s temporal lobes, regardless of Alzheimer’s-related changes. This suggests that vascular issues may serve as an early biomarker for dementia and could be a promising target for treatment. The study highlights the importance of focusing on vascular health in diagnosing and potentially treating memory loss. Read the full article here: https://scitechdaily.com/usc-study-exposes-hidden-culprit-of-dementia-in-brains-blood-vessels/ From the article:
Summary: A new study reveals that older adults experience the least attention difficulties when home temperatures remain between 68–75 ˚F (20–24 ˚C). Deviations beyond this range double the risk of attention lapses, highlighting how even current climate conditions may harm cognitive health. This risk is especially pronounced for low-income seniors who may lack the means to regulate indoor temperatures. Please read the full article here: https://neurosciencenews.com/temperature-aging-cognition-28353/ From the article:
“Access to alcohol and lethal means of harm, as well as poverty, are all known risk factors for suicide,” said Lindsey. “Our research suggests that a great starting place for saving lives is to fund and enact public policies that target these three areas.” In addition, while some of the most effective policies focus on improving well-being over the long term, others—including those related to firearms and restricting other lethal means—aim to make it more difficult to make quick decisions that can have fatal consequences. “Suicide is often an impulsive act,” said Purtle. “Anything you can do to delay that impulsivity on average will be beneficial and will prevent suicide from a public health perspective.” Please read the entire article here: https://scitechdaily.com/from-wages-to-wellness-the-hidden-fight-against-suicide/ From the article:
The mental health equivalent of the urgent care medical clinic has arrived in south central Pennsylvania and, in the eyes of many who work in the field, not a minute too soon. It’s the region’s first 24/7, mental health walk-in clinic. Read the article at this link: https://www.pennlive.com/news/2024/12/new-walk-in-center-for-people-in-mental-health-crisis-offers-alternative-to-jail-ers.html From the article:
Those who demonstrated a decrease in walking speed by at least 2 inches per second a year — along with slower cognitive ability — had a higher risk of dementia, as compared to individuals considered to be "non-decliners, cognitive-only decliners or gait-only decliners," according to the report. Read the article here: https://www.foxnews.com/health/dementia-risk-could-linked-walking-speed-study-suggests |
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