Rainbow Health’s Post

Women's life expectancy in the U.S. is, on average, two years less than our female peers in other developed countries, we learn in the latest look into Health Care for Women: How the U.S. Compares Internationally from The Commonwealth Fund. In today's Health Populi, I discuss four key charts from the Fund's analysis of women's health in wealthy countries, to find that women in the U.S. face lower life spans, are at greater risk for developing heart disease, deal with self-rationing care due to cost versus women in other rich nations (and face greater medical bill problems as part of their financial risks in U.S. health care), and deal with other health care access issues compared with our sisters in other wealthier parts of the world. I tie into the Hot Points the long-understood role that having health insurance plays into our health -- having coverage is indeed a Social Determinant of Health, KFF's long-standing definition has known for decades. #healthinsurance #healthsecurity #healthplans #womenshealth #financialtoxicity #medicalbills #medicaldebt #healthequity #genderequity #pinktax #healthcosts #hccosts #publichealth AHIP Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Girls Inc. Forbes Reshma Saujani Moms First Girls Who Code Maggie McGrath Huma Abedin American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP)

EHF is committed to the mission of improving #HealthNotJustHealthCare in Texas. We recognize that true health equity requires systemic improvements in both medical care and the non-medical drivers of health that affect more than 80% of a person's overall health and well-being. This year’s installment of CNBC's “America’s Top States for Business” report included quality of life among 10 categories of competitiveness used to rank the states – Texas ranked at the bottom for the quality of life component. With an influx of new residents, Texas faces critical issues in health care access, with a notably low number of primary care providers and the highest number and highest rate of uninsured residents in the nation. These gaps in health infrastructure underscore the urgent need for comprehensive policy changes. Addressing the non-medical drivers of health by emphasizing preventative care and expanding access to affordable health insurance would not only improve Texans' quality of life but also decrease overall health care costs. Investments in primary care and expanded insurance coverage also ensure that health issues are addressed early, reducing the need for expensive emergency care and chronic disease management. These measures also create healthier communities where residents can thrive both physically and economically. To improve the quality of life in Texas, we must move beyond only treating illness to fostering environments where health can thrive. This means investing in primary care, expanding health insurance coverage, and addressing non-medical factors that have a direct impact on the health of all Texans. https://lnkd.in/gakErXRK #healthequity #NMDOH #SDOH

🌟 A Call to Action: Advocating for Coverage Equality 1️⃣ Share Experiences: Bring attention to insurance challenges related to Long COVID by sharing personal experiences and stories. This helps raise awareness and encourages empathy. 2️⃣ Support Policy Changes: Advocate for policy adjustments that specifically address the unique healthcare needs associated with Long COVID, ensuring fair and comprehensive coverage. 3️⃣ Explore Patient Assistance Programs: Share information about available patient assistance programs and resources that can provide financial support for medical expenses. 4️⃣ Educate Others: Use your platform to educate your network about insurance issues tied to Long COVID. The more people understand, the greater the collective advocacy for change. 5️⃣ Encourage Workplace Awareness: Advocate for workplace policies that accommodate individuals dealing with #LongCOVID, promoting understanding and support. Ingrid Wilson, CHRL, CMS Puneet Singh Singhal John Swain FInstIB Scott Squires Andrew Wylam Cynthia Adinig Laura Martin U.S. Access Board

Did you know? The latest review from the Kansas Health Institute reveals that 20% of Hispanic Kansans experience higher uninsured rates. Cultural, economic, and legal challenges are key factors contributing to this disparity. This emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize health equity across the state and advocate for affordable and accessible healthcare for all. #HealthEquity

Law Regulation and Payment approaches are being looked at by our Senate. Technology is already making our healthcare system more efficient. However, some systems are biased and discriminate against patients based on race, gender, sexual orientation and disability. Time for regulation that is clear to protect patients from bias in AI. #BenefitMall #employeebenefits #healthcare

Many changes in the new 1557 rule - reinstating and building upon the protections from the 2016 rule. The 1557 changes are one of the many new federal actions aimed at preventing discrimination on the basis of disability.

Interesting article about the ACA nondiscrimination rules.

Can Ottawa force the provinces to pay for virtual care? The-14 Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP) #Canada #CanadianPolitics #Health #TeleHealth #VirtualCare #CanadaHealthAct #HealthcarePolicy #Telemedicine #Politics #HealthMinister #Provinces #FederalProvincialRelations #FederalPolicy 

Healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet many individuals with diverse gender identities face significant barriers when seeking medical care. These barriers can include discrimination, lack of provider knowledge, and inadequate insurance coverage, leading to disparities in health outcomes. 🚫 Barriers: Discrimination: Many individuals experience bias and prejudice from healthcare providers. Lack of Provider Knowledge: Healthcare professionals often lack training in gender-affirming care. Inadequate Insurance Coverage: Gender-affirming treatments are often not covered by insurance. 🔑 Solutions: Education and Training: Enhancing provider education on gender diversity and affirming care. Inclusive Policies: Implementing policies that protect against discrimination in healthcare settings. Improved Coverage: Advocating for comprehensive insurance coverage for gender-affirming treatments. We can create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all by addressing these barriers. Let's work together to ensure that everyone, regardless of their gender identity, has access to the care they need and deserve. 🌍❤️ #PrideMonth #GenderIdentity #HealthcareEquality #InclusiveHealthcare #HealthcareForAll

*** Upcoming Aged Care Act Changes (Effective 1 July 2025) *** A summary of the session at the Aged & Community Care Providers Association conference session. ✅Current Status: ⭐️Regulations: Still being developed. ⭐️Senate Enquiry: 3-6 months for feedback. ⭐️Passage: Possible this year before the election. ⭐️Implementation: from 1 July 2025. ✅Key Issues: ⭐️Stakeholder Views: Debates on criminal penalties, resident rights, and high-quality care definitions. ⭐️Rights off one resident vs another resident ⭐️Regulations: may not be fully in place by the start date. ✅Compliance and Penalties: ⭐️Duty of Care: Sections 120 and 121 emphasize the role of responsible persons. ⭐️Provider Conduct: Must avoid negative customer impacts. ⭐️Strict Liability: Focus on systematic failures. ✅Preparation: ⭐️Measures: Testing systems, staff induction, education, and planning. ✅Sector Challenges: ⭐️Board Members: Increased criminal risk will lead to departing directors and enhance professionalism. ⭐️Homecare: Structural redesign, future preparedness, and efficiency. ✅Community and Workforce: ⭐️Trust Issues: Post-royal commission community still concerned ⭐️Workforce Movement: Potential shift to adjacent sectors (ie disability, healthcare) due to liability risks. ⭐️Funding Accountability: Need for effective use of government funds. ✅Future Outlook: ⭐️Embrace Change: Positive elements of the new Act focus on people-centered care. ⭐️Transformation: Shift away from outdated legislation towards modernized care standards. ⭐️Stay informed and prepare for significant changes in the aged care sector.