Louisiana has taken a bold step in promoting public health with a groundbreaking new law. According to this report, the aforementioned law mandates health insurance coverage for six months of smoking cessation treatment. Historically, the state has been lagging behind in terms of providing tobacco cessation treatments and removing barriers to accessing treatments. In its 2023 State of Tobacco Control report, the American Lung Association scored Louisiana an “F” in funding for tobacco prevention and cessation and a “D” in access to cessation services. What this law means for Louisianan…
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Virginia considers mandatory health insurance for PANS/PANDAS
The “devastating” childhood illness can cost affected families hundreds of thousands for treatment. A bill in Virginia is being studied by the state Health Insurance Reform Commission for the coverage of treatment for PANS/PANDAS, a mainly childhood neuropsychiatric disorder. The examination of the bill follows a unanimous tabling in a House subcommittee earlier this month. The legislation was proposed by House Delegate Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) and would require private health insurance and Medicaid to provide coverage for PANS/PANDAS treatment in order to lower the cost families must face upon diagnosis.…
Read MoreCost of health insurance premiums drives UD to seek more funding
Officials from the University of Delaware have requested additional money from the state legislature. University of Delaware officials recently issued a request to their state legislature for additional funding to help them to cover increases to health insurance premiums. At the same time, the university is also seeking more money for providing state residents with scholarships. The funding would also help to support a dual degree program between the University of Delaware and Delaware State University. The funding requests arrived at the University of Delaware’s annual Joint Finance Committee (JFC)…
Read MoreConsumers that missed the health insurance open enrollment have options
There are definite financial risks from missing open enrollment, but all is not lost. The 2024 open enrollment periods for Affordable Care Act health insurance markets have now passed, and many consumers are now wondering what happens if they wanted coverage but didn’t obtain it in time. Understanding options begins with knowing what the open enrollment period is all about. The open enrollment period for buying health insurance allows people to purchase their coverage for the next twelve months. Many people already have coverage through work benefits and don’t need…
Read MoreNew Jersey governor signs health insurance legislation expanding coverage
Governor Murphy signed A5235/S3627 to expand coverage to include infertility services. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently signed A5235/S3627 to expand requirements for health insurance coverage in the state to include infertility services. The legislation requires that many plans provide benefits relating to pregnancy healthcare services. The health insurance coverage requirements apply to certain private sector health insurance companies, including those under state regulation. They must now provide group plans with more than 50 people with pregnancy-related benefits. This also applies to plans in the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program…
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