Thursday, May 12, 2005

New Panel Will Study Medicaid With Eyes Toward Big Changes New York Times story - "The Bush administration will create an advisory panel to recommend big changes in Medicaid eligibility and benefits and in the financing of the program, administration officials said Wednesday. By Sept. 1, the panel is to recommend ways to save $10 billion in Medicaid, the federal-state program that insures more than 50 million low-income people. A charter establishing the commission says that by Dec. 31, 2006, it will make 'longer-term recommendations on the future of the Medicaid program.' The commission will have up to 15 voting members and 18 nonvoting members. The voting members will all be appointed by Michael O. Leavitt, the secretary of health and human services. Mr. Leavitt rejected bipartisan Congressional pleas for an independent commission under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences." [Viewing New York Times resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

Reno police see progress in handling mentally ill Reno Gazette Journal story - "Nine months after establishing a training course for responding to mentally ill and suicidal people, Reno police have seen a dramatic improvement in their handling of those in mental distress. Reno Deputy Police Chief Ondra Berry said the training — based on a national model — is 'a new way of thinking' for officers. ... The goal of the Critical Incident Training is to provide an alternative to jail and get mental health treatment and social services for the people, many of whom are transients. "  
  

Final compromise reached on mental health insurance coverage (South Carolina) AP story at Myrtle Beach Online - "Health insurers selling policies in South Carolina will have to include coverage for depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses under a bill a conference committee agreed to Wednesday. The Senate adopted the conference committee's report Wednesday and the House is expected to do so Thursday. The legislation doesn't cover drug or alcohol addiction treatments and would not be required on policies for businesses with 50 or fewer workers. It's similar to legislation now on the books in 33 states, according to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of South Carolina."  
  

Majorities of the Public Believe Several Mental Health Conditions Are More Common Among Children and Adolescents Today than They Were 10 Years Ago PR Newswire story at Yahoo - "Majorities of U.S. adults believe that mental health conditions such as depression (71%), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (63%), anxiety disorders (63%) and eating disorders (62%) are more common among children and teens today than they were 10 years ago. Nearly half (47%) believe that learning disabilities are more common and more than one-third (36%) believe autism is more common among children and teens today. These are some of the results of a Harris Interactive® online survey of 2,102 U.S. adults conducted between April 26 and 28, 2005 for The Wall Street Journal Online's Health Industry Edition."