The US has and continues to set COVID-19 records. Yesterday, the US reported 77,300 new coronavirus cases – the highest one-day total for the pandemic to date. The US also leads the world with over 3.5 million cases and over 138,000 death. The US set another record this week, with an estimated 5.4 million workers becoming uninsured because of job losses in February to May of this year. Michigan saw as 46% increase in the number of uninsured adults. Four other states, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Rhode Island and New Hampshire also saw increases in the number of uninsured adults in excess of 40%.
The loss of health insurance coverage, especially given the pandemic, will be devastating to many Americans. Decades of public health funding cuts further increases the difficulty of fighting COVID-19. On the bright side, the evaluation of Michigan’s Medicaid Expansion shows the positive impact of the program on health status and reductions in uncompensated care costs.
For this Weekend Reading, read about the health insurance losses in A Record Loss. Check out Medicaid Matters for information on the success of Michigan Medicaid expansion and other states’ programs – and Oklahoma voters’ approval last month to expand Medicaid to eligible adults who need health insurance. At Least the Mosquitoes are Happy provides articles and an infographic on public health funding and the impact of cuts over the years. And last, do not miss not miss the Timely Tips for health advice.
I hope you enjoy the following:
1. A Record Loss
Families USA: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Resulting Economic Crash Have Caused the Greatest Health Insurances Losses in American History
Families USA: “COVID Coverage” Is Not Enough – Fact Sheet
2. Medicaid Matters
Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation: Findings from the First Five Years of the Healthy Michigan Plan (Summary of Findings)
UM Health Lab: Medicaid Expansion Meant Better Health for Most Vulnerable Adults, U-M Study Finds
Yale News: Breast cancer found earlier in states with expanded Medicaid
AMA News: Why Oklahoma voters put Medicaid expansion in their constitution
3. At Least the Mosquitoes are Happy
Kaiser Network News: Hollowed-Out Public Health System Faces More Cuts Amid Virus
Forbes: How Much Do U.S. States Spend Per Person On Public Health? [Infographic]
Kaiser Network News: Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes Fly Free as Health Departments Focus on Coronavirus
4. Timely Tips
Huffington Post: You May Be Using Hand Sanitizer All Wrong
Washington Post: Risks for some medications rise as temperatures climb
Washington Post: To get enough exercise, try engaging in three different activities a week
Regards,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]
