As Utah continues to look at improving its health care system with small tweaks, about 500 of the state’s public health officials and experts gathered today for the second annual Governor’s Health Summit in Salt Lake City. As KCPW’s Charlotte Duren reports, some are worried the changes aren’t enough to help those who are uninsured and can’t afford the increasing costs of medical care.
More people are surviving cancer in Utah, but new data released by the Utah Department of Health show cancer survivors are experiencing more chronic diseases than those without cancer. Utah Cancer Control Program Epidemiologist Meghan Balough (BAY-low) says the data comes from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, which is part of a five-year plan to combat cancer in Utah.
Fewer Utahns are lighting up. A new report released by the Utah Department of Health shows youth smoking in the state is at its lowest recorded level. Amy Oliver, Marketing Manager for the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, says Utah’s teen smoking rate has been cut in half over the last 13 years.
The number of Utahns without health insurance climbed from 10.6 to 13.4 percent between 2010 and 2011, according to new numbers from the Utah Department of Health. That puts the latest figure at more than 377,000 Utahns. Spokesman Tom Hudachko says while the department is concerned about the spike, it’s unsure whether the increase is…
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Peter Cooke says the state needs to stop neglecting issues related to health care. Cooke criticized Governor Gary Herbert’s action on the issue, saying the Governor’s signing of legislation to join an interstate “Healthcare Compact” to remove control of Medicare and Medicaid from the federal government will end up hurting seniors.
Does where you live impact your health? A new report by the Utah Department of Health shows asthma rates in Utah vary by county. But as KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports, health officials say that could be due to a number of factors.
Utah’s Health System Reform Task Force unanimously voted today (Thursday) in favor of recommending an essential health benefits package. The plan will set the minimum coverage allowed by Utah insurance companies in the individual and small group markets under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Kelly Atkinson, Executive Director of the Utah Health Insurance…
Progressive public policy is the goal of Democratic State Representative Rebecca Chavez-Houck. The Salt Lake City lawmaker has served in the legislature since 2008, contributing significantly in the debates over LGBT rights, immigration, social justice and ballot issues. We talked with her, followed by Alan Matheson, Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s senior adviser on environmental matters.
Utah lawmakers gave an update at the State Capitol Wednesday on the progress of a pilot program offering health coverage for young children with autism spectrum disorders. As KCPW’s Charlotte Duren reports, lawmakers acknowledge more needs to be done, and some believe it’s a far cry from what Utah families need.
A new report by a local advocacy group says Medicaid spending is not going to cripple Utah’s budget, despite fears expressed by some state leaders. Allison Rowland is Director of Research and Budget at Voices for Utah Children.
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