By Dr. Terry Brooks Did you hear the revolution? It happened about 10:45 AM on November 19th before the Kentucky General Assembly’s School Safety Working Group, a blue-ribbon collection of leaders being artfully chaired by Senator Max Wise and Representative Bam Carney. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Deputy Secretary Kristi Putnam quietly announced the…
Supporting Dialysis Patients’ Right to Insurance Choice
Across the country, over 660,000 Americans are battling end-stage renal disease (ESRD), more commonly known as kidney failure. It is very prevalent in many parts of Kentucky, and chances are you know someone effected by the disease. Kidneys are vital to keeping the blood and body free from toxins; without functioning kidneys, patients have to…
Foundation Initiative to Help Medicaid Population Keep Health Coverage, Access to Substance Use Treatment
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky today announced that it will partner with the Bevin Administration to help Kentuckians maintain coverage under the Kentucky HEALTH Medicaid waiver demonstration program. The Foundation has hired Veronica Judy Cecil to oversee the initiative. Ensuring that those with substance use disorders can obtain treatment and work toward long-term recovery…
Gov. Bevin Names Adam Meier as Secretary of Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Gov. Matt Bevin today announced the appointment of Adam Meier as Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Meier will lead policy and operations for the state’s largest cabinet, responsible for human services and healthcare programs. Meier most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy for Gov. Bevin, focusing on…
New Law to Address Concerns in 340b Program
By John Hayden More than 25 years ago, Congress enacted the 340B drug discount program with bipartisan support. The 340B program gives hospitals and clinics that largely serve uninsured and low-income patients steep discounts for their medications. However, recent evidence demonstrates that some bad actors are taking advantage of the 340B program for their own…
Expanding Access to Naloxone Will Help Save Lives
In 2016, more than 1,400 Kentuckians died from drug overdoses. Sadly, many of these deaths could have been prevented with an overdose reversal drug: naloxone. As an emergency physician, I witness firsthand the tight grip prescription opioids and illicit drugs like heroin have on our communities. Men and women of all ages and backgrounds come…