HHS week continues at JFAC with three more budget requests

On By idhwmediaIn Behavioral Health, MedicaidLeave a comment

Administrators for Medicaid, Mental Health Services and Healthcare Policy Initiatives presented the governor’s budget recommendations this morning before the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee. Links to their slides are below:

DHW begins legislative budget presentations

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The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s legislative budget presentations began this morning at 9 a.m.

Director Richard Armstrong kicked off four days of DHW appropriation recommendations with an overview of budget issues, focusing on Gov. Otter’s proposal for providing access to healthcare for people living in poverty, the Primary Care Access Program.

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DHW Director Richard Armstrong presented an overview of the department this morning in front of the Join Finance and Appropriations Committee.

DHW presentations will conclude on Thursday.

Below is a schedule for the week. Each morning, links will be added for that day’s slide presentations.  Continue reading “DHW begins legislative budget presentations” →

Work continues on changes to delivery schedule for food stamp benefits

On By idhwmediaIn Welfare / Self Reliance5 Comments

The workgroup met earlier this week to discuss the communications plan for the staggered issuance for benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP (also known as the Food Stamps Program).

Starting July 1, participants will receive their benefits based on the last number in the birth year of the cardholder. If a person was born on Dec. 30, 1970, for example. they would receive their benefits on the 10th day of the month. If they were born in 1972, they would receive them on the second day. Benefit will be distributed for the first 10 days of each month.

The group is working on emails, posters, fact sheets and other tools the Department of Health and Welfare, its partners, SNAP retailers and participants will use to exchange information about the schedule change over the next several months.  Continue reading “Work continues on changes to delivery schedule for food stamp benefits” →

Gov. Otter unveils proposal for establishing a primary care access program

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Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter announced a new proposal today to connect uninsured Idaho adults living in poverty with primary healthcare and preventive services to help keep them healthy.

Subject to approval by the Legislature, the Primary Care Access Program (PCAP) is a public-private partnership that would benefit adults 19-64 years of age who have no access to health insurance coverage.

PCAP providers would assess the health of each participant and develop treatment plans to manage chronic conditions and coordinate their care through a patient-centered medical home model.

“This is an all-Idaho initiative that can improve the health and lives of 78,000 adults who have been going without basic healthcare and suffering because of it,” Gov. Otter said. “We have been struggling to find a solution for more than three years, and it has become apparent Medicaid expansion is not what Idaho wants. This is an achievable alternative that gives us total control, with no federal strings or mandates.” Continue reading “Gov. Otter unveils proposal for establishing a primary care access program” →

Idaho Medicaid delays rate adjustment for a month

On By idhwmediaIn Medicaid2 Comments

The Idaho Medicaid program will delay a rate adjustment for supported living services from January to February 2016 to allow providers more time to adjust to the change and provide accurate information to participants about service options. The state had told providers last week that the rate adjustment would occur in January but realized more time would be necessary for many of them.

The rate adjustment is the result of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in April of this year that upheld the state’s ability to set reimbursement rates for Medicaid services. A specific group of Medicaid providers had filed suit against Idaho in 2011 to force the state to pay higher rates. During the three years it took the lawsuit to work its way through the courts, the state paid providers the higher, court-ordered rates. With the Supreme Court victory, Idaho will reinstate the previous rates for Medicaid supported living services beginning February 1.  Continue reading “Idaho Medicaid delays rate adjustment for a month” →

Holiday stress? Give yourself a break!

On By idhwmediaIn Public Health, UncategorizedLeave a comment

The overwhelming rush in the final countdown to the holidays has begun. And from the frenzied hum throughout the Treasure Valley and especially near its shopping malls, it sounds like we’re all caught up in it. It’s time to take a minute to consider all of the simple things you can do for yourself to reduce stress and enjoy the holidays.

If you’ve made it a goal to eat healthy, the holidays can be challenging, if not impossible. Should you stick to your goal, or surrender and start again in January?

Trying to eat healthy food at this time of year can challenge anyone’s fortitude — we’re going to parties and eating out more and have less control over what is being served. Generally, you should watch your portion sizes and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. But it IS the holidays, so you should allow yourself to splurge a little bit, especially for your favorites. Just don’t overdo it.  Continue reading “Holiday stress? Give yourself a break!” →

Safe travels: Did you know you can use your hubcap for a shovel?

On By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

If you’re planning a road trip during the holidays, plan ahead and make sure you’re ready to travel in winter conditions. Gather the supplies you need and know what you should do if you get stranded. Our tips come straight from the Idaho Transportation Department and the Department of Health and Welfare’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness, and they will help you prep for driving in winter.  Continue reading “Safe travels: Did you know you can use your hubcap for a shovel?” →

A woman in northern Idaho has died from flu-related illness

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A northern Idaho woman over the age of 60 has died from an influenza-related illness. This Panhandle Health District resident is the first influenza-associated death of the season.  Last flu season, 32 people were reported to have died from flu-related illnesses in Idaho.

“Our condolences go out to the family of the woman who died,” says Idaho Department of Health and Welfare State Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn. “This underscores that influenza is in the community and how important it is for all of us to take precautions to avoid influenza infections. In addition to washing your hands and staying home if you are sick, now is the time to visit your health care provider, local public health district, or pharmacy to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Getting vaccinated today will help protect you and your family over the holidays.”

Everyone over 6 months of age is recommended to get the flu vaccine.  This season’s vaccine has been updated to match viruses that are circulating.  Continue reading “A woman in northern Idaho has died from flu-related illness” →

It’s prime time for respiratory infections, including colds, flu, and RSV

On By idhwmediaIn Public Health1 Comment

It’s the time of year when one germ after another makes the rounds and makes us cough. Respiratory infections are particularly troublesome, especially for children and the elderly, and there are more than cold and flu viruses to be aware of.

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. Healthy people who get it usually have mild, cold-like symptoms and recover in a week or two. But it can be very serious for babies and older adults. We’re starting to see some cases in Idaho, as we do every year heading into the winter months. Continue reading “It’s prime time for respiratory infections, including colds, flu, and RSV” →

Get smart about when to use antibiotics. They don’t always help.

On By idhwmediaIn Public Health1 Comment

The crud is creeping through our communities, and it’s tempting to insist on antibiotics when you or your children are sick. Most of us know that getting a test for strep throat can help decide whether antibiotics are needed. With strep throat, antibiotics not only shorten the time you are contagious, but they can also prevent some nasty complications, such as rheumatic fever. Even so, taking antibiotics when they won’t help is causing major public health implications because bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics.

Antibiotics should only be used to fight bacterial infections. They don’t work on viruses, so taking them for a cold or the flu, viral bronchitis, and many sinus and ear infections can cause more harm than good.

If antibiotics are not recommended, then treat the symptoms and keep the patient as comfortable as possible. Ask about over-the-counter medication that might help, and have the sick person drink lots of fluids. This is such a hard thing with our culture of work, but the best thing you can do in most cases is to go home and rest or keep your kids home from school and daycare so they can rest.  Continue reading “Get smart about when to use antibiotics. They don’t always help.” →