Site Search

... years ago, New Mexico lawmakers made a commitment to create a permanent fund supported by annual tobacco settlement payments, with the intent of providing stable funding for prevention and cessation programs that reduce devastating tobacco-related illnesses now and into the future. ... points from 19.9 percent to 11.4 percent, thanks in large part to tobacco prevention and cessation programs implemented through the Department of Health and the Indian Affairs Department. Even with these declines, smoking costs New Mexico $844 million each year in direct health care costs. ... consider long-term solutions to the state’s recurring budget shortfalls. This Op-Ed appeared in the NM Political Report on August 29, 2016. It can be viewed at  http://nmpoliticalreport.com/90284/lawmakers-should-avoid-raiding-the-to... Lawmakers should avoid raiding the tobacco permanent ...

Federal Update   Physician networks and hospital systems can play an important role in driving down health care costs and improving quality of care.  The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently released ... a report titled "Plan Participation in Health Insurance Exchanges: Implications for Competition and Choice" that looks at how consolidation of hospital systems affects the ability of insurers to negotiate prices.  Increased competition among insurers can help decrease costs and improve ...

WASHINGTON -- May 24, 2012 -- The U.S. Senate is considering an amendment to offset the cost of student loan programs by cutting the Prevention and Public Health Fund. A statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) President Christopher W. Hansen follows: Families affected by cancer are urging lawmakers in the U.S. Senate to oppose an amendment that would ...

... are counting on lawmakers to solve the medical debt crisis. U.S. adults say it is past time for federal and state policymakers to act. Over 90% of U.S. adults agree that elected officials should pass policies that protect people with serious illnesses like cancer from medical debt and ... who are more likely to face ongoing treatment with hefty price tags. More than six in 10 U.S. adults say they would be unable to afford the cost of cancer if they were diagnosed tomorrow. “Cancer patients continue to suffer from a significant financial toll. The high cost of cancer care often continues for not only months but even years, which can result in substantial medical debt,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “No one ...