Latest news with #LDH
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana to get $359K for water quality monitoring at beaches
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The state will get $359,000 in funding to monitor water quality as summer nears and people travel to Louisiana's beaches to beat the heat. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) will receive the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant for monitoring and notifying communities of high levels of bacteria. 'Ensuring the safety of beaches allows all Americans to have fun in the sun while providing an economic boost to coastal communities,' said Regional Administrator Scott Mason. 'I applaud Administrator Zeldin's initiative for ensuring our economies along the Gulf of America are vibrant and thriving.' Why you may not want to use last summer's sunscreen Over 10 beaches are under an advisory as of the most recent samples from May 27. LDH's Beach Monitoring Program tests water at sites along the coast weekly from May to October for enterococci bacteria. See which Louisiana beaches are under advisory: Constance Beach Cypremort Point State Park Beach Long (Dung) Beach Gulf Breeze Beach Grand Isle Beach Site #2 Grand Isle Beach Site #3 Grand Isle State Park Site #1 Grand Isle State Park Site #2 Grand Isle State Park Site #3 Grand Isle State Park Site #4 Holly Beach Site #1 Holly Beach Site #2 Holly Beach Site #3 Holly Beach Site #4 Holly Beach Site #5 Holly Beach Site #6 Lake Chares North Beach Little Florida Beach Martin (Mae's) Beach Rutherford Beach Planning a trip to the coast soon? Click here to see the latest advisories. According to LDH's 2024 report on beaches in Louisiana, bacteria densities were higher than in 2023 and higher than historic norms at several beaches, including Constance Beach Complex, Holly Beach, Lake Charles North Beach and Rutherford Beach. Supreme Court narrows scope of environmental reviews in Utah railroad case See fish kills in Louisiana? Here's how to report it to LDWF Red Stick Mom shares summer fun guide for Baton Rouge families Former NICU nurse accused of abusing babies now allowed to see brother's children Federal court blocks most of President Trump's tariffs Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A bill to rein in Medicaid fraud could push out eligible Louisianans, critics warn
A bill aimed at strengthening oversight of Louisiana's Medicaid program unanimously passed the state's senate Tuesday. Senate Bill 130, sponsored by Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, seeks to implement a series of data-driven checks and technological tools to ensure that only eligible residents receive Medicaid benefits. The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to conduct regular cross-checks with state and federal agencies, including the Department of Revenue and Social Security Administration. LDH must also review death records monthly, verify incarceration status quarterly and independently determine eligibility. It also limits automatic (ex parte) renewals unless required by federal law, with a phase-out of current waivers by January 2026. The bill is part of a broader effort to curb waste and fraud in the program, which provides health coverage to more than 1.8 million low-income Louisianans. But critics of the bill warn that the proposed changes could create administrative hurdles for eligible individuals and lead to disenrollment of vulnerable residents due to paperwork errors or data discrepancies. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'We know that any time that there is any additional step for verification, it's an opportunity for someone to lose coverage,' said Courtney Foster, senior policy advisor for Medicaid at Invest in Louisiana, a nonpartisan policy research organization. 'A lot of what this bill says will be savings is for people getting kicked off of Medicaid.' That doesn't necessarily mean that all of those people that are getting kicked off are ineligible, Foster said. It could just mean that they didn't respond to official correspondence. Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, D-Lafayette, brought up these concerns on the senate floor. 'If for whatever reason I don't answer the first time, or I think it's junk mail, it gets thrown out,' Boudreaux said. 'How do we have comfort knowing that on the certification process, that we're going to go above and beyond before we drop people off of the Medicaid rolls?' Cloud responded saying the bill doesn't change the current process for removing people from Medicaid if they don't meet eligibility requirements. The removal process, as she explained it, starts when LDH identifies a possible issue with a person's Medicaid eligibility — such as needing to verify income or address — they begin by sending a letter requesting more information. This initial letter follows federal guidelines and allows five days for delivery. After that, LDH gives the person an additional 15 days to respond. During this combined 20-day window, the department also tries to contact them through other means, including phone calls, emails and text messages, to make sure they know what's needed to keep their coverage. If there's still no response after 20 days, LDH sends an official 'advance notice of termination' letting the person know their Medicaid coverage will end. This notice must be sent at least 15 days before the termination takes effect. Because Medicaid coverage usually ends at the end of a month, this timing can sometimes give people a bit of extra time — potentially another full month of coverage — before they're removed from the rolls. Cloud added that even after someone is dropped from Medicaid, they have another 90 days to provide the needed information and get their coverage reinstated retroactively. 'So theoretically, they have up to 125 days after the first [letter] was sent out to get their coverage reinstated if they are terminated,' Cloud said. 'It would be as if they'd never lost coverage. So that gave me a lot of comfort.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The fiscal note says reducing enrollment of ineligible recipients could save $74.9 million by 2026 and $941.5 million over five years, including state and federal dollars. The methodology for this savings includes the state assuming a majority of applicants won't respond to requests for more information, and only a fraction will attempt to re-enroll. Foster said most of the savings would come from procedural denials, not necessarily policy improvements. And the cost-savings associated with the bill are 'questionable,' she said, because most of the time, when someone loses Medicaid coverage, they don't realize it until the next time they go to the doctor or emergency room. That could mean people who are disenrolled from Medicaid for procedural reasons, but do qualify for coverage, may simply get back on Medicaid. 'A lot of people who will be kicked off are likely eligible and may roll back on within a couple of months,' Foster said. Implementing the bill would also cost money, including operating expenses of $139,297 for printing and postage, $4.5 million for professional services, like system modifications and subscription services, and $104,050 for equipment, like computers and phones. It also calls for creating 50 new positions with salaries and benefits, which Foster said adds additional layers of bureaucracy dedicated to 'kicking people off of Medicaid.' It's also important to remember, Foster said, that Medicaid beneficiaries are not the ones getting paid. The program gives low-income people access to consistent health care coverage. 'It's people that are showing up to the doctor and then maybe the doctor should be getting paid from one source versus another,' Foster said. 'But the patient themselves is just going to the doctor.' If signed into law, the bill would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. This report was produced by the Gulf States Newsroom, a collaboration between Mississippi Public Broadcasting, WBHM in Alabama, WWNO and WRKF in Louisiana and NPR. Support for public health coverage comes from The Commonwealth Fund.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Louisiana health initiative aims to address maternal overdose mortality crisis
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A new project called Project M.O.M. launched within the Louisiana Department of Health seeks to reduce maternal overdose death rates. The initiative was announced on April 21 among several other health initiatives outlined by newly reappointed LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein. He said Project M.O.M. aims to reduce opioid overdose deaths in expecting mothers by 80% in the next three years. 'Accidental opioid overdose has been the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in Louisiana since 2018, and this is a statewide effort to reverse that terrible trend,' Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan said. 'Every preventable death is a tragedy, but the death of a pregnant woman or young mom doubles the tragedy, as the loss of the mother endangers her child.' Objectives of the program include increasing substance use screening, improving access to care, connecting hospital and emergency department encounters to rapid outpatient treatment, and increasing accessibility to naloxone, a medicine used to reverse opioid overdoses. LDH said five birthing hospitals participated in the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative's Naloxone Pilot Project in 2024, which resulted in nearly 100 moms leaving the hospital with a lifesaving opioid referral agent. Baton Rouge's Woman's Hospital has a program helping those with addiction. The free Guiding Recovery and Creating Empowerment (GRACE) Program provides resources to mothers before and after birth. US overdose deaths far outpace other countries: Report Carrie Templeton was named director of the program. According to LDH, she previously held executive roles at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, Iberia Medical Center, and Lafayette General Health. 'Carrie's leadership in women and children's health, together with her passion for improving care coordination, make her a great fit to lead Project M.O.M. She has the skill set and capabilities needed to bring together many existing efforts and align them in a way that improves access to care,' Greenstein said. LDH said Templeton will work with hospital and community partners to develop an implementation plan to track data and performance in the next 90 days. Greenstein said hospitals and providers have expressed excitement about the initiative. 'I am very excited about the vision for Project M.O.M. By improving access and care for pregnant women with substance use disorders (SUDs), we will enhance care for all pregnant women and strengthen the overall system of care for individuals with SUD,' Templeton said. Audit flags $250M in questioned costs, repeat compliance failures at Louisiana health department Trump agenda bill would block Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care Baton Rouge man accused of hitting officer with his vehicle and nearly injuring another Report identifies 10 US beaches that are 'hotspots' for bacteria Photos: 2025 Carb Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway 'I'm sincerely sorry': Billy Joel cancels all concerts after being diagnosed with brain disorder Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Louisiana health department to give update on measles, whooping cough cases
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Leaders from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) will give an update on measles and whooping cough cases in the state. The updates will be given at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Baton Rouge. This article will provide a live stream and be updated with the latest information from health experts. The first measles case of this year in Louisiana was confirmed in April in the New Orleans area. The state health department said the person's exposure to measles was linked to international travel. LDH describes initial symptoms as a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Additional symptoms include tiny white spots inside the mouth and a rash. Health experts said the best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. Eleven states have active outbreaks of measles, and three deaths have been confirmed. What to know about food poisoning illnesses caused by listeria The number of Louisiana whooping cough, or pertussis, cases has surpassed last year's total number in the state. LDH reported 164 cases identified in the first four months of 2025 in early May. Babies are the most at risk of whooping cough, which can lead to health complications or death. Two babies in Louisiana have reportedly died with the rise in cases. Vaccination is recommended for pregnant women and people in close contact with babies. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol described the surge in cases as a 'return' to disease activity patterns before the COVID-19 pandemic. Preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows over 8,000 cases reported this year as of April 24. The Associated Press contributed to this report. US overdose deaths fell 27% last year, the largest one-year decline ever seen Ford recalls nearly 274,000 SUVs due to risk of loss of brake function Democratic leaders poised to oppose Trump impeachment: 'A distraction' Louisiana health department to give update on measles, whooping cough cases Amite River Basin Commission approves regional flood prevention plan 'Max' rebranding back to 'HBO Max' as WarnerBros. Discovery reverses course Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Louisiana whooping cough cases for 2025 higher than last year's total, LDH reports
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana's health department reports an increase in whooping cough cases that could lead to a record high this year. Compared to 153 total state cases in 2024, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has identified 164 cases in the first four months of 2025. Nationwide, over 8,400 cases have been reported this year by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. LDH reported that 40 people have been hospitalized with whooping cough, or pertussis, since September 2024, with 70% of those being babies younger than 1 year old. Two babies in Louisiana have reportedly died with the rise in cases. Experts said whooping cough peaks every two to five years, occurring around this time of the year and in the fall. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol described the surge in cases as a 'return' to disease activity patterns before the COVID-19 pandemic. 'What I can tell you is that we had a very low number of cases during the pandemic because people were practicing mitigation measures that decrease the spread of respiratory diseases,' Sokol told Louisiana First News. Sokol said symptoms can appear like a common cold before coughing fits possibly develop one to two weeks later. She said coughing 'can be so strong that people make a high-pitched whoop.' Babies are at a greater risk of whooping cough complications and death. Health officials said the bacteria that cause the disease are often unknowingly spread to babies by family members or caregivers. Sokol said babies' symptoms can differ from adults, showing as apnea and causing them to turn blue and struggle to breathe. Vaccines for pregnant women and people, including children and teens, in close contact with babies are recommended. Sokol said the department recommends people review their immunization histories and talk to health care providers about the pertussis vaccine. 'We feel like this is especially important now because of the increased pertussis activity that we've been seeing recently in Louisiana,' Sokol said. Click here for more information from LDH about pertussis. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The US has nearly 900 measles cases, and 10 states have outbreaks. Here's what to know REAL ID Louisiana: 1.2M residents make upgrade before May deadline Louisiana whooping cough cases for 2025 higher than last year's total, LDH reports Conclave trivia: How long was the longest vote? And what are antipopes? Senate GOP chair knocks Trump budget over military spending MONEY TALKS: Sticking to Your Plan Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
