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Gaps in insurance laws force families to seek costly out-of-network mental health care
Even as the Covid-19 pandemic ushered in more acceptance and understanding of mental and behavioral health needs, Nevada and the nation face the associated battle for mental health parity – ensuring health insurance companies cover mental and behavioral health equally to physical health. Mental health parity, as described by the National Alliance on Mental Illness […]
Most Nevadans struggled to afford health care in past year, survey says
Two-thirds of Nevadans said they experienced at least one health care affordability burden in the past year, according to responses to a recent survey by Altarum, a non-profit research and consulting organization that focuses on health care. “This survey further supports that health care has become unacceptably too expensive for some Nevadans,” said Nevada Patient […]
Nevada joins Oregon, Washington in prescription drug discount program
Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak Thursday announced the launch of ArrayRx, a prescription drug discount card, which he said will help Nevadans save up to 80% on generic prescription drugs and 20% on name brand prescription drugs regardless of income, age, or citizenship. Nevada joins Oregon and Washington in ArrayRx Solutions, formerly known as Northwest Prescription […]
Senators want stricter rules to protect privacy of patients seeking abortion services
The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling overturning the nearly 50-year precedent of Roe v. Wade and South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham’s introduction of a federal abortion ban bill both ushered in new legal concerns about the long-sensitive subject of health data privacy. While the federal government clarified that Health Insurance Portability and […]
Behavioral health providers confront disparities and the ‘misconception of what therapy is’
“A lot of folks from various different backgrounds feel a lot of shame when it comes to seeking help, when it comes to admitting that ‘I’m struggling right now,’” said Sheldon Jacobs, a family therapist in Southern Nevada. “And I think that there are a lot of cultural norms that make it more difficult for […]
Federal legislation would regulate anti-abortion centers
The first crisis pregnancy center (CPC) opened its doors in 1967 in Hawaii, after the state legalized abortion. Now there are at least 2,550 operating in the U.S., including at least seven in Nevada. The centers, which are usually operated by or affiliated with religious non-profits, have long avoided regulatory requirements that are standard for […]
Sisolak, Lee warn Nevada not isolated from assaults on abortion rights
In post-Roe v. Wade America, states and the federal government are left to navigate the legal ramifications of the Supreme Court overturning a 50-year legal precedent. As reproductive health centers, medical professionals, and legislatures that support abortion rights cope with the uncertainty, Republicans and motivated anti-abortion rights activists are pushing for a national ban. Nevada […]
Anti-abortion centers: Unregulated, misleading, and close as possible to abortion clinics
Editor’s note: Destinee G., a source mentioned in this article, asked only her last initial be used out of concern for professional and personal retaliation for sharing her experience. Destinee G.’s period was late in February 2021. It wasn’t that abnormal. Until that year her menstrual cycle was irregular. But by the next month, she […]
Pills, powders laced with fentanyl cause increased deaths by overdose among Southern Nevada youth
Overdose deaths from people under 25 years old doubled from 2019 to 2020 in Clark County. Those numbers continue to climb in 2021, according to preliminary data from Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD). The increase in deaths are associated with counterfeit pills like M30, a prescription opioid, or Adderall and powders like cocaine, but most […]
Butterflies are free – from protection in Nevada
A bill draft authorizing the Nevada Department of Wildlife to protect monarch butterflies, bees and other terrestrial invertebrates advanced from the Nevada Legislative Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources, yesterday. While the Nevada Department of Agriculture has authority over insects that are considered pests, no agency has authority over non-pests like butterflies, bees, snails, […]
UNLV study traces links between unaffordable housing and child mistreatment
A single mother in Nevada makes $10.50 per hour on minimum wage, or about $21,840.00 a year if she works full time. And then there’s the rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Las Vegas is by one estimate $1,372, and for a two-bedroom, $1,622 – $16,464 or $19,464 annually. Even at hourly […]
Legislative panel preps mental health bills for 2023 session
State lawmakers Thursday signed off on several behavioral and mental health initiatives they want to see prepped as legislation for next year’s legislative session. The bill draft requests (BDRs) include a proposal to require health care providers who are authorized to diagnose an opioid use disorder to offer information on evidence-based treatment options, and better […]