Emergency room

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Utica Observer-Dispatch

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members will have a new, telehealth option for minor medical problems in the new year. For a $10 co-payment or $40 for those in high-deductible plans (until the deductible is met), members can talk to a primary-care doctor by telephone or videoconference on smartphones or other electronic devices about minor, acute illnesses. The service is not meant to replace the patient’s relationship with a primary care doctor; it simply gives patients a way to consult a doctor when their own isn’t available.

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Kentucky Center for Economic Policy

The proposed changes to Kentucky’s Medicaid expansion include the elimination of dental coverage from the package of benefits for adults. Reducing access to dental care would likely lead to other, more serious health problems and cost the state more in overall Medicaid spending through greater use of emergency room services. Dental care makes up a small portion of the overall budget, but is a very efficient preventative medical service that is critical in Kentucky given our poor oral health.

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