News outlets provide a variety of stories about state health care issues.

Des Moines Register: Iowa Legislature: Complex Reforms On Priority List For 2012 Session Republican and Democratic legislators and (Gov. Terry) Branstad have said they want to reform Iowa’s mental health system to reduce waiting lists and provide more equitable services. Currently, each of Iowa’s counties performs or contracts for mental health services for indigent residents. Critics contend the 99-county system has led to pockets of inferior, inequitable service, particularly in rural areas (Clayworth, 1/8). Des Moines Register: What Will Cost More In 2012?

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Every week, Kaiser Health News reporter Shefali S. Kulkarni compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.

Archives of Internal Medicine: Primary Care Utilization And Colorectal Cancer Outcomes Among Medicare Beneficiaries — This study examined Medicare data on beneficiaries diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 1995 and 2005 who ranged from 67 to 85 years old. The authors found, “Medicare beneficiaries with (colon cancer) had better outcomes if they had more primary care utilization before diagnosis. Even within this universally insured population, 28% of Medicare beneficiaries with (colon cancer) had no or only 1 contact with (primary care physicians) in the 3 to 27 months before the diagnosis. T

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Most bank robberies steal because they’re after the code hard cash. But for James Verone, the motivation was healthcare. According to WHP-tv, Verone, 59, took $1 from a bank because he wanted to go to prison as a way to access healthcare. Verone is from Gason County, North Carolina and thought that prison would be a welcomed change because it meant a solid roof and medical care.

Verone told authorities he has a growth on his chest and two ruptured disks. The medical issues need attention, but he’s out of work and has no insurance. WHP-tv says Verone walked into a Gastonia, North Carolina bank with a note saying, “This is a bank robbery. Pleas

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Many people assume that Medicare covers dental care. The truth is that Medicare only covers dental services in very specific instances. Many US seniors have no plan to care for their teeth and mouths. In my opinion, this is a very important part of overall health too.

It is very alarming to realize that traditional Medicare barely covers dental services at all. In the case of another illness or injury, some related dental care may be covered. But for the normal routine stuff that is so important, like filling cavities or cleaning teeth, there is no coverage.

This is a big probem. And it is not just a problem that Medicare beneficiaries, like the elderly or disabled people, have.

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