Enrollment in high-deductible health plans decreased by 2% from 2021 to 2022, the first decline seen in 11 years, according to research by a division of LendingTree. Thirty-two states experienced a decrease in HDHP enrollment, and analysts say factors may include increasing employee dissatisfaction with the plans.

A report from National Council on Aging and WISER found that low-income and rural women have concerns about saving enough for retirement and affording health care costs later in life. "Clearly, we must begin to make the future more secure for women of all ages and incomes," said Cindy Hounsell, president of WISER.

Exercise was twice as effective in reducing cardiovascular disease for patients with a history of depression compared to those without a history of depression, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Engaging in physical activity was associated with changes in the prefrontal cortex tied to stress reduction.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said maternal health outcomes would improve in rural areas if more states expanded Medicaid eligibility. "I think if we expand Medicaid in some of the states that haven't yet done it, about a million and a half more Americans, many of them women who want to deliver a baby, would have access to earlier care and not wait until it's a difficult circumstance in the delivery," Becerra said at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing.

A study published in the journal Scientific Reports identified several risk factors associated with premature death among adults and children with sickle cell disease. Risk factors include rapid declines in hemoglobin and platelet counts, low fetal hemoglobin, and increases in white blood cells and C-reactive protein.

A study presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session found that implementing a remote postpartum BP monitoring program was feasible and linked to higher rates of primary care physician visits and BP control among women with persistent hypertension after delivery. By extending monitoring from six weeks to one year, 92% of participants achieved a BP of 140/90 mm Hg or less, highlighting the potential to address gaps in care and reduce cardiovascular risk for this population.

Hardy Williams Academy Mastery Charter School in Philadelphia secured a $19.6 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, enabling collaboration with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to develop a curriculum preparing students for health care careers. The grant is part of a larger initiative, with 10 schools nationwide being selected.

A study published in the journal Academic Emergency Medicine found that pediatric mental health emergency department visits decreased below expected rates during the early COVID-19 pandemic and decreased below expected rates during the late pandemic, but more girls continue to show up in EDs with mental health needs. Findings also showed higher rates of ED visits for addictive disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

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AHIP's award-winning podcast "The Next Big Thing in Health" has returned for a new season with a premiere episode featuring a robust conversation with AHIP President and CEO Mike Tuffin and Pat Geraghty, chair of the AHIP Board of Directors and president and CEO of GuideWell and Florida Blue. Listen in for their thoughts on the next steps in health care transformation. Watch now.