Complete your personal information for a more tailored experience
Home
Don't miss out
Subscribe to STAT+ today, for the best life sciences journalism in the industry
By Bob Herman
May 21, 2025
Business of Health Care Reporter
Bob Herman
Bob Herman covers health insurance, government programs, hospitals, physicians, and other providers — reporting on how money influences those businesses and shapes what we all pay for care. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09.
President Trump’s federal Medicare agency will expedite audits of Medicare Advantage insurers, a move that could claw back nearly $500 million a year for taxpayers, according to previous federal estimates.
However, the audits remain mired in a two-year-old lawsuit initiated by Humana, making it unclear how the Trump administration will implement its new strategy.
advertisement
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said Wednesday it will hire almost 2,000 additional coders by this September and use “advanced” technology systems to comb through data and make sure diagnoses that Medicare Advantage insurers submit to the government are supported in patients’ medical records. The agency did not say what kind of technology it would use.
STAT+ Exclusive Story
Already have an account? Log in
Already have an account? Log in
Monthly
$39
Totals $468 per year
Totals $468 per year
Starter
$30
for 3 months, then $399/year
Then $399/year
Annual
$399
Save 15%
Save 15%
11+ Users
Custom
Savings start at 25%!
Savings start at 25%!
2-10 Users
$300
Annually per user
$300 Annually per user
To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.
Bob Herman
Business of Health Care Reporter
Bob Herman covers health insurance, government programs, hospitals, physicians, and other providers — reporting on how money influences those businesses and shapes what we all pay for care. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09.
Unpacking the business — and secretive inner workings — of the U.S. health care industry
Your data will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. You may opt out of receiving STAT communications at any time.
By John Wilkerson
By Helen Branswell, Matthew Herper, and Lizzy Lawrence
advertisement
By Daniel Payne
By Associated Press
By Helen Branswell

By Lizzy Lawrence

By Adam Feuerstein

By Bob Herman

By Daniel Payne

By Isabella Cueto
Share options
X
Bluesky
LinkedIn
Facebook
Doximity
Copy link
Reprints
Reporting from the frontiers of health and medicine
Company
Account
More

source

May 22, 2025
News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Tuesday, Tammie Nameth, executive director at Options Pregnancy Center, works at her desk in the pregnancy center in Alpena. Options Pregnancy Center offers resources to women and partners experiencing unplanned pregnancies.
ALPENA — May is National Women’s Health Month, a time for women to pause and reflect upon their health and observe ways in which they can better their lives.
According to a District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) press release, National Women’s Health Month encourages women and girls to make their health a priority. This includes caring for physical, mental, social, and emotional aspects of health. Practicing healthy behaviors complements health care prevention and treatment options.
Tammie Nemeth, Options Pregnancy Center executive director, and Vicki Rupert, Options Pregnancy Center nurse clinic manager, both weighed in on the importance of National Women’s Health Month as well as the nuances of women’s health.
“I think it’s important for women to take that time to recognize that they have needs and that their needs need to be met,” Rupert said. “Your own cup has to be filled before you can get to others…we spend so much time as women giving and giving and giving that sometimes we forget to do a little bit of filling of our own cup.”
Nemeth agreed with Rupert and added that self-care truly makes the difference in a woman’s life, especially if they have many responsibilities.
“Sometimes to be really effective in what you do, whether it’s your leadership, your family, your business, your kiddos…in order to really provide and take care of them, you really do have to pause and take care of yourself,” Nemeth said. “Otherwise, the warranty runs out.”
Nemeth and Rupert both stressed the intrinsic nature of women to take on leadership and nurturing roles within their family units and communities.
“I have found in women’s health that women (are) the caregivers, whether intentionally or not,” Rupert said. “So they tend to take on the burdens of other people.”
In the case of pregnancy, Rupert said many women come to Options concerned about how their pregnancy will affect and change other people’s lives. Regarding overall health, Rupert said that women tend to ignore signs that can lead to larger problems down the road.
“Women do tend to take care of their husbands, their children, maybe a parent, or their siblings…then they always tend to put themselves last,” Rupert said. “Sometimes they will ignore the little symptoms.”
Rupert also said that many women tend to neglect routine screenings such as mammograms.
Nemeth and Rupert explained that there have been improvements to women’s health in the last 20 years, ranging from ultrasounds, pregnancy and cycle tracking applications, prenatal care, and more.
Rupert added that society has minimized taboos around women’s health and that women can talk more about their health experiences than ever before. Both women also commented on the pressures young women can face when struggling with societal expectations to choose between being a successful career woman or being a stay-at-home mom.
“You’re not failing because you’re not home all of the time, but be home a good portion. And when you’re present, be present,” Nemeth said. “You’re not failing because you’ve chosen to be a stay-at-home mom. That’s important work … embrace that, run with that, and do it with excellence. But I know that there is certainly grace and we’re designed to do both. And it’s okay. We’re not competing.”
Rupert agreed with Nemeth and added that everyone should be mindful of what their motivations are.
“I encourage everyone to examine their ‘why’ behind why they’re doing it,” she said. “Are you seeking to be the CEO because that was something somebody placed on you when you were young? Women have a little bit of tendency, sometimes, to be people pleasers … but if that’s not your calling and not your heart’s desire, then I think we put a lot of stress and effort into trying to maybe become that. And that leads to depression.”
Rupert said that the sense of depression and dissatisfaction in one’s life can be because they are not truly seeking their purpose.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, womenshealth.gov, women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience major depression. Additionally, around one in five women experience mental health issues during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth.
As for other key facts on women’s health, the office notes that cancer causes one in six deaths among women, and women younger than 50 are nearly twice as likely to develop cancer as men in the same age range. Also, more than one million women in the United States experience menopause each year, and most women reach menopause between 45 and 55.
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox
State Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, on Wednesday released a statement after the Senate passed his plan, House Bill …
In a Wednesday press release, the District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) announced the launch of their online …
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Copyright © 2025 Alpena News Publishing Company | https://www.thealpenanews.com | 130 Park Place, Alpena, MI 49707 | 989-354-3111

source

Sign up for our email newsletter
BY TPH EDITORIAL
When tragedy strikes in the equestrian world, the effects ripple far beyond the show ring. That was the case when Katie Baker, a talented young rider and beloved barnmate, lost her life to suicide. Her passing stunned those who knew her—and exposed a painful truth about how hidden mental health struggles can be, even in close-knit communities.
Katie’s social media showed snapshots of joy—successful show moments, barn laughs, and the vibrant life of someone deeply immersed in the horse world. But behind those images, Katie was fighting invisible battles. Like so many, she struggled with her mental health quietly. Without timely, accessible care, that struggle became overwhelming.
The grief of losing Katie prompted Kevin McKirahan, a friend who has worked with small businesses for years to provide employee benefits, to take action. The grief was raw, but so was the urgency.
“Beverly came to me and said, ‘We’ve got to do something,’” Kevin recalls. “It was clear we needed a way to support riders like Katie—people who might not have the resources or time to seek help before it’s too late.”
That conversation became the spark that eventually led to a meaningful solution. Nearly 19 months later, the USHJA has partnered with AllyHealth to offer all members affordable, on-demand access to medical and mental health services. It’s not insurance, but it offers something just as valuable: a practical, flexible, low-cost safety net for equestrians whose lives don’t easily accommodate traditional care.
AllyHealth is a telehealth service that gives users 24/7 access to doctors, therapists, and wellbeing support. With plans starting at just $4 a week, it’s available to all adult USHJA members and their families, covering up to five household members for one flat monthly fee.
Unlike traditional insurance, there are no copays for medical consultations. The service is built for the barn lifestyle—busy, mobile, and often unpredictable. For riders juggling horse shows across states or grooms managing long shifts, AllyHealth provides access when and where it’s needed most.
“If someone gets sick at a show, they don’t have to leave the grounds or search for an urgent care,” Kevin says. “They can use the app, speak with a doctor, and get a prescription within minutes.”
The mental health resources are just as essential. The AllyHealth Complete Plan includes free sessions with licensed therapists, psychologists, addiction counselors, and more. Members can also access mindfulness coaching, short-term therapy, and real-time messaging with counselors, without weeks-long waits or the need for insurance approval.
This kind of accessibility could make all the difference for someone like Katie, whose suffering wasn’t always visible. As Kevin puts it, “You can’t always tell when someone is struggling. We have to make support easier to reach before things reach a crisis point.”
The program gained traction after Kevin and Alex attended the National Horse Show, where they met with USHJA Executive Director Whitney Allen. She immediately recognized the need. From there, the project accelerated, becoming an official member benefit in spring 2025.
Since the launch, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Trainers, barn owners, and riders alike have praised the initiative as “amazing,” “much needed,” and “something that truly helps our community.”
Beyond medical and mental health services, AllyHealth also offers prescription discounts (up to 85% off), medical bill negotiation, and life coaching. If a member receives a high hospital bill, the advocacy team can work to reduce it, sometimes by up to 60%.
In the horse world, self-care often falls to the bottom of the list. Schedules are packed, resources are tight, and seeking help is rarely easy. But AllyHealth makes it easier. Whether a junior rider is managing show anxiety, a trainer needs therapy on the road, or a groom sprains a wrist and can’t afford to lose time, help is just a tap away.
“Equestrians are some of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met,” Kevin says. “This program gives them a way to care for themselves without sacrificing their time, careers, or dignity.”
For Kevin and Alex, AllyHealth is more than a new membership perk. It’s a tribute to Katie. A way to honor her memory and change the outcome for someone else.
“We can’t bring Katie back,” Kevin says. “But we can make sure fewer equestrians fall through the cracks.”
To learn more about AllyHealth and enroll through your USHJA membership, visit  https://www.allyhealth.net/enroll/ushja/

The Plaid Horse is a print and digital publishing company providing exceptional coverage for the hunter/jumper/breeding disciplines at reasonable rates. We support equestrian competitors, horse fans, the general public, and suppliers to the industry through horse show and event coverage, equine articles of interest, and advertisements.
Contact us: news@theplaidhorse.com
Copyright 2025 – The Plaid Horse
Sign up for The TPH Newsletter and receive fresh inspiration from the hunter jumper world, news about your favorite horse shows, and more!
Email *
First Name *
Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from The Plaid Horse Magazine. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

source

Vitable Health’s Direct Primary Care Plan Expands to All 50 States, Bringing Quality Care to Millions of Uninsured Americans
Vitable Health is thrilled to announce the nationwide rollout of its health benefits platform and direct primary care to all 50 states – offering a simple one-stop-shop for businesses seeking to provide affordable, high-quality care and solving a critical gap in access for more than 80 million underinsured and uninsured Americans.
PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Vitable Health, the nation’s leading health benefits platform, announced today that its Direct Primary Care plan is now available in all 50 states – enabling businesses to offer their employees unlimited virtual primary care visits, mental health coaching, specialty care navigation, and over 1,000 prescriptions and labs for a flat monthly fee. The expansion marks a major leap forward in the company’s mission to make healthcare affordable and accessible for employees. By creating a new standard for healthcare in the U.S., Vitable Health seeks to put people first and to empower businesses to offer substantial benefits that are delightful and intuitive to use.
“Everywhere in the country, workers are being forced to choose between their health and their paycheck, that’s not just a broken system, it’s a broken promise,” said Joseph Kitonga, founder and CEO of Vitable Health. “We genuinely believe that everyone deserves healthcare that’s affordable, accessible, and built around them.”
Vitable Health, headquartered in Philadelphia, has focused its growth on the East Coast until now, serving over 100,000 employees and hundreds of small business owners.
“As a small business owner, offering quality health benefits was critical to staying competitive in hiring and retention,” said Ken Gregson, Owner of SYNERGY HomeCare in Bradenton, Florida. “Vitable Health stood out for its affordability compared to other options offered through ADP and Paychex, and as a preferred partner in our franchise network. It offered the trust and the credibility over traditional options from brokers, so it’s been one of the smartest investments we’ve made for our employees and our business.”
By cutting out administrative bloat and leveraging proprietary AI-driven operational efficiencies, Vitable Health is able to direct more employer dollars to actual care rather than fees. Unlike overpriced, traditional options, Vitable Health’s services are designed to benefit real people, rather than administrators and middlemen. Employees have no copays, no deductibles, and no hidden barriers to healthcare, and employers get affordable, ACA-compliant plans that support recruitment, retention, and employee health.
Vitable Health’s new nationwide offerings arrive at a critical moment when over 58% of small business owners say they can no longer afford traditional group plans – leaving over 80 million uninsured or underinsured Americans in need of Vitable Health’s affordable, all-inclusive solution.
The nationwide expansion follows Vitable Health’s acquisition of Liferaft, a leading ICHRA platform, further strengthening its ability to offer tailored benefit options to employers and their teams. The integration positioned Vitable Health as the first to solve the healthcare industry’s “Impossible Triangle” by cutting out administrative costs and offering benefits and care that are simultaneously high-quality and affordable under one umbrella.
“This isn’t just about reaching all 50 states, it’s about reaching the people who have been left out of the conversation for too long,” Kitonga added. “By giving millions of hardworking business owners the tools to offer real, human-centered benefits to their teams, we’re proving that better care doesn’t have to come at a higher cost. It just has to come from a better place.”
Vitable Health’s growth is proof that care can be better, and employers want to be part of a new standard, one in which healthcare is truly people-first. In an industry that often leaves workers behind, Vitable Health is proving that there’s a better way to provide health benefits. To learn more visit: vitablehealth.com.
About Vitable Health
Vitable Health is the nation’s leading health benefits platform making healthcare better for business owners and employees. With a focus on real access over red tape, Vitable Health offers employers affordable, ACA-compliant health benefit solutions—including Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) plans, MVP plans, and ICHRA and QSEHRA options–that are packaged with Direct Primary Care and can be enhanced with Vision, Dental, and Hospital Indemnity. Every plan includes access to virtual primary care visits, mental health coaching, and over 1,000 covered prescriptions and labs with zero out-of-pocket costs. To date, Vitable Health has raised $25 million from top-tier investors such as First Round Capital, Y Combinator, Cherryrock Capital, Citi Bank’s Impact Fund, Commerce Ventures, Jack Altman, Michael Seibel, Immad Akhund, and SoftBank Opportunity Fund. Learn more at vitablehealth.com.
Images available here.

media@vitablehealth.com
media@vitablehealth.com
media@vitablehealth.com
© 2025 Business Wire, Inc.

source

California Grants $29.1 Million for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities in San Diego County  Hoodline
source