Morning CheckUp: May 8, 2012

High uninsured rates can kill you: “There are many health policy studies that link uninsurance to worse health outcomes. A forthcoming paper in the Journal of Health Economics adds an important layer to that relationship: It finds that high rates of uninsurance mean worse outcomes even for those with coverage.” [Washington Post]

HSA plans tied to savings: “Market-driven health plans could help the U.S. healthcare system save up to $57 billion annually if they were more widely adopted, according to a new study from RAND Corp. Study authors cautioned, however, that the reduction in enrollees’ use of preventive services under the plans could lead to poorer health in the future.” [The Hill]

Health policy dogs that won’t hunt: “You’ve heard it before. Let’s deep six ObamaCare and replace it with a trio of sure-fire free-market solutions to the problems that plague our health care system. All that’s really needed, we’re told, is to pass tort reform, allow insurance companies to sell policies across state lines and encourage people to set up health savings accounts. Here’s the problem: There is mounting evidence that all three of these strategies not only are ineffective but may actually be making matters worse.” [Wendell Potter]

Millions in federal money goes to abstinence and anti-abortion programs: “Records obtained by The American Independent show that the government is paying for abstinence programs run by centers that promote dubious medical information.” [American Independent]

Kansas to approve another anti-abortion bill: “The bill was adopted by an 88-31 vote on Monday in the House. It would prohibit Kansas taxpayers from claiming abortion expenses under a deduction for medical costs when filing their income taxes.” [Kakeland]

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