What We’re Reading: Insurer Denials in Medicaid; Dementia Risk by Neighborhood; Asymptomatic Gene Variant in COVID-19

Insurers Frequently Deny Care For Those With Low Income

Private health insurance companies contracted by Medicaid rejected millions of requests for care for low-income Americans with minimal oversight from federal and state authorities, according to a new report, according to The New York Times. The report released by the HHS inspector general’s office described how often private insurance plans denied treatment approval bids and how states handled these rebuts. Doctors claim that requirements of prior authorization usually just interfere with needed services. The report highlighted the vital role officials should play in making sure the denials are justified.

Dementia Risk Grows for Those in Disadvantaged Areas

A study published in JAMA Neurology finds that Americans who reside in neighborhoods with less socioeconomic advantage might be at increased risk of dementia, reported STAT News. This can be the case no matter the individual’s background, with the study finding that people living in areas of the country with the lowest rates of income, education, employment, and housing quality possessed a 1.17 times higher risk of developing dementia compared with those living in the most prosperous areas.

Gene Variant May Be Responsible For Asymptomatic COVID-19

Scientists have discovered a type of a specific gene that might explain why some people who test positive for COVID-19 never develop symptoms, according to The Washington Post. This finding could assist scientists with creating new vaccines and treatments. Studies have discovered that at least 20% of people who contract COVID-19 are asymptomatic, on average. Scientists think that these people might have more rapid immune responses to fight the virus before symptoms are established and lead to health issues.