American journal of public health
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We examined national and state-specific disparities in health insurance coverage, specifically employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) coverage, for adults in same-sex relationships. ⋯ Men and women in same-sex relationships experience disparities in health insurance coverage across the country, but residing in a state that recognizes legal same-sex marriage, civil unions, or broad domestic partnerships may improve access to ESI for same-sex spouses and domestic partners.
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As state and local governments increase restrictions on cigarette smoking, tobacco manufacturers have shifted to marketing alternative tobacco products. Tobacco control laws need to be updated to reflect this shifting marketplace. With the 2010 enactment of the Tobacco Modernization and Compliance Act, Minnesota addressed regulatory gaps and created a model law for other states. We have detailed the updated definitions of tobacco and tobacco products and identified ways that future laws could be strengthened.
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We compared the characteristics of chronically homeless and acutely homeless elderly veterans to better understand precipitants of homelessness. ⋯ Assessment of a range of factors is needed to address risk factors and events leading to homelessness. Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm the characteristics and needs of the elderly homeless veteran population.
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We identified predictors of emergency department (ED) use among a population-based prospective cohort of homeless adults in Toronto, Ontario. ⋯ Among homeless adults with universal health insurance, a small subgroup accounted for the majority of visits to emergency services. Frequent use was driven by multiple predisposing, enabling, and need factors.