American journal of preventive medicine
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Although health insurance is a critical tool for well-being across the life course, few studies have explored the long-term health implications of shifts in insurance coverage. This study examined whether changes in insurance types from adolescence to early midlife were associated with early midlife self-rated health. ⋯ Health insurance statuses from adolescence to early midlife, specifically having or switching into public insurance, may be associated with poorer health in early midlife among individuals who were adolescents in the early 1990s. More research is needed to explore how insurance reform such as the Children's Health Insurance Program may have mitigated this association in future cohorts.
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Older adults experiencing loneliness or social isolation may experience poor patient-provider communication, potentially contributing to suboptimal health care utilization, particularly in mental health care. However, empirical evidence is limited. Thus, this study examined whether there were differences in patient-provider communication and health care utilization between Medicare beneficiaries with and without loneliness and social isolation. ⋯ These findings highlight significant disparities in patient-provider communication among Medicare beneficiaries experiencing loneliness and social isolation. These disparities may partly result from limited engagement with mental health services, which could help address their specific health care needs.
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The American population diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) is growing, particularly those aged ≥65 years. Less than 30% of OUD patients receive medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and even fewer older adults. ⋯ The rate of MOUD use was low in older adults. The disparity in MOUD use underscores the need for improved access to comprehensive opioid treatment programs and increased MOUD coverage. Additional studies of treatment patterns are also warranted.
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Traditional research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) often retrospectively assesses ACEs and treats ACEs as a composite score, potentially overlooking the distinct effects of specific ACE patterns and their critical timing, which may influence health outcomes differently. It is crucial to explore variations in the patterns and timing of ACE exposure across racial/ethnic groups to improve ACE screening and intervention strategies. ⋯ This study highlights the necessity of analyzing diverse class structures and the timing of ACEs across different racial/ethnic groups. Understanding these nuances is vital for developing culturally tailored interventions to reduce health disparities.