RWJF: Consumer trends released

According to a new study from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, consumer's confidence in the health care system improved in June. The foundation indicated in its news release that the progress on federal health reform legislation may be driving an increase in positive feelings about the future of health care. The research found also:

• Americans believe health reform is an important part of addressing the nation’s economic crisis. More than 8 in 10 people (84.7%) believe that it is important for President Obama to reform the health care system as a step in solving the nation’s economic woes.
• People are worried about being able to afford future care. More than four in 10 of all Americans (43.3%) are worried that they will not be able to pay for their future health care needs in the event of a serious illness. Additionally, nearly four in 10 (39.8%) are worried that they will not be able to afford all of the routine health care services they need (39.8%).
• Americans are afraid of losing their insurance in the coming year. Nearly one in four currently insured adults (23.3%) fear losing their health insurance at some point in the next 12 months.
• Americans are having trouble paying their medical bills. One in four people (25.8%) report having had trouble paying medical bills during the past year.
• People are worried that medical bills will lead to bankruptcy. Nearly a quarter (22.9%) report being worried that they will go bankrupt from not being able to pay their medical bills.

Missouri's uninsured

Families USA has released a report on the increase in the number of the uninsured state-by-state. The Kansas City Star has coverage of the report in this morning's edition.

Crisis media training

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency has announced a training session for communications professionals related to public information operations in terrorist and weapons of mass destruction incidents. Hospital staff interested in attending the session, which will be held in Springfield, Mo., on October 27-28, should contact June Simonton at 573/526-9121.

Health care rationing

Rationing is one of the most heated points of discussion in the health reform debate. The New York Times has an interesting perspective on health care rationing in today's edition.

U.S. News top hospitals listing out

U.S. News & World Report has published its list of America's Best Hospitals. St. Louis' Barnes-Jewish Hospital ranks 9th nationally, a gain from its 12th place listing last year.