Trending News Today: Affordable Care Act Trial in Limbo Pending Possible Reform

There is a shortage of psychiatrists in locations, such as San Antonio, TX, which can leave many patients without mental health services for months. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio works to prevent these patients from waiting for care, and reduce visits to the emergency department, which can be stressful and confusing for these patients, according to Kaiser Health News. Since emergency departments are expensive and can agitate mental health conditions, the university established a traditional care clinic for these patients, with a goal of preventing costs and improving outcomes.

Dementia rates have decreased significantly in the past few years, likely due to a stronger focus on education and better heart health, which both affect overall brain health, according to Kaiser Health News. The decline means that approximately 1 million more Americans over age 65 do not have dementia. While the decline is beneficial, there are still more than 5 million Americans with the condition who do not have a cure, and more work is needed.

The House of Representatives recently requested that the federal appeals court delay an Affordable Care Act case since President-elect Donald trump is planning to repeal the legislation once he is in office. The House originally won a ruling that said the administration was subsidizing medical bills illegally, while ignoring congressional power over spending, The New York Times reported. The representatives said it is likely there will be changes the administration’s position regarding the law after Trump is sworn into office.