National Updates
Americans Face Rising Anxiety Over Health Costs
A recent poll by AP‑NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that roughly 6 in 10 U.S. adults say they’re “very” or “extremely” worried that health care costs will increase in the coming year. About 4 in 10 fear they may not be able to afford needed care or medications. The concerns are influenced by the ongoing federal shutdown and uncertainty over health subsidies. AP News
Longevity Care Gains Attention as Insurers Resist Coverage
General Catalyst CEO Hemant Taneja argues that “longevity care” — interventions aimed at extending healthy lifespan — should be reimbursable by insurance. Insurers, however, say it’s difficult to measure return on investment, so current benefit design still emphasizes acute care rather than life-span extension. Business Insider
Texas Updates
Texas Southern University Launches Public Health + Housing Institute
Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston’s Third Ward opened a new “Institute for Urban Public Health and Housing,” funded via a federal grant. The facility integrates wellness services, a food pantry, workforce training rooms, and community outreach—all aimed at addressing health inequities in an underserved neighborhood. Houston Chronicle
Texas Voters to Decide on $3B Dementia Institute Funding (Prop 14)
Voters in Texas will consider Proposition 14 (November 4), a measure to allocate $3 billion from the state surplus to establish the “Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.” Proponents argue it’s urgently needed given the state’s aging population and growing Alzheimer’s care burden. Statesman
Global Health Alerts
U.S. Global Health Strategy Faces Critique Over Equity & Scope
The U.S. “America First” global health strategy is under scrutiny for shifting away from maternal and child health and broader equity programs toward narrower disease-specific investments. Global health experts warn this could leave vulnerable populations at risk. The Guardian
Clinical Tips for Providers
Address cost anxiety: Encourage open dialogue with patients about rising health care costs, potential financial assistance, and preventive strategies.
Promote longevity and healthy aging: Discuss with eligible patients not only disease treatment but prevention and long-term wellness (diet, exercise, screenings).
Community linkages: Partner with TSU Institute/other community hubs to reach underserved populations with integrated health and housing support.
Age-related planning: For older adults in Texas, highlight upcoming dementia institute funding opportunity; screen and refer early for cognitive issues.
Global health context: Be aware of shifts in U.S. global health funding—could impact travel medicine, refugee health, and global disease surveillance in your patient population.
