Alison Kodjak

Author's posts

Pain Rescue Team Helps Seriously Ill Kids Cope In Terrible Times

An interdisciplinary team in San Francisco uses acupressure, massage, counseling and other methods, as well as medicine, to help kids get relief from chronic pain. But such pediatric centers are rare.

Trump Administration Proposes Rule To Reverse Protections For Transgender Patients

A federal agency issued a proposed rule Friday that rolls back Obama-era protections for transgender patients. Advocates for transgender people say the rule leaves them vulnerable to discrimination.

New Trump Rule Protects Health Care Workers Who Refuse Care For Religious Reasons

The rule strengthens protections for health care providers, unwilling to provide services like abortions. Critics say it could put women’s health in danger.

The Issue Of Medicare For All Is Dominating The 2020 Democratic Field

Several 2020 Democratic candidates support Medicare for All, but what would that proposal look like in action?

Drug Industry Middlemen To Be Questioned By Senate Committee

The Senate Finance Committee will hear Tuesday from executives from the biggest pharmacy benefit managers. Confidential rebates paid to the PBMs are expected to draw scrutiny.

Express Scripts Takes Steps To Cut Insulin’s Price To Patients

As Congressional lawmakers continue to turn up the heat on drugmakers, insurers and middlemen over the price of many medicines, one player says it will limit patients’ share of the cost of insulin.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Medicaid Work Requirements In Arkansas And Kentucky

A federal judge has struck down a Medicaid work requirement in Arkansas and Kentucky. This is a major blow to the Trump administration’s vision for the health insurance program for low-income people.

Justice Department Shifts Policy, Says Entire Affordable Care Act Should Be Overturned

The Trump administration’s shift in a major legal case against the Affordable Care Act could lead to the reversal of the expansive law and far-reaching effects on all Americans’ health care.

It Will Take More Than Transparency To Reduce Drug Prices, Economists Say

The Trump administration wants to increase transparency in prescription drug pricing. But health economists say the administration’s call to tie prices to what other nations pay might work better.

U.S. Hospitals And Insurers Might Be Forced To Reveal The True Prices They Negotiate

A little-noticed Trump administration proposal would require hospitals, doctors and insurers to post the true, negotiated price for a medical procedure or service, as opposed to the “list” price.