JoNel Aleccia, Kaiser Health News

Author's posts

Never Say ‘Die’: Why So Many Doctors Won’t Break Bad News

It’s never easy to tell a patient about a terminal illness, but a longtime doctor whose own diagnosis was botched says physicians must do better.

Supreme Court Declines To Hear Military Medical Malpractice Case

Justices won’t alter the rule that prevents active-duty military members from suing the government for negligence. The challenge came from the family of Navy nurse Lt. Rebekah “Moani” Daniel, who died in 2014 after bleeding to death following childbirth.

‘Sham’ Sharing Ministries Test Faith Of Patients And Insurance Regulators

Officials in Washington and other states are cracking down on companies that avoid health insurance regulations by masquerading as faith-based care.

‘Living Their Values’: Palliative Care Power Couple Faces Cancer At Home

Kathy Brandt and Kim Acquaviva are both leaders in the world of hospice and palliative care. When Brandt learned she was dying of ovarian cancer, the couple decided it could be a teachable moment.

How Easy Are Vaccine Exemptions? Take A Look At The Oregon Model

About 95% of parents in Oregon who skip vaccines opt to use the state’s online education tool to print their own exemption certificates.

Measles Outbreak Sends Vaccine Demand Soaring, Even Among The Hesitant

The number of health clinic orders and shots administered rose sharply in January compared with last year, Washington county officials say.

Insured But Still In Debt: 5 Jobs Pulling In $100K A Year No Match For Medical Bills

An Arizona couple played by the rules and bought employer-provided health insurance. But after they had a baby this year, their out-of-pocket hospital costs and doctors’ bills climbed to more than $12,000 — and medical debt now threatens their new family.

No Cash, No Heart. Transplant Centers Require Proof Of Payment.

The case of a Michigan woman told to fundraise $10,000 for a heart transplant sparked viral outrage, but experts say “wallet biopsies” are common.

In Throes Of Turkey Salmonella Outbreak, Don’t Invite Illness To Your Table

There’s no federal requirement that your holiday bird be free of salmonella, so consumers bear the burden of keeping food safe.

Earwax, Of All Things, Poses Unrecognized Risk In Long-Term Care

Up to two-thirds of residents in nursing homes may have impacted earwax, which can worsen hearing loss, falls and cognitive decline.