Category: Cost and Quality

Can California Beat The Federal Government In Lowering Drug Prices?

Unwilling to wait for federal action, California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he has a plan that could extract discounts from drugmakers and save the state money — one he hopes other states can join.

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ A ‘Healthy’ State Of The Union

Health was a featured player in President Donald Trump’s 2019 State of the Union address. The president set goals to bring down prescription drug prices, end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. and cure childhood cancer, among other things. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Anna Edney of Bloomberg News and Alice Ollstein of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and, for “extra credit,” provide their favorite health policy stories of the week. Rovner also interviews KHN senior correspondent Phil Galewitz about the current “Bill of the Month” feature.

Trump Pledges To End HIV Transmission By 2030. Doable, But Daunting.

The president’s promise to eliminate HIV transmission within 10 years is a goal long sought by advocates, but it won’t be an easy undertaking.

For California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Resistance Is Personal

Xavier Becerra, the state’s first Latino attorney general, is one of President Donald Trump’s most relentless adversaries. He attributes his legal values — and his opposition to the current administration — to his upbringing as the son of Mexican immigrants.

Transparent Hospital Pricing Exposes Wild Fluctuation, Even Within Miles

A new federal rule requires hospitals to post their prices online. These lists reveal the wildly different charges for basic procedures and services, but consumers will have a hard time putting this information to use.

Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes

Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health articles from the week so you don’t have to.

Frail Seniors Find Ways To Live Independently

A pilot program for frail low-income seniors provides much-needed help in dealing with “daily activities” and offers practical solutions.

Frail Seniors Find Ways To Live Independently

A pilot program for frail low-income seniors provides much-needed help in dealing with “daily activities” and offers practical solutions.

Congress Wades Into Emotional Debate Over High-Cost Prescription Drugs

Key House and Senate committees kick off hearings on drug prices, and patients’ families weigh in with tragic stories.

California Attorney General And Santa Clara County Face Off Over Sale Of Two Hospitals

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is trying to prevent Santa Clara County from buying two local nonprofit hospitals unless it pledges to maintain certain critical health care services. County officials warn the hospitals will close if the attorney general succeeds, leaving area residents with fewer health care choices.