Category: Kaiser Health News

KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Remaking Medicaid — Maybe

The Trump administration is proposing to let states have more control of their Medicaid programs in exchange for potentially less money from the federal government. Meanwhile, the dangerous respiratory virus spreading from China is starting to affect trade and transportation along with public health. Kimberly Leonard of the Washington Examiner, Erin Mershon of Stat and Joanne Kenen of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more.

A Guide To Following The Health Debate In The 2020 Elections

As the Democratic primary campaign nears pivotal voting, important aspects of health care policy are being overlooked.

Trump’s Latest Health Care Challenge: Gaining Voters’ Trust

The president, who has repeatedly pledged to improve health care and lower prescription drug prices, faces disapproval from a majority of Americans on his policies regarding drug costs, protecting people with preexisting conditions and the Affordable Care Act.

Trump’s Latest Health Care Challenge: Gaining Voters’ Trust

The president, who has repeatedly pledged to improve health care and lower prescription drug prices, faces disapproval from a majority of Americans on his policies regarding drug costs, protecting people with preexisting conditions and the Affordable Care Act.

Masks Reveal Cultural Disconnect As L.A.’s Chinese Community Braces For Coronavirus

Since two cases of the mysterious new coronavirus were reported in Southern California, Chinese immigrants have begun donning face masks. The practice is common in China but goes against official guidance in the U.S., and that’s causing conflict in local schools.

Appendicitis Is Painful — Add A $41,212 Surgery Bill To The Misery

A young man averted medical disaster after a friend took him to the nearest hospital just before his appendix burst. But more than a year later, he’s still facing a $28,000 balance bill for his out-of-network surgery.

Response To Nation’s 1st Coronavirus Case Draws On Lessons From Measles Outbreak

When the first confirmed U.S. patient was pinpointed in Washington state, health clinic workers there weren’t rattled. They were prepped by new statewide protocols on contagion containment, in the wake of last year’s measles scare.

Call For FDA To Withdraw Preterm Birth Drug Divides Doctors and Insurers

A study ordered by the Food and Drug Administration failed to prove that Makena, the only drug approved to prevent premature birth, is effective. While a panel of experts has recommended withdrawing the drug’s approval, many doctors are wary.

Medi-Cal Benefits Eliminated A Decade Ago, Such As Foot Care And Eyeglasses, Are Back

Budget cuts in 2009, sparked by the Great Recession, eliminated many needed health care services, like regular foot care for people with diabetes to minimize the risk of amputation. The restored benefits also include eyeglasses, speech therapy and hearing exams.

Something Far Deadlier Than The Wuhan Virus Lurks Near You

There is a virus that has already sickened at least 13 million Americans this winter, hospitalizing 120,000 and killing 6,600 people. You may even know of it.