Category: Kaiser Health News

Trump’s Claim That He ‘Saved’ Preex Conditions ‘Part Fantasy, Part Delusion’

The claim, which builds on previous statements and campaign messaging, drew strong reactions.

No Shield From X-Rays: How Science Is Rethinking Lead Aprons

A number of radiology organizations are trying to end the decades-old practice of shielding patients from radiation with lead aprons. They say it provides no benefit and might even inadvertently expose people to higher radiation levels. But the policy about-face is moving slowly.

Warren and Klobuchar Say They Can Lower Drug Prices Without Congress’ Help

Democratic presidential candidates also returned to now-familiar themes in debating the differences between “Medicare for All” and more incremental reforms.

Sanders Targets Health Industry’ Profits. Are His Figures Right?

Calculations are complicated, but correct.

Loopholes Limit New California Law To Guard Against Lofty Air Ambulance Bills

A new state law limits what consumers owe if they’re transported by an air ambulance that’s not part of their insurance network to the amount that they’d be charged if they used an in-network provider. But the law won’t protect millions of consumers whose health plans aren’t regulated by the state.

Team Trump Says Administration’s Action On Health Care ‘Is Working.’ Is It?

The impact of the Trump administration’s health policies is not as clear-cut as the president’s reelection campaign suggests.

Smokers Need Not Apply: Fairness Of No-Nicotine Hiring Policies Questioned

U-Haul will not hire nicotine users in 21 states where it is legal to do so. Ethicists say such policies disproportionately affect the poor and are a sign of employers becoming overly involved in workers’ lifestyle choices.

Homeless Californians Adapt To Camp Sweeps And ‘The Caltrans Shuffle’

Communities across California, frustrated with the growing number of homeless people living on public property, have tasked police and sanitation workers with dismantling encampments they say pose a risk to health and safety. The routine cleanups have spawned another public health concern: the loss of the displaced people’s personal possessions, including medicines.

Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes

Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health care policy stories each week, so you don’t have to.

High-Deductible Plans Jeopardize Financial Health Of Patients And Rural Hospitals

Small hospitals and patients in rural areas have been hit hard by the boom in high-deductible health plans. Often when a patient arrives at a rural hospital needing critical care, the person is stabilized and transferred to a larger facility. But bills from the first site of care generally get applied to the patient’s deductible. When patients can’t afford their deductible, the smaller hospital winds up eating the costs.