Category: Kaiser Health News

KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Democrats Do Drugs (Prices)

House Democrats start legislative work on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s prescription drug pricing bill; health is again a featured player in the Democratic presidential candidate debate; and courts around the country hold up President Donald Trump’s health agenda. This week, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Tami Luhby of CNN, and Joanne Kenen of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists recommend their favorite health stories of the week.

California To Provide Financial Boost To Help Buy Health Coverage

Come Jan. 1, California will be the first state to offer financial aid to middle-class people who make too much money to qualify for federal Obamacare tax credits. And Californians will once again owe a penalty if they are uninsured.

California To Provide Financial Boost To Help Buy Health Coverage

Come Jan. 1, California will be the first state to offer financial aid to middle-class people who make too much money to qualify for federal Obamacare tax credits. And Californians will once again owe a penalty if they are uninsured.

‘Fear Of Falling’: How Hospitals Do Even More Harm By Keeping Patients In Bed

In what experts call an “epidemic of immobility,” older hospital patients remain stuck in bed, their movements tracked by loud and ineffective bed alarms, losing muscle mass that’s key to their health and daily functioning.

Surprise Settlement In Sutter Health Antitrust Case

Sutter Health has reached a tentative settlement in an antitrust suit brought by the California Attorney General’s Office. Details have not been made public.

No More Tater Tots? California Schools Put Healthier Lunches To The Test

In the Golden State and elsewhere, school lunches include less meat, fewer processed foods and more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. One of the challenges nutrition advocates face is a new directive from the Trump administration that cuts the other way.

Biden Gets Too Specific On ‘Medicare For All’ Tax Hikes

It comes down to questionable methodology.

Health Care Stayed Front And Center At Democratic Debate

The topic, which polls show is top of mind among voters, kept returning throughout the fourth debate of Democratic presidential candidates.

Think ‘Medicare For All’ Is The Only Democratic Health Plan? Think Again

The Democratic presidential candidates have hit hard on health care, but generally the debates have centered on what kind of system candidates propose. The candidates’ ideas on many other issues, such as mental health and gun safety, have attracted much less attention.

Patients Eligible For Charity Care Instead Get Big Bills

Nonprofit hospitals admit they sent $2.7 billion in bills over the course of a year to patients who probably qualified for free or discounted care.