Category: Kaiser Health News

Will Congress Bring Sky-High Air Ambulance Bills Down To Earth?

Medevac helicopter companies are on the radar of an FAA funding bill likely to pass the House and Senate this week.

Threat To The ACA Turns Up The Heat On Attorney General Races

As Republican and Democratic attorneys general square off on a Texas case that threatens to dismantle consumer protections in the federal health law, campaigns across the country for states’ highest legal officer get hotter.

Taken For A Ride: After ATV Crash, Doctor Gets $56,603 Bill For Air Ambulance Trip

After an accident in an all-terrain vehicle crushed a doctor’s left arm, he was whisked by air ambulance to the closest trauma center for specialized care. Soon he was fighting over the $56,603 bill.

Medicare Eases Readmission Penalties Against Safety-Net Hospitals

Penalties will total $566 million for all hospitals. But many that serve a large share of low-income patients will lose less money than they did in previous years.

Putting Oversized Health Care Costs Upfront — On T-Shirts

The Maryland Health Care Commission has created a consumer education campaign that puts the costs of common health care procedures on a place where people might see them – T-shirts.

5 Things To Know About Trump’s New ‘Public Charge’ Immigration Proposal

Trump administration officials say the policy would promote “immigrant self-sufficiency and protect finite resources.” Critics say it could have serious public health consequences.

Parents Are Leery Of Schools Requiring ‘Mental Health’ Disclosures By Students

Florida school districts now have to ask if a new student has ever been referred for mental health services. It’s a legislative attempt to help troubled kids. Will it work, or increase stigma instead?

‘Physicians Of The Mouth’? Dentists Absorb The Medical Billing Drill

Health insurance generally pays more than dental insurance, and newly minted experts say it’s legitimate to bill medical plans for services extending beyond tooth care. Medical insurers caution against inappropriate billing and fraud.

Blood, Sweat And Workplace Wellness: Where To Draw The Line On Incentives

Uncertainty over federal standards for these cost-saving programs could trigger different perks for employees and change what they must do to qualify.

Bad Air And Inadequate Data Prove An Unhealthy Mix

San Joaquin Valley residents breathe some of the dirtiest air in the country, but it can be a challenge for them to find accurate and timely information on the air quality in their neighborhoods. This summer, nonprofit organizations began distributing 20 small air monitors to hard-hit families, and next year, the state is expected to install monitoring systems in some communities.