Category: Kaiser Health News

Purdue Pharma Edits Public Service Ad In Washington Post

Did OxyContin maker admit opioids can be dangerous even when patients take them as prescribed — then walk it back?

Hospitals Gear Up For New Diagnosis: Human Trafficking

Many people forced into labor or the sex trade seek medical help at some point, and health care workers are being trained to identify them to offer assistance.

Profiles For Sale: How Bits Of Captured Data Paint A Valuable Picture Of Your Health

Consumers, beware: Data brokers compile health and frailty profiles that have wide-ranging applications for drug companies, advertisers, insurers and other buyers.

Can A Community Hospital Stay True To Its Mission After Sale To Large Corporation?

After 130 years as a nonprofit with deep roots in western North Carolina, Mission Health announced in March that it was seeking to be bought by HCA Healthcare, the nation’s largest for-profit hospital chain.

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ Drug Prices And Unicorns

In this episode of KHN’s “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Joanne Kenen of Politico, and Erin Mershon of STAT News discuss a series of health policy court decisions on everything from prescription drug discounts to soda taxes. Plus, Rovner, interviews health care futurist and consultant Jeff Goldsmith.

Children With Disabilities Endure Long Waits For Life-Changing Medical Equipment

Some California children with serious health care problems wait more than a year for wheelchairs, bath benches, commodes, specialized crutches and other crucial medical equipment. Critics blame the delays on a confusing bureaucratic maze of private insurers and public programs.

From Crib To Court: Trump Administration Summons Immigrant Infants

At least 70 infants have been ordered to appear in immigration court after being separated from their parents.

States Attacking ACA Would Hurt Most If Shield On Preexisting Conditions Were Axed

A coalition of Republican states has launched a legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act, including provisions requiring insurers to offer coverage to people with preexisting conditions without raising rates. An analysis shows that some of these states have the highest proportion of such residents.

Staggering Prices Slow Insurers’ Coverage Of CAR-T Cancer Therapy

Some state Medicaid programs are not paying for the procedures, and Medicare’s complicated payment rates have hospitals concerned that it will not cover all the costs.

Retooled Vaccine Raises Hopes As A Lower-Cost Treatment For Type 1 Diabetes

The vaccine, BCG, is relatively cheap. But experts caution the therapy could be overhyped and, if proven effective, wind up overpriced.