Category: Kaiser Health News

Senators Unveil Legislation To Protect Patients Against Surprise Medical Bills

The measure is designed to help people getting emergency care from hospitals or doctors that are not part of their insurance network.

Paper Jam: California’s Medicaid Program Hits ‘Print’ When The Feds Need Info

Amid the buzz over apps and electronic medical records rescuing modern medicine, California’s Medicaid program still clings to 1970s-era technology. A reboot may cost half a billion dollars.

Day-Tripping To The Dispensary: Seniors In Pain Hop Aboard The Canna-Bus

Marijuana dispensaries are reaching out to seniors seeking help with the aches and pains of aging. They’re discovering an array of products, and some interesting side effects.

New Medicare Advantage Tool To Lower Drug Prices Puts Crimp In Patients’ Choices

Federal officials are allowing the private insurance plans to use “step therapy” for drugs administered by doctors. In step therapy, patients must first use cheaper drugs to see if they work before receiving more expensive options.

Half As Many People Are Trying Heroin, But Marijuana Use Grows

An annual government survey of drug use and health shows a dramatic drop in the number of people who tried heroin but an uptick in pot use.

Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes

Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health articles from the week so you don’t have to.

Discreetly Tracking Down Sex Partners To Stop A Surge In STDs

In response to a spike in syphilis and gonorrhea cases, one Oregon county is sending medical sleuths to break the bad news in person. Some people have no idea they’ve been exposed to an infection.

4 Takeaways On Puerto Rico’s Death Toll, In The Wake Of Trump’s Tweet Storm

The controversy over the death toll from Hurricane Maria continues as the president tweets that the official estimate adopted by territory officials is a political ploy.

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ A Detour On A Smoking Off-Ramp

In this episode of KHN’s “What the Health?” Sarah Jane Tribble of Kaiser Health News, Stephanie Armour of The Wall Street Journal, Kimberly Leonard of the Washington Examiner and Rebecca Adams of CQ Roll Call talk about the Food and Drug Administration’s latest actions to address teenagers’ use of e-cigarettes, Arkansas’ Medicaid work requirements and news about the uninsured from the latest federal Census report.

Insurer To Purdue Pharma: We Won’t Pay For OxyContin Anymore

Embattled drugmaker Purdue Pharma defends OxyContin as some insurers are dropping the drug in favor of other abuse-deterrent opioid painkillers.