Category: Kaiser Health News

An Arm and a Leg: Wait, Is Insulin Cheaper Now?

Did the price of insulin go down? It’s not quite that simple. On this episode of “An Arm and a Leg,” producer Emily Pisacreta explores recent changes to the cost of the diabetes medication.

California Lawsuit Spotlights Broad Legal Attack on Anti-Bias Training in Health Care

State laws requiring doctor training on how bias affects treatment violate teachers’ right to free speech, opponents say.

Say That Again: Using Hearing Aids Can Be Frustrating for Older Adults, but Necessary

Hearing loss is more than a nuisance. It also raises the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, falls, depression, and social isolation.

Without Medicare Part B’s Shield, Patient’s Family Owes $81,000 for a Single Air-Ambulance Flight

Sky-high bills from air-ambulance providers have sparked complaints and federal action in recent years. But a rural Tennessee resident fell through the cracks of billing protections — and a single helicopter ride could cost much of her estate’s value.

A Government Video Would Explain When Abortion Is Legal in South Dakota

South Dakota allows doctors to terminate a pregnancy only if a patient’s life is in jeopardy. Lawmakers say a government-created video would clarify what that exception actually means.

California Gov. Newsom Wants Voters to Approve Billions More to Help the Homeless. Will It Help?

A March 5 ballot initiative seeks $6.4 billion to build thousands of new housing units and provide mental health treatment for homeless people — on top of the billions already being spent to address the public health crisis. Despite significant support from health and law enforcement officials, many front-line workers are skeptical that more money is the answer.

Horse Sedative Use Among Humans Spreads in Deadly Mixture of ‘Tranq’ and Fentanyl

Illegal supplies of fentanyl are being cut with xylazine, a powerful horse tranquilizer. Overdoses involving this veterinary sedative are growing nationally and now Florida officials are tracking the deaths.

If You’re Poor, Fertility Treatment Can Be Out of Reach

For low-income people who are on Medicaid or whose employer health plan is skimpy, help for infertility seems unattainable.

Florida Defies CDC in Measles Outbreak, Telling Parents It’s Fine to Send Unvaccinated Kids to School

The state’s surgeon general grants parents permission to send unvaccinated children to school during a measles outbreak, risking their health and that of others.

Pregnancy Care Was Always Lacking in Jails. It Could Get Worse.

A lack of oversight and standards for pregnancy care in jails is becoming more problematic as the number of incarcerated women rises and abortion restrictions put medical care further out of reach.