Category: NPR

Democrats’ spending bill includes plan to get free health care to uninsured Americans

There are more than 2 million uninsured adults in states that didn’t expand Medicaid. Congressional Democrats have a plan to cover them — if they can find money for it in the massive spending bill.

A Hospital Gives Its Staff Panic Buttons After Assaults By Patients Triple

From 2019 to 2020, assaults on hospital staff by patients tripled at Cox Medical Center in Branson, Mo. Now personal panic buttons are being implemented to alert hospital security more easily.

The Bill For His COVID Test In Texas Was A Whopping $54,000

A businessman from Dallas got a PCR test for the coronavirus at a suburban emergency room. The charge for his test was “egregious” but not illegal, say health care analysts. Here’s what happened.

A death in Dallas: what’s at stake as Congress weighs Medicaid fix for uninsured

More than 2 million Americans are uninsured because they live in the 12 states that didn’t expand Medicaid. 60% are people of color. Will Congress help by including them in the new spending bill?

As Vaccine Deadlines Approach, Hospitals Fear Staffing Shortages Will Occur

About a dozen states have vaccination mandates covering health care workers in hospitals, long-term care facilities — or both.

The Vaccine Mandate For Healthcare Workers Means Hospitals Are Losing Staff

New York healthcare workers must be vaccinated for COVID-19 or lose their jobs. At one rural hospital, opposition to the vaccine is exacerbating an existing labor shortage, forcing cuts to services.

The Cost Of Forced Psychiatric Care Like Britney Spears Got Can Be Ruinous

The pop star was forced into psychiatric care — and compelled to pay for it. That could happen to anyone during an episode of serious mental illness, adding a financial threat to the health woes.

Amid Nursing Shortage, Hospital CEO Says Vaccine Mandates Can Deter Staff

NPR’s Michel Martin speaks with Dr. Randy Tobler, CEO of Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, Missouri, about Covid cases and staffing shortages at his facility.

NY Hospitals Worry About Staff Shortages As Monday Vaccine Deadline Approaches

The statewide COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers takes effect Monday and hospitals and nursing homes fear it could lead to staff shortages.

Rural Hospitals Fear A Vaccine Mandate Would Dwindle Already Overextended Staffs

Rural hospitals want to see their workforce get vaccinated against COVID-19. But they’re worried Biden’s new mandate will cause staff shortages, and they’re asking the administration for help.