Category: NPR

Doctors dealing with childhood obesity are getting trained in empathy at schools

Pediatricians historically have not had much instruction on how to deal with childhood obesity. But now medical schools are starting to train their students on leading with empathy.

After a shocking shooting, Americans vent feelings about health insurance

The death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson triggered a deluge of painful stories about health care denials on social media.

Anthem plans to put time limits on anesthesia coverage, alarming doctors

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield says it will put time limits on anesthesia care starting next year. Doctors and elected officials, including in New York and Connecticut, are asking it to change course.

Afghan women reportedly barred from studying nursing and midwivery

Several sources confirm the Taliban pronouncement, part of ongoing efforts to curtail education for girls and women. Women studying these subjects say they were barred from classes this week.

The future of Biden’s plan for Medicaid to cover obesity drugs

Drugs used for weight loss like Wegovy and Zepbound could be covered by Medicare or Medicaid under a new proposal from the Biden administration.

A look at the think tank that may shape Trump’s health policies

RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz are headline grabbers for sure. But here’s the think tank that might inform Trump’s behind the scenes efforts on health policy. They’re all about the free market.

Weight loss drugs could soon be covered by Medicare and Medicaid

The Biden administration is looking to extend Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound. Weight loss drugs are now excluded from mandatory coverage.

What it means to run the Department of Health and Human Services

NPR’s Juana Summer’s speaks with Julie Rovner of KFF Health News about what it means to run the Department of Health and Human Services and what Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., could bring to the job.

Trump nominates RFK Jr. to remake healthcare.

This week President-elect Donald Trump announced Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his nominee to run the Department of Health and Human Services.

The nomination comes after Trump promised to let Kennedy “go wild on health” during the campaign.

Kennedy holds a number of controversial opinions on health, and promotes a number of scientifically debunked claims like vaccines cause autism, fluoride is poisoning the public water system and AIDS isn’t caused by the HIV virus.

Kennedy has long wanted to remake health and healthcare policy in the United States. Soon, he may get his chance.

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What Trump’s reelection could mean for transgender health care access

In a Morning Edition series finale, Michel Martin asks experts about President-elect Trump’s campaign promises to limit transgender health care access and ban trans athletes from school sports.