The rule was intended to protect health care workers who refuse to assist in procedures like abortion because of religious or moral beliefs. Plaintiffs argue the rule could put patient safety at risk.
Category: NPR
Politicians, Government Agencies Feud Over Payouts Tied To Opioid Epidemic
Drug companies are paying hundreds of millions of dollars to end lawsuits tied to the opioid epidemic. As payouts grow, government leaders are fighting over where the money should go.
Have Cancer, Must Travel: Patients Left In Lurch After Town’s Hospital Closes
As the rural town of Fort Scott, Kan., grapples with the closure of its hospital, cancer patients bear a heavy burden. They now have to go elsewhere for treatments they used to get locally.
Democrats Try To Distinguish Themselves On Health Care
NPR’s Sarah McCammon speaks with Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News about the Democratic presidential candidates’ health care policies.
A Tennessee Hospital Sues Its Own Employees When They Can’t Pay Their Medical Bills
A nonprofit hospital network in Memphis takes its own workers to court for unpaid medical bills. Some of them earn as little as $12.25/hour, but still see their wages garnished by their employer.
Key Florida Republicans Now Say Yes To Clean Needles For Drug Users
Florida has struggled for years with opioid overdoses — and the highest rate of HIV infection in the U.S. Lawmakers now hope needle exchanges and a “harm reduction” approach could help save lives.
Democrats Debate Health Care And Other Issues At Miami Forum
At the first night of the debate, one issue where there were clear differences was where the Democratic presidential contenders stood on health care.
1st AIDS Ward ‘5B’ Fought To Give Patients Compassionate Care, Dignified Deaths
A new documentary tells the story of America’s first inpatient unit dedicated to the care of people with AIDS. Nurse Cliff Morrison helped create 5B in 1983, and worked on it with Dr. Paul Volberding.
Hospitals Earn Little From Suing For Unpaid Bills. For Patients, It Can Be ‘Ruinous’
When patients can’t afford to pay their medical bills, many hospitals offer a payment plan — or free or discounted care. But some try to collect by suing patients and garnishing their wages.
Trump Directs Azar To Help Make Health Care Costs More Transparent
NPR’s Noel King talks to Health and Human Service Secretary Alex Azar about President Trump’s executive order issued Monday on health care pricing and transparency.
