Category: NPR

Federal Legislation Seeks Ban On Shackling Of Pregnant Inmates

Incarcerated pregnant women are often shackled during medical appointments and childbirth. A provision in a criminal justice bill aims to end the practice in federal facilities.

A Push For Diversity In Medical School Is Slowly Paying Off

American medical schools have historically been disproportionately white, but they are starting to attract more diverse students. The change may be the result of a diversity policy with teeth.

Medicare To Cut Payments To Nursing Homes Whose Patients End Up Back In The Hospital

Medicare’s incentive program to discourage nursing homes from discharging patients too quickly will also give bonuses to facilities that have fewer rehospitalizations.

Trump’s Move To Give States More Flexibility Undercuts Obamacare, Critics Say

The Trump administration offered states specific examples Thursday of how they could change the way they implement the Affordable Care Act. Critics say Trump’s plan could drive up premiums for many.

Another Drug Crisis: Methamphetamine Use By Pregnant Women

As illegal meth use has made a comeback across the U.S., pregnant women have not been spared, doctors say. New research shows rural areas in the South, Midwest and West have been hit hardest.

Number Of U.S. Kids Who Don’t Have Health Insurance Is On The Rise

Economic growth usually means more kids get health insurance, but that’s not been the case during the Trump years, a study shows. For the first time in a decade, the uninsured rate for children is up.

This Trauma Surgeon Survived Gun Violence. Now He’s Taking On The NRA

When Joseph Sakran was 17, he was shot in the throat after a high school football game. That experience inspired him to become a surgeon — and to speak out against gun violence.

Obamacare Sign-Ups Lag As Trump Slashes Funds For Enrollment Help

The Trump administration is spending $10 million this year on health care navigators — down from $63 million in 2016. Nationwide, workers are scrambling to apprise people of insurance options.

Chronically Ill, Traumatically Billed: $123,019 For 2 Multiple Sclerosis Treatments

Shereese Hickson’s doctor wanted her to try a drug called Ocrevus for her multiple sclerosis. Trained as a medical billing coder, Hickson was shocked by the six-figure bill and the share she owed.

For Doctors Who Want To Provide Abortions, Employment Contracts Often Tie Their Hands

Some doctors are morally opposed to performing abortions. Others feel it’s their calling and give up weekends to work at small clinics that offer them. And that can put their jobs in jeopardy.