Medicare’s incentive program to discourage nursing homes from discharging patients too quickly will also give bonuses to facilities that have fewer rehospitalizations.
Category: NPR
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.
Rethinking Bed Rest For Pregnancy
Research indicates bed rest does not improve birth outcomes and can be risky for the mom. So why is it still prescribed by many doctors and midwives for about 20 percent of pregnant women in the U.S.?
Dangerous Infection Tied To Hospitals Now Becoming Common Outside Them
Infections with Clostridium difficile can be difficult to treat and life-threatening. Once a problem seen mainly in health care facilities, the infections are now occurring often in the community.
