Melissa Bailey

Melissa Bailey was a correspondent for KFF Health News until October 2019.

@mmbaily

These Annual Checkups Help Seniors Not Only Survive But Thrive

KFF Health News Original

Seniors are living longer and defying predictions of cognitive and functional decline. Wellness coaches guide them in setting goals for the year — whether physical, social, in­tellectual or spiritual.

Taken For A Ride? Ambulances Stick Patients With Surprise Bills

KFF Health News Original

Public outrage over surprise medical bills prompted 21 states to pass consumer protection laws. But these laws largely ignore ambulance rides, which can leave patients stuck with hundreds or even thousands of dollars in bills.

‘No One Is Coming’: Hospice Patients Abandoned At Death’s Door

KFF Health News Original

U.S. hospice agencies promise to be available around-the-clock to help patients dying in their homes. But a Kaiser Health News investigation shows that in an alarming number of cases, that promise is broken.

As Care Shifts From Hospital To Home, Guarding Against Infection Falls To Families

KFF Health News Original

Despite a lack of medical training, relatives increasingly are assigned complex, risky medical tasks at home, such as maintaining catheters. If done incorrectly, blood clots, infections, even death can result.

Por qué es tan difícil hallar una cura para el Alzheimer

KFF Health News Original

A pesar de una tasa de fracaso de 99%, científicos que investigan el Alzheimer están avanzando con cientos de experimentos -y un gran impulso en dinero federal- para tratar de revertir una enfermedad mortal que los ha desconcertado por décadas.