Sara Reardon

@Sara_Reardon

Genetic Screening Results Just Got Harder to Handle Under New Abortion Rules

KFF Health News Original

Most prenatal genetic tests aren’t performed until after 11 weeks’ gestation, and the time between drawing a sample and getting results may be additional weeks. But new abortion restrictions prevent parents from choosing an abortion when they find out their child has a genetic disease, and make the already difficult decision for them.

Montana Tribes Want to Stop Jailing People for Suicide Attempts but Lack a Safer Alternative

KFF Health News Original

The Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes are working with academics and policy experts on possible solutions. Their challenge is how to attract the needed mental health personnel to the remote reservation.

The ‘Burn Scars’ of Wildfires Threaten the West’s Drinking Water

KFF Health News Original

Sediment from massive blazes chokes rivers and reservoirs, contaminating water supplies. The problem is only getting worse as climate change intensifies wildfires and lengthens the fire season.

In Poisoned Montana Town, Warren Buffett-Owned Railroad Accuses Clinic of Medicare Fraud

KFF Health News Original

BNSF Railway accuses the Center for Asbestos Related Disease of Medicare fraud by misdiagnosing and overtreating asbestos-caused illnesses, which the health clinic calls a cynical attempt by the company to limit its own liability.

Covid-Inspired Montana Health Insurance Proposal Wouldn’t Kick In for 2 Years

KFF Health News Original

Montana is looking to join most other states in requiring small businesses to offer laid-off employees temporary continuity of their health care plans. But the bill, if it passes, likely won’t take effect in time to help people directly affected by the pandemic.

Health Officials Fear Pandemic-Related Suicide Spike Among Native Youth

KFF Health News Original

Recent deaths on a small Native American reservation in Montana have underlined the heightened risks for Indigenous youths and how suicide prevention programs are struggling to operate during the pandemic.