Shefali Luthra

Shefali Luthra was a correspondent for KFF Health News until June 2020.

@Shefalil

1 In 5 Immigrant Children Detained During ‘Zero Tolerance’ Border Policy Are Under 13

KFF Health News Original

The White House’s latest immigration strategy has created challenges for the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement, which is now responsible for more children — many far younger than in previous administrations.

Bubble Pop? Brownie Batter? Vapes’ Added Flavors Fuel E-Cig Debate

KFF Health News Original

Vaping is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, especially among young people. This fact is triggering an unexpected divide within the public health community and complicating efforts to regulate the industry.

Vermont Legislators Pass A Drug Importation Law. So What?

KFF Health News Original

The first-in-the-nation measure would empower Vermont to set up a wholesale program to import prescription drugs from Canada. But it still will have to get federal buy-in before it is operational.

‘Pharma Bro’ Shkreli Is In Prison, But Daraprim’s Price Is Still High

KFF Health News Original

The saga of Martin Shkreli and Turing Pharmaceuticals focused a lot of attention on prescription drug prices, but no reversal of the exponential price increases for the lifesaving drug Daraprim resulted. The story offers an object lesson into the interworkings of the pharmaceutical market.

Congress Tackles The Opioid Epidemic. But How Much Will It Help?

KFF Health News Original

President Trump, speaking Monday, called for a tough-on-crime federal approach. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, legislative strategies to combat this pressing public health problem are gaining momentum, but experts are not certain these approaches will make a difference.

Bill Of The Month: For Toenail Fungus, A $1,500 Prescription

KFF Health News Original

How a prescription wiped out one woman’s health reimbursement account, raising questions about prescription drug price tags and about how health care professionals deal (or don’t) with medical costs.

Bad Bedside Manna: Bank Loans Signed In The Hospital Leave Patients Vulnerable

KFF Health News Original

Hospitals increasingly team up with lending institutions to offer low- or no-interest loans to patients to make sure their bills get paid. But critics say the complexity of hospital pricing means consumers should be cautious.

Para abaratar el costo de los medicamentos, estados quieren importarlos de Canadá

KFF Health News Original

Algunos estados buscan impulsar al gobierno federal para que allane el camino para comprar stocks de medicamentos en Canadá con el fin de abaratar los costos y ahorrarle dinero a las arcas estatales.

Bipartisan Senate Budget Deal Boosts Health Programs

KFF Health News Original

The agreement would add $2 billion to the National Institutes of Health and fund community health centers around the country. But it does not include provisions to help stabilize the federal health law’s marketplaces.

Stalled Health Programs Await A Green Light On The Hill

KFF Health News Original

With another piece of must-pass legislation set to move through Congress, there’s a push to attach provisions to keep afloat a number of health-related programs for which funding or specific federal direction has expired.