Father’s And Son’s Injuries Lead To The Mother Of All Therapy Bills

KFF Health News Original

A father and son suffered serious hand injuries nine days apart. They both needed surgery and lots of follow-up occupational therapy to rehab their hands. But insurance paid for just a fraction of those OT bills, and the family owed more than $8,500.

Vaccine Shortage Complicates Efforts To Quell Hepatitis A Outbreaks

KFF Health News Original

The two FDA-approved manufacturers of the vaccine, hit by an unexpected spike in demand, have had difficulty keeping pace. In San Diego County, home to the deadliest outbreak in the nation, officials are postponing a campaign to give at-risk residents the second of two doses.

California Cracks Down On Weed Killer As Lawsuits Abound

KFF Health News Original

California has listed the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup as a cancer-causing agent and will require warning labels on it starting next year. The company says that the listing is unjustified and that science is on its side.

A ‘Safe’ Space To Shoot Up: Worth A Try?

KFF Health News Original

A bill pending in the state legislature could make the Golden State the first in the U.S. to open establishments where intravenous drug users can shoot up under medical supervision. Proponents say that would save lives.

Medicaid Caps Pitched By GOP Could Shrink Seniors’ Benefits

KFF Health News Original

Advocates for the elderly worry that GOP plans to end Medicaid’s open-ended spending and replace it with per-capita limits could pose a risk for low-income older people who rely on the federal-state program for nursing and other long-term care.