InsuranceCoverage&Costs060321

Enough to Wreck Their Rest: $10,322 for a Sleep Study
By Michelle Andrews The University of Miami Health System charges a truck driver six times what Medicare would pay for an overnight test.

Newsom Wants to Spend Millions on the Health of Low-Income Mothers and Their Babies
By Anna Almendrala Democratic legislators back measures that would end the “pink tax” on diapers and menstrual products, provide mental health support, and pilot a guaranteed-income program.

Doctors Tell How to Make the Most of Your Telehealth Visits
By Julie Appleby Public health restrictions put in place during the pandemic are loosening, meaning it’s OK to go back to your doctor’s office. But will virtual visits remain an option?

Many New Moms Get Kicked Off Medicaid 2 Months After Giving Birth. Illinois Will Change That.
By Christine Herman, WILL / Illinois Public Media Each year, hundreds of thousands of new mothers lose Medicaid coverage after 60 days when their income exceeds limits. But deadly childbirth complications persist months longer.

Expanding Insurance Coverage Is Top Priority for New Medicare-Medicaid Chief
By Julie Rovner Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the new head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said the administration will focus on getting more people insured and is interested in finding a way to alleviate the gap keeping low-income families in states that haven’t expanded Medicaid from enrolling in Affordable Care Act health plans.

From Racial Justice to Dirty Air, California’s New AG Plots a Progressive Health Care Agenda
By Angela Hart In a candid interview, California’s newly appointed attorney general, Rob Bonta, reflects on his progressive roots and says he will pursue a health care agenda centered on the principle that quality medical care is a right, not a privilege.

Caring for an Aging Nation
By Lydia Zuraw and Carmen Heredia Rodriguez The number of Americans 65 and older is expected to nearly double in the next 40 years. Finding a way to provide and pay for the long-term health services they need won't be easy.

Biden Administration Signals It’s in No Rush to Allow Canadian Drug Imports
By Phil Galewitz Federal officials asked a court to dismiss a suit by drugmakers over the policy enacted by the Trump administration that would allow states to bring in cheaper prescription medications from Canada. The filing said the lawsuit was moot because it’s unclear when or if the FDA would approve any state’s importation plan.

As Pandemic Eases, Many Seniors Have Lost Strength, May Need Rehabilitative Services
By Judith Graham A little-discussed, long-term toll of the pandemic is that large numbers of older adults have become physically and cognitively debilitated and less able to care for themselves after sheltering in place.

Confronting Our ‘Frailties’: California’s Assembly Leader Reflects on a Year of Covid
By Samantha Young California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon says covid exposed long-standing health care inequities that must be addressed. He told KHN he wants to get more people insured, boost broadband access so more patients can use telehealth and increase funding to local health departments.

Why Your Dentist Might Seem Pushy
By Daryl Austin Dentists know how to maximize the profits in your mouth. But sometimes it’s outright fraud — to the tune of billions every year.

Pandemic Leads Doctors to Rethink Unnecessary Treatment
By Bruce Alpert Covid-caused delays in medical treatments and surgeries are producing data for health care providers to take another look at what’s needed and what isn’t.

No-Cancel Culture: How Telehealth Is Making It Easier to Keep That Therapy Session
By Eric Berger No-shows for behavioral health appointments have been a long-standing problem, with up to 60% skipped. Now telehealth, fueled by the pandemic, makes it easier for people dealing with depression and other mental health issues to make it to their appointments at a time when such care is in high demand. But teletherapy creates other challenges.

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Drug Price Effort Hits a Snag
Democratic leaders in Congress have vowed to pass legislation to address high prescription drug prices this year, but some moderates in their own party appear to be balking. Meanwhile, younger teens are now eligible for a covid-19 vaccine and the Biden administration reinstated anti-discrimination policy for LGBTQ people in health care. Joanne Kenen of Politico, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet and Rachel Cohrs of Stat join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more.

Colorado Lawmakers Wage Multifront Assault on High Drug Costs
By Markian Hawryluk Colorado is one of many states resolved not to wait for federal action to reduce drug costs. Its legislature is considering several ways to lower costs for consumers and the state.

‘Kicking You When You’re Down’: Many Cancer Patients Pay Dearly for Parking
By Rebecca J. Ritzel Patients often fork over payments comparable to valet rates to park while receiving care. A recent study found that some of the country’s most prestigious cancer centers charge nearly $1,700 over the course of treatment for some types of the disease.

You’ve Added Your Kids to Your Health Plan. What About Mom?
By Samantha Young A bill in the California legislature would require state-regulated health plans to cover policyholders’ dependent parents. Advocates say the measure would reduce the number of uninsured people, while business groups warn of premium increases.

From Covid Coverage to ‘Public Option’ Plans, Journalists Delve Into Details
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.

Readers and Tweeters React to Racism, Inequities in Health Care
Kaiser Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.

Despite Pandemic, Newsom Declines to Boost Local Public Health Budgets — Again
By Angela Hart California Gov. Gavin Newsom has, for the third consecutive year, rejected new state funding for local public health departments. Frustrated legislative leaders and public health officials are trying to change his mind.

Covid Testing Has Turned Into a Financial Windfall for Hospitals and Other Providers
By Jay Hancock and Hannah Norman Because there are no caps on cost, consumers and insurers often get billed hundreds of dollars for the most reliable PCR covid test. Prices are rising and they can’t fight back.

Suficiente para arruinar el descanso: le cobran $10,322 por un estudio del sueño
By Michelle Andrews Por un estudio del sueño para resolver su apnea, recibió una factura que es seis veces superior a la que paga Medicare.

Has agregado a tus hijos a tu plan de salud. ¿Y tu mamá?
By Samantha Young Un proyecto de ley en California exigiría que los planes de salud regulados por el estado cubran a los padres dependientes de los asegurados. Según activistas, la medida reduciría el número de personas sin seguro; pero grupos empresariales advierten sobre el aumento de las primas.