Weekly Edition: July 27, 2017
Top Trump Health Official Takes Swipes At ACA, Single-Payer In Enemy Territory
By Chad Terhune
After a San Francisco speech focused mostly on Medicare, Seema Verma fielded questions that underscored the administration’s differences with California on other key health care issues.
Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ Congress And Health Care. Again.
In this episode of KHN’s “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Alice Ollstein of Talking Points Memo and Kimberly Leonard of the Washington Examiner talk about the new push on health legislation by Republicans in the House, as well as developments on Medicaid work requirements, drug prices and the fate of children separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexican border. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists offer their favorite health stories of the week.
A Transgender Woman’s Quest For Surgery Caught In Political Crosswinds
By Emmarie Huetteman
Dramatic policy swings, from an unprecedented expansion of transgender rights under the Obama administration to the unpredictable reduction of trans rights under President Donald Trump, have left many trans Americans feeling the whiplash.
A Transgender Woman’s ‘Bait-And-Switch’ $92,000 Surgery Bill
By Emmarie Huetteman
After being promised a significant discount for paying cash upfront and forgoing insurance, a Wisconsin patient gets caught in the middle between hospital and insurer — and feels snookered by a last-minute surprise and billing snafu.
Hospitals Gear Up For New Diagnosis: Human Trafficking
By Michelle Andrews
Many people forced into labor or the sex trade seek medical help at some point, and health care workers are being trained to identify them to offer assistance.
Can A Community Hospital Stay True To Its Mission After Sale To Large Corporation?
By Steven Findlay
After 130 years as a nonprofit with deep roots in western North Carolina, Mission Health announced in March that it was seeking to be bought by HCA Healthcare, the nation’s largest for-profit hospital chain.
Community Frets As Buyer For Cherished Rural Hospital Slips From View
By Barbara Feder Ostrov
Some residents of remote Surprise Valley in Northern California fear their hospital will close like so many others around the country, as hope wanes for financial support from a Denver entrepreneur. The businessman, Beau Gertz, had planned to raise money through lab billing for faraway patients.
How Soon Is Soon Enough To Learn You Have Alzheimer’s?
By Alex Smith, KCUR
Only about half of people with Alzheimer's symptoms get a diagnosis, partly out of fear of an incurable decline, doctors suspect. But Jose Belardo says facing the future allows him to plan for it.
No Gaps In Understanding: Here’s Your Primer On Medigap Coverage
By Judith Graham
Seniors often don’t realize that private insurers are required to offer Medigap policies, or supplemental insurance, only when people first sign up for Medicare.
Profiles For Sale: How Bits Of Captured Data Paint A Valuable Picture Of Your Health
By Rachel Bluth
Consumers, beware: Data brokers compile health and frailty profiles that have wide-ranging applications for drug companies, advertisers, insurers and other buyers.
How To Save A Choking Senator: Heimlich Heirs, Red Cross Disagree On Technique
By Carmen Heredia Rodriguez
The Red Cross and some other organizations suggest that first aid for choking begin with five slaps on the back. The family of Dr. Henry Heimlich, who developed the abdominal thrusts to dislodge objects that prevent breathing, is launching a campaign to demand proof of why back slaps should come first.
Déjà Voodoo: Pharma’s Promises To Curb Drug Prices Have Been Heard Before
By Jay Hancock and Sarah Jane Tribble
Several major drugmakers vow to contain drug prices, but similar pledges since the 1990s have not had much impact.
Time For That Colonoscopy? Probe Your Doc First On How The Scopes Are Cleaned
By Emily Bazar
Millions of Americans undergo procedures each year requiring medical scopes, but there’s growing concern about the risk of infection from dirty devices. Be prepared to ask questions — and bail if you’re not satisfied with the answers.
Purdue Pharma Edits Public Service Ad In Washington Post
By Fred Schulte
Did OxyContin maker admit opioids can be dangerous even when patients take them as prescribed — then walk it back?