Weekly Edition: June 19-23, 2017
Senate Health Bill Would Revamp Medicaid, Alter ACA Guarantees, Cut Premium Support
By Julie Rovner
Despite promises to craft their own way to revamp the federal health law, the Senate Republican bill follows the House’s lead in many ways.
Promises Made To Protect Preexisting Conditions Prove Hollow
By Jay Hancock and Rachel Bluth
Experts say the loopholes would allow states to bypass some protections for people with preexisting conditions.
Winners And Losers: 40 Is Old In Senate GOP Health Plan’s Subsidy Structure
By Julie Appleby
The latest Republican plan to revamp the health law reshapes how age and income affect what help consumers get for paying premiums.
Poll: Most Americans Unaware GOP Plans Would Make Deep Funding Cuts To Medicaid
By Shefali Luthra
The survey also found public support for program changes that would place work requirements on beneficiaries and make drug testing a condition of enrollment.
Not Your Average Senators: Meet The GOP Men Reshaping Your Health Care
The Senate’s version of the American Health Care Act was revealed Thursday. Here’s an insider’s look at the men who drafted it.
Deep Cuts To Medicaid Put Rural Hospitals In The Crosshairs
By Bram Sable-Smith, Side Effects Public Media
Since 2010, at least 79 rural hospitals have closed across the country, and nearly 700 more are at risk of closing. The Republican repeal of the health law could hasten their demise.
FDA Ruling On Aussie Biotech Could Boost Congressman’s Investment
By Rachel Bluth
Innate Immunotherapeutics, whose largest shareholder is Buffalo-area Rep. Chris Collins, received FDA approval to begin U.S. trials of its drug for treating advanced multiple sclerosis.
All Kids Should Be Screened for Obesity
By Michelle Andrews
An expert panel renews its guidelines that children and teens be screened for obesity at doctors’ offices and advised to receive treatment.
The New War On Sepsis
By Anna Gorman and Heidi de Marco
Armed with strict guidelines and motivated by sheer urgency, a specialized team of nurses makes the rounds, seeking to thwart the No. 1 killer in U.S. hospitals.
A Clinic Mix-Up Leaves Pregnant Woman In Dark About Zika Risk
By JoNel Aleccia
A Washington state woman didn’t find out for months that she was likely infected with the virus that can cause serious birth defects. Clinic officials say they’ll do better.
A ‘Safe’ Space To Shoot Up: Worth A Try?
By Stephanie O'Neill
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.
Survivors Of Childhood Diseases Struggle To Find Care As Adults
By Kerry Klein, Valley Public Radio
Once-fatal childhood diseases, like cystic fibrosis, congenital heart disease and sickle cell anemia, now can be survived into adulthood. But when those patients become too old to see pediatricians, it can be difficult for them to find physicians familiar with their conditions.
Despite A Growing Appetite, Buffet-Style Flat-Fee Clinics Shutter In Seattle
By Michelle Andrews
A small number of medical practices have been moving to “direct primary care,” in which patients pay a monthly retainer for unlimited services. But the collapse of Qliance in Seattle may portend problems with the business model.