Weekly Edition: March 23, 2018

States Extend Medicaid For Birth Control, Cutting Costs — And Future Enrollment

Phil Galewitz and Anna Gorman

Medicaid family planning programs reduce unplanned births, but some are caught in disputes over federal funding to Planned Parenthood.

Research Misconduct Allegations Shadow New CDC Head

Marisa Taylor

Critics say the Trump administration failed to properly vet Dr. Robert Redfield as they attribute a pattern of “ethically and morally questionable behavior” to him.

For One Father And Son In Puerto Rico, Hurricane Maria’s Cloud Has Not Lifted

Sarah Varney

The deadly storm turned a health challenge into a full-blown medical crisis for one young man with unconfirmed multiple sclerosis. And still he waits to see a neurologist.

Paying Hospitals To Keep People Out Of Hospitals? It Works In Maryland.

Jay Hancock

The state’s ambitious payment overhaul has begun to demonstrate savings and a change in culture, say new reports.

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

Shefali Luthra

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.

Graphic: Opioid Painkiller Is Top Prescription In 10 States

Jenny Gold

Though opioid prescriptions appear to be on the decline, Vicodin and Norco remain popular, especially in the South. In more than half of states, Synthroid — a drug to treat hypothyroidism — came in at No. 1.

The Dream Among ‘Dreamers’ To Become A Doctor Now ‘At The Mercy’ Of Courts

Ana B. Ibarra

In September, the Trump administration announced its plan to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, setting off an ongoing political and legal battle that could doom the dreams of immigrant doctors in training.

Poll: Americans Aghast Over Drug Costs But Aren’t Holding Their Breath For A Fix

Rachel Bluth

Almost three-quarters of Americans think the pharmaceutical industry has too much power in the nation’s capital, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Reporter’s Notebook: The Tale Of Theranos And The Mysterious Fire Alarm

Jenny Gold

Health care tech startup Theranos was riding high back in 2014. But when a reporter raised questions, its media reps circled the wagons.

Adults Skipping Vaccines May Miss Out On Effective New Shingles Shot

Michelle Andrews

Federal health officials recommend that adults get a number of vaccinations, including protections against shingles, the flu, pneumonia, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. But immunization rates are generally low.

Docs Worry There’s ‘Nowhere To Send’ New And Expectant Moms With Depression

April Dembosky, KQED

California's legislature will soon take up a bill that would require doctors to screen pregnant women and new mothers for mental health problems. Many doctors oppose the idea, and laws elsewhere haven't increased the number of moms treated.

Women In Medicine Shout #MeToo About Sexual Harassment At Work

Christina Jewett

Lawsuits and complaints about sexual harassment are piling up in the health care industry as women take on doctors, peers and co-workers.

Are There Risks From Secondhand Marijuana Smoke? Early Science Says Yes.

Marissa Ortega-Welch, KALW

Scientists are finding that, just as with secondhand smoke from tobacco, inhaling secondhand smoke from marijuana can make it harder for arteries to expand to allow a healthy flow of blood.