Weekly Edition: Nov. 20-Dec. 1, 2017
Doctors Make Big Money Testing Urine For Drugs, Then Ignore Abnormal Results
Fred Schulte
Medicare and insurers struggle to oversee a booming business in testing urine samples. In some cases, pain doctors’ lack of follow-through can turn fatal.
University Was Tipped Off To Possible Unauthorized Trials Of Herpes Vaccine
Marisa Taylor
Southern Illinois University has concluded its researcher violated university rules and U.S. law.
Years Before Heading Offshore, Herpes Researcher Experimented On People In U.S.
Marisa Taylor
Southern Illinois University’s William Halford conducted unregulated human herpes experiments in hotels near university campus, emails show.
Taken For A Ride? Ambulances Stick Patients With Surprise Bills
Melissa Bailey and Heidi de Marco
Public outrage over surprise medical bills prompted 21 states to pass consumer protection laws. But these laws largely ignore ambulance rides, which can leave patients stuck with hundreds or even thousands of dollars in bills.
Surprise Ambulance Bills: A Consumer’s Guide
Melissa Bailey
What to do if you get hit by an exorbitant ambulance bill — and how to avoid them in the first place.
Congress Isn’t Really Done With Health Care — Just Look At What’s In The Tax Bills
Julie Rovner
Even though congressional Republicans set aside their Obamacare repeal-and-replace efforts this year, here are five major health policy changes that could become law as part of the pending House and Senate proposals.
Desperate For Coverage: Are Short-Term Plans Better Than None At All?
Julie Appleby
As stopgap health plans gain attention as possible alternatives to Obamacare, consumers are advised to read the fine print.
Podcast: ‘What The Health?’ Taxes, Medicare And The Year-End Mess
In this episode of “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Joanne Kenen of Politico and Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post discuss the possible impact of the tax bill on the Medicare program, confirmation hearings for a new secretary of Health and Human Services and the future of the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists recommend their favorite health stories of the week.
Putting Money Where Its Mouthpiece Is: Calif. Outspends U.S. To Market Obamacare
Ana B. Ibarra and Carmen Heredia Rodriguez
The state insurance exchange is committing nearly five times more money than the federal government on ads urging people to sign up for health insurance, reflecting conflicting attitudes toward the Affordable Care Act.
Parents Are Not Liable For Medical Debts Of Adult Children On Shared Insurance
Michelle Andrews
Even though the federal health law allows young adults to stay on their parents’ plan, those children are generally responsible for their own debts.
Marketplace Confusion Opens Door To Questions About Skinny Plans
Julie Appleby
Regulators are beginning to scrutinize claims by companies that their alternative plans help people meet Obamacare requirements.
Patients With Rare Diseases And Congress Square Off Over Orphan Drug Tax Credits
Sarah Jane Tribble
The House and Senate want to reduce or eliminate federal tax credits for “orphan drugs” used to treat rare diseases, but patients are fighting against the plan.
The Ratcheting Price Of The Pneumococcal Vaccine: What Gives?
Shefali Luthra
The price for Pfizer’s Prevnar 13 has increased 5 to 6 percent each year since its 2010 approval by the Food and Drug Administration.
Heated And Deep-Pocketed Battle Erupts Over 340B Drug Discount Program
Sarah Jane Tribble
Drugmakers, hospitals and lawmakers are taking sides in a showdown over a discount program that covers drug purchases at some hospitals.
FDA Raids Florida Stores That Consumers Use To Buy Drugs From Canada
Phil Galewitz
The federal agents warned store owners that importing drugs from foreign countries is illegal and that those helping “administer” such medicines could face penalties.
Whistleblower: Medicaid Managed-Care Firm Improperly Denied Care To Thousands
Chad Terhune
An explosive report prepared by a SynerMed executive alleges the California firm, which oversaw care for 1.2 million patients, fabricated documents and violated state and federal regulations for years. The state says it left low-income patients on Medicaid managed care in “imminent danger.”
Massachusetts Grabs Spotlight By Proposing New Twist On Medicaid Drug Coverage
Shefali Luthra
In an effort to reduce drug costs and increase efficiency, Massachusetts is seeking federal approval to implement a new approach to how the state’s Medicaid program covers prescription medications.
Displaced Puerto Ricans Face Obstacles Getting Health Care
Paula Andalo
Many have complicated questions about whether their Medicaid or Medicare coverage can shift to their new homes. And for those seeking private insurance, using the ACA’s insurance marketplaces will likely be a new experience.
Hospitals With History Get A Second Life
Phil Galewitz and Anna Gorman
The number of hospitals across the country has plummeted, but many old buildings are being resuscitated as apartments and condos.
Texans With HIV Cope With Homes And Medicines Ruined By Hurricane Harvey
Sarah Varney
The hurricane closed pharmacies and clinics for a week or longer. Floodwaters spoiled drugs. People who fled to other states couldn't get their prescriptions filled for HIV medicine.
Straight From The Patient’s Mouth: Videos Can Clearly State Your End-Of-Life Wishes
Judith Graham
Video advance directives enable people to speak directly to their families and physicians about their wishes for end-of-life care.
If Your Insurer Covers Few Therapists, Is That Really Mental Health Parity?
Jenny Gold
Behavioral care was four times more likely to be out-of-network than medical or surgical care, an analysis by Milliman shows.
Teaching Teens The Perils Of Pot As Marketplace Grows
Anna Gorman
The legalization of recreational marijuana in California and other states poses an added challenge for drug education programs targeting youths.
Doctor’s Rx For A Stiff Knee: A Prescription For 90 Percocet Pills
Michelle Andrews
Following minor surgery, KHN’s consumer columnist sees how easily doctors offer pain pills, fueling epidemic of opioid addiction.
Shingles: Don’t Let It Get You The Way It Got Me
Bruce Horovitz
The painful condition caused by the chickenpox virus will strike 1 in 3 Americans during their lifetimes — most between ages 60 and 70, but those in their 50s have reason to arm themselves.
Despite ACA Cost Protections, Most Adolescents Skip Regular Checkups
Michelle Andrews
Only 48 percent of kids ages 10 to 17 have well-child visits, even though the federal health law requires insurers to pick up the entire tab, a study finds.
Problems With Your Hospital Care? Speak Up!
Emily Bazar
If you’re in the hospital and aren’t happy with how they are treating you, here are some simple steps to improve your situation.
Got Food Allergies? Add Milk To The Worries For Your Meal
Carmen Heredia Rodriguez
A new study by Fair Health finds that milk registered the highest average number of services and treatments per patient of any food allergy in 2016.