Weekly Edition: September 25-29
Podcast: ‘What The Health?’ Repeal And Replace Is Dead. What Now?
In this episode of “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Alice Ollstein of Talking Points Memo, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times and Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post discuss what happens now that Republicans have officially failed in their latest effort to overhaul Obamacare. Plus an interview with Bruce Lesley of First Focus about the fate of the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
The GOP Repeal Bill Is Imploding. Here Are 5 Things Left Hanging On Obamacare.
Julie Rovner
Even though the Affordable Care Act has dodged another legislative bullet, it still faces challenges.
Right After Trump Blamed High Drug Prices On Campaign Cash, Drugmakers Gave More
Sydney Lupkin and Elizabeth Lucas
At a political rally in March, President Donald Trump said drug prices are “outrageous” and blamed campaign contributions. Drugmakers funneled nearly $280,000 to Congress the very next day.
Out-Of-Pocket Costs Often Keep Pricey New Cholesterol Drugs Out Of Reach, Study Finds
Michelle Andrews
Research published this week by JAMA Cardiology analyzed pharmacy claims data related to a new class of cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Absent Federal Action, States Take The Lead On Curbing Drug Costs
Shefali Luthra
Congress has yet to take substantive action on this growing consumer concern, but a number of states are flexing their cost-control muscle.
Why Glaring Quality Gaps Among Nursing Homes Are Likely To Grow If Medicaid Is Cut
Jordan Rau
Medicaid covers about two-thirds of nursing home residents, but it pays less than other types of insurance.
Nowhere To Go: Young People With Severe Autism Languish In Hospitals
Christina Jewett
Some teens and young adults are spending weeks or even months in retrofitted emergency rooms — even in mesh-covered tents — until specialized care can be found. ‘It’s a huge problem,’ one doctor says.
Congress’ Cold Shoulder Sends Shivers Through Community Health Centers
Rachel Bluth
The clinics, which serve many poor people, are tightening spending in case Congress doesn’t approve new funding for them before the government’s 2018 fiscal year starts Sunday.
Need An MRI? Anthem Directs Most Outpatients To Independent Centers
Michelle Andrews
The insurer says hospital-based imaging services are too expensive and the independent facilities provide high-quality care.
Years After Silently Combating Sexual Trauma, Female Veterans Seek Help
Anna Casey
Many women who served in the military decades ago were victims of sexual assaults but often felt compelled to keep quiet.
For Some Refugees, Women’s Health Care Is A Culture Shock
Sarah Varney
Refugee women from conservative Muslim countries can be shocked by some U.S. medical conventions — like trusting a male doctor to care for them.
As Loyal Donors Age, Industry Is Out For Young Blood
JoNel Aleccia
Nearly 60 percent of the U.S. blood supply is provided by people older than 40 — and most of that is from folks in their 50s and 60s. Why is it so hard to find young donors?
California Scrambles To Contain ‘Unprecedented’ Hepatitis A Outbreaks
Stephanie O'Neill
Hundreds of people, most of them homeless, have been infected. In San Diego County, where 17 people have died, critics fault authorities for being slow to act.
UCLA Offers Depression Screening To Thousands Of Incoming Students
Brian Rinker
Hoping to head off mental health crises, university officials say they will provide free online treatment to those who need it. The officials believe theirs is the largest effort of its kind in the country.