Under Pressure, Montana Hospital Considers Adding Psych Beds Amid a Shortage
By Katheryn Houghton
September 14, 2021
KFF Health News Original
A hospital in Bozeman, Montana, is considering whether to add inpatient psychiatric care after a concerted push from mental health advocates. But even if it adds beds, hospitals across Montana provide a cautionary tale: finding enough workers to staff such beds is its own challenge, and some behavioral health units routinely reach capacity.
Covid-Inspired Montana Health Insurance Proposal Wouldn’t Kick In for 2 Years
By Sara Reardon
March 19, 2021
KFF Health News Original
Montana is looking to join most other states in requiring small businesses to offer laid-off employees temporary continuity of their health care plans. But the bill, if it passes, likely won’t take effect in time to help people directly affected by the pandemic.
Durango’s Covid ‘Cowboy’ Rounds Up Spring Break Scofflaws, Lines ’Em Up for Shots
By Rae Ellen Bichell
March 31, 2021
KFF Health News Original
The city of Durango has hired an actor to bring his Old West acting skills to tackle a current problem: the Wild West of spring break, in which visitors from states such as Texas and Oklahoma flock to town. The “lawman” cajoles them into wearing masks while vaccinators stand ready for out-of-town visitors.
In Alleged Health Care ‘Money Grab,’ Nation’s Largest Hospital Chain Cashes In on Trauma Centers
By Jay Hancock
June 14, 2021
KFF Health News Original
HCA charges patients an “activation fee” of up to $50,000 for trauma teams at centers located in half its 179 hospitals — and they often don’t need trauma care, an analysis of insurance claims data shows.
Biden’s in the Ballpark on How Many People Have Preexisting Conditions
By Victoria Knight
October 1, 2020
KFF Health News Original
A wide range of people — from 54 million to 135 million — could be affected if the provision in the Affordable Care Act were eliminated.
‘All You Want Is to Be Believed’: The Impacts of Unconscious Bias in Health Care
By April Dembosky, KQED
October 21, 2020
KFF Health News Original
One woman shares her experience trying to get care in a Bay Area hospital for COVID symptoms. At nearly every turn, a doctor dismissed her complaints. Is bias part of why people of color are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus?
Tourists Tote Dollars — And COVID — To U.S. Caribbean Islands
By Chaseedaw Giles Carmen Heredia Rodriguez
September 1, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Tension rises among residents and travelers as U.S. island territories work to stymie the coronavirus while attempting to keep their doors open to tourism.
My Mother Died Of The Coronavirus. It’s Time She Was Counted.
By Elisabeth Rosenthal
May 27, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Not having an accurate, honest, nationwide way to tally COVID-19 cases will only add to the current tragedy.
“Todo lo que quieres es que te crean”: el prejuicio inconciente en la atención de salud
By April Dembosky, KQED
October 21, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Los latinos y los afroamericanos suelen ser menos propensos a recibir analgésicos o atención avanzada que los pacientes blancos no hispanos con las mismas quejas o síntomas.
Turistas llevan dólares, y COVID, a las islas del Caribe estadounidense
By Chaseedaw Giles Carmen Heredia Rodriguez
September 1, 2020
KFF Health News Original
La pandemia de COVID-19 ha enfrentado los intereses económicos con las guías de salud pública en dos islas cuyas economías dependen en gran parte del turismo.
Workplace Dangers: Amazon Protest Takes Place Outside Bezos’ Home
December 3, 2020
Morning Briefing
News reports are also on the NBA’s rising number of cases, surviving everything at 102, dangerous church services, helping others and more.
New Zealand Discovers First Cases In 102 Days, Imposes Travel Ban
August 11, 2020
Morning Briefing
Four members of a family not thought to have traveled overseas have tested positive. Global news is also from Guam and South Africa.
What The 2020s Have In Store For Aging Boomers
By Judith Graham
January 16, 2020
KFF Health News Original
On the bright side, advances in medical science and a push for healthier lifestyles might extend the quality of life for aging boomers. Among clouds on the horizon: ageism, strained long-term care services and the need to work well past retirement age.
U.S. Airlines Call For Testing Prior To All International Flights
September 23, 2020
Morning Briefing
International travel has dropped to 82% compared to last year as the borders of many countries remain closed to U.S. citizens. Other public health news is on beating COVID at 102, main sources of infection, safety precautions on a cruise ship, and more.
Nothing To Sneeze At: The $2,659 Bill To Pluck Doll’s Shoe From Child’s Nostril
By Markian Hawryluk
Photos by Heidi de Marco
November 26, 2019
KFF Health News Original
A 3-year-old girl put matching doll shoes up her nose. One came out easily. The second required an emergency department visit ― and generated a bill that is not child’s play.
Battling The Bullets From The Operating Room To The Community
By Laura Ungar
December 12, 2019
KFF Health News Original
St. Louis trauma surgeon Dr. Laurie Punch is on a mission to stop the bleeding of her patients and the violence-plagued communities around her. But the single mom worries she and her 7-year-old will have to move from their home, where bullets buzz in her backyard.
Which Was Worse: The Bachelor Party Hangover Or The Hangover From The ER Bill?
By Markian Hawryluk
September 19, 2019
KFF Health News Original
One groom’s bachelor party hangover illustrates how emergency room bills have become major headaches for many Americans.
Pharma Cash Rolls Into Congress To Defend An Embattled Industry
By Emmarie Huetteman Jay Hancock Elizabeth Lucas
August 27, 2019
KFF Health News Original
Congress has a variety of reforms in mind that could roil the drugmaking business and potentially slash prices.
¿Qué fue peor: la borrachera de la despedida de soltero o la cuenta por tratar la resaca?
By Markian Hawryluk
September 19, 2019
KFF Health News Original
Recuperarse después de su despedida de soltero resultó en una factura médica que inicialmente fue de $12,460, en total. Más del doble del costo de su boda.
Starving Seniors: How America Fails To Feed Its Aging
By Laura Ungar Trudy Lieberman
September 3, 2019
KFF Health News Original
One out of every 13 older Americans struggles to find enough food to eat while the federal program intended to help hasn’t kept pace with the graying population.
