Despite Pharma Claims, Illicit Drug Shipments to US Aren’t Full of Opioids. It’s Generic Viagra.
By Phil Galewitz
March 6, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The FDA has long blocked the importation of cheap medicine, agreeing with pharmaceutical manufacturers that it opens the door to opioids. The agency’s own data shows that rarely happens.
After Staying Away During Pandemic, Doctors Return to Lobby Congress
By Phil Galewitz
February 17, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Hundreds of physicians came to Washington this week to lobby Congress about their “recovery plan” for physicians, which includes a Medicare pay boost and an end to some frustrating insurance company requirements.
Millones en riesgo de perder Medicaid, mientras terminan protecciones por la pandemia
By Phil Galewitz
February 2, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Los estados se están preparando para remover a millones de personas de Medicaid, a medida que expiran las protecciones que se implementaron al comienzo de la pandemia de covid-19.
As Pandemic-Era Medicaid Provisions Lapse, Millions Approach a Coverage Cliff
By Phil Galewitz
February 2, 2023
KFF Health News Original
States are trying to reach millions of Medicaid enrollees to make sure those still eligible remain covered and help others find new health insurance.
After Tuition, Books, and Room and Board, Colleges’ Rising Health Fees Hit a Nerve
By Phil Galewitz
December 19, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Many colleges require students to have health insurance coverage, and the college option can be costly. In addition, some schools mandate that students pay a fee to cover health services on campus.
Estados desafían a Biden a que baje precios de medicamentos permitiendo importaciones desde Canadá
By Phil Galewitz
December 14, 2022
KFF Health News Original
En Estados Unidos se pagan unos de los precios más altos del mundo por los productos farmacéuticos de marca. Los medicamentos son generalmente menos caros en el vecino Canadá, donde el gobierno controla los precios.
States Challenge Biden to Lower Drug Prices by Allowing Imports From Canada
By Phil Galewitz
December 14, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Colorado has joined Florida, New Hampshire, and New Mexico in seeking federal permission to import prescription drugs from Canada. President Joe Biden endorsed the approach in his 2020 campaign but has yet to approve any state plan.
Government Lets Health Plans That Ripped Off Medicare Keep the Money
By Fred Schulte
January 30, 2023
KFF Health News Original
In a surprise decision, U.S. officials yield to insurance industry demands — at least for now.
Por qué algunos estados quieren garantizar Medicaid para los niños desde que nacen hasta los 6 años
By Phil Galewitz
November 10, 2022
KFF Health News Original
La posibilidad de inscribir a los niños en Medicaid, desde que nacen hasta los 6 años, de manera continua y sin papeleo, ayudaría, entre otras cosas, a prevenir las brechas de cobertura.
Stopping the Churn: Why Some States Want to Guarantee Medicaid Coverage From Birth to Age 6
By Phil Galewitz
November 10, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Oregon has become the first state to allow kids to stay in the government health care program from birth to age 6, no matter if their household income changes. California, Washington, and New Mexico are pursuing similar policies.
Comienzan a estar disponibles audífonos de venta libre desde $199
By Phil Galewitz
October 17, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Los audífonos de venta libre cuestan menos en parte porque no incluyen los servicios de un experto para una evaluación auditiva, ajuste y afinación del dispositivo. En cambio, los nuevos dispositivos deben ser configurados por los propios consumidores.
Say What? Hearing Aids Available Over-the-Counter for as Low as $199, and Without a Prescription
By Phil Galewitz
October 17, 2022
KFF Health News Original
The cheaper over-the-counter aids are for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss — a market of tens of millions of people, many of whom have until now been priced out because prescription devices can cost thousands of dollars.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Biden Hits the Road to Sell Democrats’ Record
October 20, 2022
KFF Health News Original
With the midterm elections rapidly approaching, President Joe Biden has taken to the road to convince voters that he and congressional Democrats have delivered for them during two years in power. Among the health issues highlighted by the administration this week are pandemic preparedness and the availability of over-the-counter hearing aids. The president also promised to sign a bill codifying the abortion protections of Roe v. Wade if Democrats maintain control of the House and Senate — even though it’s a long shot that there will be enough votes for that. Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, and Mary Agnes Carey of KHN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these topics and more. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too.
‘Worse Than People Can Imagine’: Medicaid ‘Unwinding’ Breeds Chaos in States
By Phil Galewitz and Katheryn Houghton and Brett Kelman and Samantha Liss
November 2, 2023
KFF Health News Original
As Medicaid programs across the nation review enrollees’ status in the wake of the pandemic, patients struggle to navigate the upheaval.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Waking Up to Baby Formula Shortage
May 19, 2022
KFF Health News Original
The nationwide shortage of baby formula, which has been simmering for months, finally burst into public consciousness as more parents become less able to find food for their babies, prompting a belated federal response. Meanwhile, covid-19 cases rise but prevention activities don’t, and abortion-rights backers ready their legal arsenal for a post-Roe world. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Tami Luhby of CNN, and Rachel Cohrs of Stat join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists suggest their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too.
America Worries About Health Costs — And Voters Want to Hear From Biden and Republicans
By Julie Appleby and Phil Galewitz
Updated March 8, 2024
Originally Published March 4, 2024
KFF Health News Original
The presidential election is likely to turn on the simple question of whether Americans want Donald Trump back in the White House. But health care tops the list of household financial worries for adults from both parties.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Injects Presidential Politics Into the Covid Vaccine Debate
By Phil Galewitz and Daniel Chang
September 18, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Losing ground in the Republican primary, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and his top medical advisers dismissed the recent federal recommendation that almost everyone get an updated covid shot.
Journalists Investigate Vaccine Mandates and Health Worker Burnout
August 21, 2021
KFF Health News Original
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Readers and Tweeters Chime In on Disability Rights and Drug Discounts
December 16, 2022
KFF Health News Original
KHN gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.
Even When IVF Is Covered by Insurance, High Bills and Hassles Abound
By Phil Galewitz
May 4, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Only 15 states require insurance to cover in vitro fertilization, a common path to parenthood for people who have trouble getting pregnant. And even for those whose insurance covers IVF, the expensive procedures and required drugs can lead to unexpected bills.