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KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: The Autumn of Democrats’ Discontent

Congress is back in session with a short time to finish a long to-do list, including keeping the government operating and paying its bills. Hanging in the balance is President Joe Biden’s entire domestic agenda, including major changes proposed for Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, the new Texas abortion law that bans the procedure early in pregnancy is prompting action in Washington. Joanne Kenen of Politico, Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also, Rovner interviews former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb about his new book on the covid-19 pandemic.

Sept. 23, 2021

A large sign that reads, "Dale Hollow Pharmacy," in blue lettering stands in front of Dale Hollow Pharmacy. The pharmacy is a white building with a grassy area and parking lot at the front.

At a Tennessee Crossroads, Two Pharmacies, a Monkey, and Millions of Pills

Prosecutors say opioid-seeking patients drove hours to get their prescriptions filled in Celina, Tennessee, where pharmacies ignored signs of substance misuse and paid cash — or “monkey bucks” — to keep customers coming back.

By Brett Kelman

March 29, 2022

President Richard Nixon signs the National Cancer Act on December 23, 1971.

The War on Cancer at 50: The Origin Story Begins With a Socialite Citizen-Lobbyist

After the National Cancer Act became law 50 years ago, cancer went from shameful taboo to one of the best-funded areas of medicine. Much of the credit for this transformation goes to one woman, Mary Lasker.

By Gabrielle Emanuel, WBUR

Jan. 6, 2022

Surprise-Billing Rule ‘Puts a Thumb on the Scale’ to Keep Arbitrated Costs in Check

Patients soon will not have to worry about the prospect of these often-costly unexpected bills, a federal law promises. Some experts say the new policy could also slow the growth of health insurance premiums.

By Julie Appleby

Oct. 14, 2021

Death in Dallas: One Family’s Experience in the Medicaid Gap

Efforts to give 2.2 million Americans health insurance hang in the balance as Congress debates a massive spending bill. The so-called Medicaid gap is felt most acutely in Texas, where about half of those who stand to gain coverage live.

By Ashley Lopez, KUT

Sept. 30, 2021

COVID-19

5 Things You Should Know About ‘Free’ At-Home Covid Tests

Telling insurance companies to pay for rapid covid-19 tests is just the latest covid-related cost the federal government expects them to bear. But who really ends up paying for it?

By Damon Darlin

Jan. 19, 2022

‘Drinking Through a Lead Straw’ — $15B Approved to Fix Dangerous Water Pipes

The infrastructure bill passed Friday funnels $15 billion into lead pipe remediation. Water quality experts say the cost of getting rid of all lead pipes could ultimately cost $60 billion. Still, some health advocates say the new funding will be transformative in allowing communities such as Houston’s Fifth Ward to fix its pipes.

By Sandy West

Nov. 8, 2021

Medium shot of a elderly male patient in a wheelchair looking out a window at night

Medicare Patients Win the Right to Appeal Gap in Nursing Home Coverage

If federal officials accept a court’s decision, some patients will get a chance to seek refunds for their nursing home and other expenses.

By Susan Jaffe

Jan. 28, 2022

Major Insurers Running Billions of Dollars Behind on Payments to Hospitals and Doctors

Patients are caught in the middle as insurers clamp down on paying for treatments or force prior authorizations for care.

By Jay Hancock

Oct. 6, 2021

Seeking to Shift Costs to Medicare, More Employers Move Retirees to Advantage Plans

Private and public employers are increasingly using the government’s Medicare Advantage program as an alternative to their existing retiree health plan and traditional Medicare coverage. As a result, the federal government is paying the “overwhelming majority” of medical costs, according to an industry analyst.

By Susan Jaffe

March 3, 2022

Young care assistant helps an elderly gent put on his jumper

Biden Pledges Better Nursing Home Care, but He Likely Won’t Fast-Track It

CMS chief Chiquita Brooks-LaSure says the agency reserves its power to quickly institute new regulations for “absolute emergencies.” On staffing, nursing home residents might need to wait years to see any real change.

By Rachana Pradhan and Harris Meyer

March 3, 2022

Podcast

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Boosting Confusion

Federal health officials appear poised to extend a recommendation for covid boosters to all adults, following moves by some governors and mayors to broaden the eligible booster pool as caseloads rise. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration finally has a nominee to head the agency: former FDA chief Robert Califf. And Medicare premiums for consumers will likely rise substantially in 2022, partly due to the approval of a controversial drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Tami Luhby of CNN, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet and Rachel Cohrs of Stat join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Dan Weissmann, host of the “An Arm and a Leg” podcast.

Nov. 18, 2021

Democrats Plan to Expand Medicare Hearing Benefits. What Can Consumers Expect?

KHN answers questions for seniors about how this new benefit might work.

By Rachana Pradhan

Nov. 5, 2021

As Democrats Bicker Over Massive Spending Plan, Here’s What’s at Stake for Medicaid

More than 2 million low-income adults are uninsured because their states have not accepted Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Congressional Democrats want to offer them coverage in the massive spending bill being debated, but competition to get into that package is fierce.

By Phil Galewitz

Sept. 30, 2021

Texas Providers See Increased Interest in Birth Control Since Near-Total Abortion Ban

But providers do not expect contraception to blunt the law’s effects.

By Amanda Michelle Gomez

Nov. 8, 2021

Podcast

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: The Politics of Vaccine Mandates

Like almost everything else associated with the covid-19 pandemic, partisans are taking sides over whether vaccines should be mandated. Meanwhile, Democrats on Capitol Hill are still struggling to find compromise in their effort to expand health insurance and other social programs. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Jen Haberkorn of the Los Angeles Times and Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews best-selling author Beth Macy about her book “Dopesick,” and the new Hulu miniseries based on it.

Oct. 14, 2021

Hygienists Brace for Pitched Battles With Dentists in Fights Over Practice Laws

In a battle reflecting turf wars around the country, Illinois dentists defeated legislation that would have allowed hygienists to practice in nursing homes and prisons where dental care can be scarce.

By Giles Bruce

Oct. 19, 2021

Medicare Punishes 2,499 Hospitals for High Readmissions

The federal government’s hospital penalty program finishes its first decade by lowering payments to nearly half the nation’s hospitals for readmitting too many Medicare patients within a month. Penalties, though often small, are credited with helping reduce the number of patients returning for another Medicare stay within 30 days.

By Jordan Rau

Oct. 28, 2021

The Part of the ‘Free Britney’ Saga That Could Happen to Anyone

Britney Spears was forced into psychiatric care — and compelled to pay for it. That can happen to any patient who has an episode of serious mental illness, piling financial woes onto their stress and vulnerability.

By Christopher Magoon

Sept. 29, 2021

Wildfires and Omicron Prompt a Special Health Insurance Enrollment Period in Colorado

Disasters have previously prompted special enrollment periods in California, Maine, and the South. Now, Colorado is extending the state insurance marketplace sign-up period by two months.

By Markian Hawryluk

Jan. 20, 2022

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