Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Americans Cross Border Into Mexico To Buy Insulin At A Fraction Of U.S. Cost
For one patient, a three-month supply of insulin is $3,700 in the U.S. versus $600 in Mexico. But is it legal?
Vaccine Storage Too Often Fails To Meet Standards
Federal officials regulate the handling of vaccines that are provided through the Vaccines for Children program, which offers the medicines generally for children whose families could not afford them. But there is no federal oversight of how these drugs are stored among other health care providers.
Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ A ‘Healthy’ State Of The Union
Health was a featured player in President Donald Trump’s 2019 State of the Union address. The president set goals to bring down prescription drug prices, end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. and cure childhood cancer, among other things. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Anna Edney of Bloomberg News and Alice Ollstein of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and, for “extra credit,” provide their favorite health policy stories of the week. Rovner also interviews KHN senior correspondent Phil Galewitz about the current “Bill of the Month” feature.
Trump Administration Salutes Parade Of Generic Drug Approvals, But Hundreds Aren’t For Sale
President Donald Trump and FDA officials have pointed to a surge in generic drug approvals, but a data analysis indicates almost half haven’t reached the market.
Trump Pledges To End HIV Transmission By 2030. Doable, But Daunting.
The president’s promise to eliminate HIV transmission within 10 years is a goal long sought by advocates, but it won’t be an easy undertaking.
For California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Resistance Is Personal
Xavier Becerra, the state’s first Latino attorney general, is one of President Donald Trump’s most relentless adversaries. He attributes his legal values — and his opposition to the current administration — to his upbringing as the son of Mexican immigrants.
Para el fiscal general de California, Xavier Becerra, la resistencia es personal
De ascendencia mexicana, el primer fiscal latino del estado demandó a la administración Trump 45 veces por cuestiones no solo de salud, sino también de educación e inmigración.
Transparent Hospital Pricing Exposes Wild Fluctuation, Even Within Miles
A new federal rule requires hospitals to post their prices online. These lists reveal the wildly different charges for basic procedures and services, but consumers will have a hard time putting this information to use.
Task Force Outlines Strategy To Address California’s Shortfall Of Health Workers
A new report by a coalition of health, education and labor leaders concludes that the state must build a larger and more culturally diverse pool of medical, mental health and home care professionals to meet the needs of a growing population. The findings point to a big challenge for Gov. Gavin Newsom as he seeks to extend health insurance to many of California’s nearly 3 million uninsured residents.
Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes
Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health articles from the week so you don’t have to.
Adultos mayores vulnerables logran volver a ser independientes
El programa para personas mayores vulnerables de bajos ingresos Community Aging in Place — Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) ayuda a los abuelos a vivir independientemente.
Frail Seniors Find Ways To Live Independently
A pilot program for frail low-income seniors provides much-needed help in dealing with “daily activities” and offers practical solutions.
California Attorney General And Santa Clara County Face Off Over Sale Of Two Hospitals
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is trying to prevent Santa Clara County from buying two local nonprofit hospitals unless it pledges to maintain certain critical health care services. County officials warn the hospitals will close if the attorney general succeeds, leaving area residents with fewer health care choices.
Congress Wades Into Emotional Debate Over High-Cost Prescription Drugs
Key House and Senate committees kick off hearings on drug prices, and patients’ families weigh in with tragic stories.
Community Hospitals Link Arms With Prestigious Facilities To Raise Their Profiles
A growing number of community hospitals are forming alliances with some of the nation’s biggest and most prestigious institutions. But for prospective patients, it can be hard to assess what these relationships actually mean.
Hope You’re Sitting Down: Hospital Charges $4,700 For A Fainting Spell
A 39-year-old man fainted after getting a flu shot at work, and a colleague called 911. He turned out to be fine, but the trip to the ER cost him his whole deductible.
Espero que estés sentado: Le cobran $4,700… por desmayarse
Se cayó al piso luego de recibir la vacuna contra la gripe en el trabajo. Y un colega llamó al 911. Lo que siguió fue un espanto de cuenta médica.
Analysis: Pulling Back Curtain On Hospital Prices Adds New Wrinkle In Cost Control
The Trump administration has ordered hospitals to reveal their prices. If patients and politicians pay attention, this could be a game changer for health care.
Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes
Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health articles from the week so you don’t have to.
Drug-Pricing Policies Find New Momentum As ‘A 2020 Thing’
Emboldened by midterm election results and interest in possible presidential runs, Democrats are advancing a slew of new and old legislative proposals. It’s not yet clear, though, which if any could go the distance.
