5 Challenges Facing Medicaid At 50
The federal-state health care program covers nearly half of all births, one-third of children across the country and two-thirds of people in nursing homes.
Having A Baby? Big Differences Noted In Hospital Quality Across Mass.
WBUR compiles a database for pregnant women to compare hospitals in Massachusetts.
Advocate For Alzheimer’s Research Says Aging Baby Boomers Face Big Threat From Disease
Dr. Maria Carrillo tells KHN that in addition to finding ways to screen for the disease and treat it, public health officials need to think about increasing the number of skilled nursing homes and home health aides.
How Vandalism And Fear Ended Abortion In Northwest Montana
When Zachary Klundt broke into All Families Healthcare he destroyed the only clinic providing abortions in the Flathead Valley of Montana. More than a year later, the clinic remains closed.
Sometimes A Little More Minecraft May Be Quite All Right
The wildly popular video game Minecraft teaches kids basic spatial reasoning concepts and helps them think critically. So, if you’re using it for educational purposes, does it count as screen time, and should parents limit it?
Despite Obamacare Promise, Transgender People Have Trouble Getting Some Care
Advocates say that enrollees get turned down for coverage of some services that are tied to gender.
California, Oregon To Allow Hormonal Contraceptives Without A Doctor’s Prescription
The two states are the first in the country to allow pharmacists to directly prescribe “the pill” and similar contraceptives.
Many Hospitals Don’t Follow Guidelines For Child Abuse Patients, Study Finds
The researchers found wide disparities in how hospitals handled young patients believed to have been abused. About half of those younger than 2 who were identified as abused were not checked out for other injuries.
The App Will See You Now, But May Not Get The Diagnosis Right
A third of adults say they have gone online to get help diagnosing symptoms, but a study shows the results are often inaccurate.
Birth Control Coverage Saves Women Significant Money
The health law requires insurers to cover most prescription contraceptives with no additional out-of-pocket costs, which may spur some women to use more effective methods.
California’s Tough New Law Overcomes Decades-Old Distrust Of Vaccines
California went from being a state with relatively lax vaccination rules to one of the most strict in the country. But opposition to vaccines is far from new.
Supreme Court Reprieve Lets 10 Texas Abortion Clinics Stay Open For Now
Abortion providers and foes react to the Supreme Court’s action that will allow 10 abortion clinics in Texas to remain open until a state law that would close them can be fully reviewed by the court.
Advocates For Disabled Are Troubled By California’s Assisted Suicide Bill
Disability rights advocates say the bill allowing doctors to prescribe lethal medications to terminally ill patients could lead some disabled people to prematurely end their lives.
State, L.A. Near Deal To Boost Nursing Home Inspections
Supervisors are slated to vote Tuesday on a contract that would provide nearly $15M in additional state funds to hire 70 more staffers.
Obesity Trends Still On The Rise, But Intervention Is Possible, Study Finds
Strategies have been identified to address this trend, but they need to be considered a public health priority.
California Law Will Allow Pharmacists To Prescribe Birth Control
As soon as this fall, pharmacists in California will be able to prescribe birth control. While some doctors’ groups are skeptical, lawmakers say pharmacists can fill a need for primary care providers, especially in rural areas.
Although Smoking Has Declined, Its Consequences Continue, Study Finds
The bottom line, according to researchers, is that despite 50 years of declining smoking prevalence rates, almost 170,000 cancer deaths annually are still caused by this habit.
Texas’ Tough Abortion Restrictions Mostly Upheld By Appeals Court
Abortion rights groups say the ruling would leave only eight clinics open statewide.
New Preventive Health Services Approved For No-Cost Coverage
Two new procedures have been added to the list of what should be covered by insurance without charge to consumers under provisions of the health law.
Bringing Doctors To Patients Who Need Them Most
California’s sprawling Inland Empire is making vigorous efforts to train and attract primary care doctors attuned to the needs of the fast-growing and under-served population.
