Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Once Nearly Buried By Medical Bills, Farmer Braces For Insurance Drought
Barton County, Mo., is Trump country. And this rural area has big problems when it comes to health care. One farmer says he has a lot to lose under the Republican replacement plan.
Dentists Work To Ease Patients’ Pain With Fewer Opioids
Dentistry is at a crossroads and many in the field are reassessing their narcotics prescribing habits.
‘Right-To-Try’ Laws Expose Dying Patients To Exploitation, Ethicists Warn
More than 30 states have laws on the books to allow dying patients the right to try experimental treatments. But these treatments may not be covered by insurance, and ethicists worry vulnerable people could be exploited near the end of their lives. The laws may also duplicate a process the FDA already has in place.
Drowning In A ‘High-Risk Insurance Pool’ — At $18,000 A Year
Minnesota had one of the most successful high-risk insurance pools in the country, and GOP leaders are eyeing this special insurance for sick people as an Obamacare replacement. But analysts say costs were high and many people in need were left out.
Threat Of Obamacare Repeal Leaves Community Health Centers In Limbo
These clinics have long provided health care to low-income patients and enjoyed expansion under the Affordable Care Act. With repeal looming, the centers’ doctors worry about what’s next.
Facing Pressure, Insurance Plans Loosen Rules For Covering Addiction Treatment
Aetna will be the third major insurer to remove prior authorization requirements for patients who seek medication-assisted treatments such as Suboxone.
Veteran Teaches Therapists How To Talk About Gun Safety When Suicide’s A Risk
Most veterans who commit suicide do so with a gun, but most therapists don’t understand gun culture. A veteran who has struggled with depression himself now helps bridge that gap by educating mental health professionals.
Travel Ban Spotlights U.S. Dependence On Foreign-Born Doctors
One in four doctors practicing in the U.S. is an international medical doctor. Many foreign-born doctors practice in parts of the country where there are doctor shortages.
Obamacare Came To Montana Indian Country And Brought Jobs
In remote parts of Montana, the Affordable Care Act has meant better health care for Native Americans and more job opportunities.
Could Minnesota Health Reforms Foreshadow Repeal And Replace?
The state passed a bailout to make ACA plans more affordable, defeated a plan to offer bare bones insurance and is floating a state-sponsored public option.
Hospitals Worry Repeal Of Obamacare Would Jeopardize Innovations In Care
One part of the federal health law gave hospitals financial incentives to improve patient care. Some invested big to make those changes and are worried about what losing that support would mean.
Arizona Children Could Lose Big Under Obamacare Repeal
Arizona has among highest rates of uninsured children in the country, but the ACA got more children insured. Advocates fear with ACA repeal, those gains will disappear.
Repeal Ripples: Five Obamacare Exchange Chiefs Contemplate An Uncertain Future
Despite political peril, Obamacare business is brisk in California, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Colorado.
Athlete-Turned-Trucker Works To Improve Truckers’ Health
Once an elite swimmer and a Yale grad, Siphiwe Baleka now coaches 3,000 fellow truckers on the best ways to work out, eat right and stay connected on the road. Drivers say his wellness plan works.
Insurance Customers In Pennsylvania Look To Trump To Ease Their Burden
Two Pennsylvania voters who buy health insurance on healthcare.gov are frustrated with how expensive the plans have become. They voted for Trump in hopes he can bring down health insurance costs.
As Obamacare Repeal Heats Up, Newly Insured North Carolinians Fret
More than half a million people in North Carolina buy health insurance on healthcare.gov. Many are confused what will happen to their coverage as Republicans work to repeal the Affordable Care Act, but they still are signing up for 2017 plans.
A Peer Recovery Coach Walks The Frontlines Of The Opioid Epidemic
Charlie Oen was addicted to heroin as a teenager. At 25, he’s now clean and a peer counselor in Lima, Ohio, where he tries to help people who started using drugs before he was born.
A Dying Man’s Wish To Save Others Hits Hospital Ethics Hurdle
One terminally ill man’s hope to be disconnected from his respirator and donate his organs was almost thwarted, despite his best laid plans.
In Texas, Students Help Provide Health Care for Refugees
Students and faculty at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio have teamed up to operate one of the only student-run refugee clinics in the country.
Montana May Be Model For Medicaid Work Requirement
The Obama administration has said no to states taking more control over Medicaid, but the incoming Congress and White House may be more inclined to say yes.
