Health & Safety

Health & Safety

Federal Judge Strikes Down Medicaid Work Requirements In Arkansas And Kentucky

6:36pm March 27, 2019

by Alison Kodjak

A federal judge has struck down a Medicaid work requirement in Arkansas and Kentucky. This is a major blow to the Trump administration's vision for the health insurance program for low-income people.

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Researchers tested sewage across Europe, including in Germany, where this treatment plant is located, for bacteria with resistance to antibiotics.

Scientists Look For Antibiotic-Resistant Germs In Raw Sewage

3:38pm March 27, 2019

by Jonathan Lambert

To track the spread of bacteria that resist antibiotics, researchers are trying wastewater testing to get a fast, accurate picture.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottleib testifies before Congress last month.

FDA's Gottlieb: More Kids Vaping 'Changes The Equation' For E-Cig Regulation

3:29pm March 27, 2019

by Steve Inskeep

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb talks about his efforts to regulate the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries. He's set to leave his post next month.

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Both Democrats and Republicans have introduced proposals that would impose a cap on out-of-pocket costs of prescription drugs for Medicare patients. But it's still unclear whether those moves will gain a foothold.

Medicare's Uncapped Drug Costs Take A Big Bite From Already Tight Budgets

9:10am March 27, 2019

by Michelle Andrews

Unlike many private health plans, Medicare has no cap on out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs in Part D. As the cost of specialty drugs rises, some Medicare patients owe thousands of dollars.

Oklahoma Attorney General On Purdue Pharma Settlement

5:36am March 27, 2019

NPR's Rachel Martin speaks to Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter about his state's settlement against Purdue Pharma, the maker of the powerful opioid OxyContin.

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., walks to a Democratic Caucus meeting at the Capitol on Tuesday. She told lawmakers to "stay focused on our purpose for the people" with the end of the special counsel's Russia investigation.

After Mueller Report Memo, Democrats Turn To Health Care — For Now

11:35pm March 26, 2019

by Brian Naylor

After the special counsel apparently found no conspiracy by the Trump campaign to attack the 2016 election with Russia, Democrats in Congress want to focus on health care with help from the president.

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Definite Tom, a primary school teacher, lives in Chimanimanim a town in Zimbabwe. Her home is still standing after the cyclone, but she is afraid to go back. Her grandmother died in the disaster.

Health & Safety

Cyclone Idai: A Town Is Haunted By The Smell Of Death

11:35pm March 26, 2019

by Tendai Marima

The town of Chimanimani is said to be the hardest hit in Zimbabwe. Survivors are searching for the bodies of their lost loved ones.

Health & Safety

Women Tell FDA That More Research Is Needed On Health Risks Of Breast Implants

6:02pm March 26, 2019

by Patti Neighmond

Advisers to the FDA concluded a meeting Tuesday on the safety of breast implants. What's emerged is a lack of scientific certainty about the risks implants pose to millions of women who have them.

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Purdue Pharma Reaches $270 Million Opioid Settlement With Oklahoma

6:02pm March 26, 2019

by Brian Mann

Purdue Pharma, the maker of opioid OxyContin, has reached a $270 million civil settlement with the state of Oklahoma.

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After a sports injury, Esteban Serrano owed $829.41 for a knee brace purchased with insurance through his doctor's office. He says he found the same kind of brace selling for less than $250 online.

Soccer-Playing Engineer Calls Foul On Pricey Knee Brace

5:32pm March 26, 2019

by Paula Andalo

After a sports injury, Esteban Serrano owed $829.41 for a knee brace purchased with insurance through his doctor's office. The same kind of brace costs less than $250 online.

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