The Insurance Company Paid For Opioids, But Not Cold Therapy
It seemed like such a good idea: Use cold therapy to reduce the need for opioid painkillers after shoulder surgery. But this woman's insurance company said no dice.
health care costs
CBO: Repealing Health Coverage Mandate Would Save $338 Billion
Republicans have been toying with repealing the Affordable Care Act insurance mandate in their tax bill. The Congressional Budget Office says that would save money but make coverage much more costly.
Texas Shooter's History Raises Questions About Mental Health And Mass Murder
President Trump says the Texas shooting shows that mental health is a "problem of the highest order." This comes amid a debate about mental illness, guns, and his own record on mental health programs.
Maine Voters Will Decide If They Want More Access To Medicaid
The state of Maine has wrestled for years over whether expanding its low-income health insurance program would help more people or be a budget buster. Now they're going to take it to a vote.
Senators Move To Reduce 'Colossal And Completely Preventable Waste' Of Drugs
Senators cited ProPublica reporting that found drug companies have been making patients pay for oversize eyedrops and more liquid cancer medications than they need.
'Millions' Fewer Would Have Coverage Under GOP Health Bill, Says CBO Analysis
The Congressional Budget Office says it won't have time to analyze all the impacts of the latest GOP effort to repeal the ACA, but it says millions more would be uninsured than under current law.
Graham-Cassidy Health Bill Would Shift Funds From States That Expanded Medicaid
The bill's sponsors say their plan to reallocate federal health funding among states is more equitable. It also would cause largely Democratic states to lose funding while Republican states gain.
FDA Moves To Rein In Drugmakers' Abuse Of Orphan Drug Law
Following an investigation by Kaiser Health News and NPR, the Food and Drug Administration has moved to close a loophole that lets drugmakers skip pediatric testing of drugs to treat rare diseases.
Why Do People Stop Taking Their Meds? Cost Is Just One Reason
The latest NPR-Truven Health Analytics poll finds that one-third of people say they're stopped taking a prescription drug without telling their doctor. And that could be putting their health at risk.
The Senate Health Care Vote, Simplified
President Trump is pushing the Senate to repeal and replace Obamacare this week. But with multiple bills in play, it's far from clear what the Senate would vote on. Here's a recap of the options.