health care costs

Lee Cantrell, an associate professor of clinical pharmacology at the University of California, San Diego, with a collection of vintage expired medications.

That Drug Expiration Date May Be More Myth Than Fact

3:58pm July 18, 2017

by Marshall Allen

Hospitals and pharmacies are required to toss expired drugs, no matter how expensive, vital or scarce. And that's even though the FDA has long known that many remain safe and potent for years longer.

Queue Listen Now

A new drug to treat multiple sclerosis has proven effective, but there are many things to consider before switching to a new treatment plan.

There's An Amazing New Drug For Multiple Sclerosis. Should I Try It?

11:31am July 14, 2017

by Brandie Jefferson

The innovative drug Ocrevus looks as if it could be a game-changer for people with MS. But it's very, very expensive. And as with any new medication, the long-term safety risks are unknown.

Overlapping cards representing the various health laws and proposals -- ACA, AHCA and BCRA

Who's In, Who's Left Out With The Latest Senate Health Care Bill

6:35pm July 13, 2017

Tax breaks for the wealthy would be trimmed, and people would get the option to buy bare-bones plans. But big cuts in Medicaid and changes to coverage for pre-existing conditions remain.

Michael McBrayer tests his blood sugar before eating lunch. He gets supplies he needs to manage diabetes for free as part of a deal between his employer and health insurer.

Health Insurers Try Paying More Up Front To Pay Less Later

5:04pm July 12, 2017

by Mark Zdechlik

Some businesses are keeping costs down for workers by removing deductibles for supplies needed to manage diabetes and other chronic conditions.

FAQ: How Would The Senate Health Care Bill Affect You?

FAQ: How Would The Republican Health Care Bills Affect You?

3:38pm July 10, 2017

The bills under consideration in Congress would make big changes in health care coverage and costs for millions of people. Our searchable FAQ provides answers to key questions on where, how and why.

Greta Elliott, who manages a health clinic in Canby, Calif., says she didn't buy health insurance for herself because she thinks it's too expensive.

In A Conservative Corner Of California, A Push To Preserve Obamacare

4:29pm July 05, 2017

by April Dembosky

A coalition of health clinics in northeast California is asking local officials to defend the Affordable Care Act. And some are, despite the area's conservative politics.

Overlapping cards representing the various health laws and proposals â ACA, AHCA and BCRA

CHART: CBO Weighs Who Wins, Who Loses With Senate Health Care Bill

1:29pm June 27, 2017

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 22 million people would lose coverage with the Senate bill. That includes 15 million people on Medicaid, and others who could no longer afford insurance.

Medicaid pays the costs for about 62 percent of seniors who are living in nursing homes, some of the priciest health care available.

From Birth To Death, Medicaid Affects The Lives Of Millions

12:23pm June 27, 2017

by Alison Kodjak

Medicaid has become a prime target of Republicans in Congress who want to rein in the program's costs, which totaled $350 billion in 2015. We take a look at what all that money pays for.

Andy Slavitt was in charge of running the federal agency that oversees the Affordable Care Act from 2015 to 2017.

What The Man Who Ran Obamacare Thinks About the Republican Health Plan

4:38pm June 23, 2017

Andy Slavitt was acting administrator of the the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services until January. He calls the new Senate health care bill "the ugly step-sibling" of the House bill.

Mario Schlosser, CEO of the startup Oscar Health, says he's optimistic that Congress will come up with a humane health care bill.

CEOs Say They'll Sell Health Insurance Next Year, But Are Flying Blind

1:25pm June 21, 2017

by Alison Kodjak

Health insurers have to let the government know Wednesday if they'll be selling policies on the federal exchange next year. But Congress has yet to tell them what those policies will cover.