health care

Nurse-midwife Cynthia Voytas demonstrates equipment used to deliver nitrous oxide at South County Hospital in North Kingstown, R.I.

Laughing Gas Gives Women Another Option To Manage Labor Pain

11:46am November 07, 2016

by Kristin Gourlay

Move over, epidurals, here comes nitrous oxide. After enjoying popularity in the U.S. for managing labor pain until the mid-20th century, it was dropped in favor of anesthesia. Now it's back.

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Middle-Class Americans Face Biggest Strain Under Rising Obamacare Costs

8:31am November 06, 2016

Last month, officials announced health care costs under the Affordable Care Act are expected to rise 22 percent. Rachel Martin speaks with Lindsay Travnicek, an Arizona woman who may forgo coverage.

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A proposed change in work rules would let first-year residents care for patients for up to 28 hours without getting a chance to sleep.

Medical Interns Could Work Longer Without A Break Under New Rule

6:31pm November 04, 2016

by Rob Stein

A proposed change in work rules would let first-year residents care for patients for as many as 28 hours straight, scrapping a 16-hour limit. Supporters say longer shifts would improve patient safety.

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Generic drugmaker Mylan is one of the companies reported to be the subject of a Justice Department investigation into pricing of generic drugs.

Generic Drugmakers Facing Antitrust Inquiry Over Rising Prices

2:52pm November 04, 2016

by Alison Kodjak

The Justice Department is investigating whether several companies colluded to raise prices of generic drugs. A report suggests a lawsuit could be filed this year.

A recent study from the University of Southern California found that prices charged by hospitals in the Sutter Health system are about 25 percent higher than those of other hospitals in California.

Big Hospital Network Cracks Down On The Right To Sue

12:26pm November 04, 2016

by April Dembosky

Some networks of hospitals, doctors and medical services are now so dominant in their region that they can hike their prices and force patients to waive the right to sue when things go wrong.

Intensive home-visits by physical, occupational and speech therapists have been "a lifesaver," for little Haylee Crouse, her mom Amanda (left) told Shots. Haylee, who is now 2, developed seizures and physical and intellectual disabilities after contractin

Cuts In Texas Medicaid Hit Rural Kids With Disabilities Especially Hard

6:58pm November 03, 2016

by Wade Goodwyn

State lawmakers cut $350 million in Medicaid funding to early childhood intervention therapists last year to help pay for tax cuts. Now rural toddlers are finding it hard to get vital treatment.

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HealthCare.gov has already begun showcasing health plans and prices for 2017.

Hunting For A Health Plan? Bronze May Be Your Best Value

11:31am November 03, 2016

by Michelle Andrews

The lower premiums that come with bronze plans, plus Obamacare's caps on out-of-pocket spending, can make these plans the best deal for people who have very few medical expenses — or very many.

Michael Weinstein is president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and a longtime maverick in gay activist circles.

From Maverick AIDS Activist To Porn Cop: The Man Behind Proposition 60

5:26pm November 02, 2016

by April Dembosky

In California, voters will weigh in on whether adult film performers should be required to use condoms on porn sets. The measure is backed by a controversial figure in gay activism: Michael Weinstein.

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Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are both proposing fixes to the American health care system.

Platform Check: Trump And Clinton On Health Care

5:26pm November 02, 2016

by Alison Kodjak

The candidates diverge sharply on Obamacare but both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump see opportunities to improve health care through the tax code.

Missouri's Amendment 3 would increase the tax on cigarettes by 60 cents. Alternatively, Proposition A would tax all cigarette brands in the state by 23 cents.

Why Tobacco Companies Are Spending Millions To Boost A Cigarette Tax

9:34am November 02, 2016

by Alex Smith

The tobacco giant is supporting its first cigarette tax — 60 cents more per pack. But some health groups oppose Missouri's ballot measure, as do some education groups that would benefit from the tax.

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