In South Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, many people go without health insurance, and the health system struggles as a result. Similar communities dot the nation.
Policy-ish
Posted inNPR
Kennedy’s vaccine panel expected to recommend delaying hepatitis B shot in children
RFK Jr.’s hand-picked panel of vaccine advisors is expected to vote to delay the hepatitis B shot for newborns. Doctors warn that could fuel a return of a disease virtually eradicated in U.S. kids.Â
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When hospitals and insurers fight, patients get caught in the middle
About 90,000 people spent months in limbo as central Missouri’s major medical provider fought over insurance contracts. These disputes between insurers and hospitals are a recurring problem.
Posted inNPR
Offered a cash price for a prenatal genetic test? It may be your best bet
An expectant mom got a $750 bill for a blood test to check for genetic abnormalities in her baby. Then she tried to figure out why it was so high.
Posted inNPR
Amid growing ‘scandal’ of elder homelessness, health care groups aim to help
The housing crisis is requiring creative scrambling and new partnerships from health care organizations to keep older patients out of expensive nursing homes as homelessness grows.
Posted inNPR
He built Michigan’s Medicaid work requirement system. Now he’s warning other states
Michigan’s health director spent a year and $30 million building a work requirements system for Medicaid. The problems he encountered have him worried now that 40 states must do the same by 2027.
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Congress looks to ease veterans’ use of health care outside the VA
It can be difficult for veterans to use their health benefits for care outside the federal system. A bill in Congress could ease that. Opponents are wary funds being “siphoned” away from the VA.
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Dozens of state laws take aim at food dyes, amid a wave support for MAHA
Fueled by MAHA, state lawmakers are moving to remove dyes and other additives from food. A wide range of state laws could make it difficult for manufacturers and could spur further federal regulation.
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Do ‘work requirements’ in Medicaid work? Georgia’s been trying it for two years
Most states will have to establish work requirements for Medicaid by 2027. Georgia has had them for two years. Some Georgians say the glitchy system makes it too hard to prove they actually qualify.
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Even megastars like Venus Williams get the health insurance blues
In the U.S., as nowhere else, health insurance and employment are deeply connected. And that means confusion can snare even elite athletes.
