Kaiser Health News

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Understaffed State Psychiatric Facilities Leave Mental Health Patients In Limbo

The shortage of beds at Oregon State Hospital reflects a national trend linked to staffing deficits that are cramping services in the public mental health system.

Oct 26, 2021

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SABINE VAN ERP/PIXABAY

3 States Limit Nursing Home Profits In Bid To Improve Care

Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York set requirements for how much nursing homes must spend on residents’ direct care.

Oct 25, 2021

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JANEESE LEWIS GEORGE, A WASHINGTON, D.C., CITY COUNCIL MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS BRIGHTWOOD PARK, ADDRESSES DOZENS OF PEOPLE AT A VIGIL SITE. /AMANDA GOMEZ/KHN

DC Is Using Public Health Tools to Prevent Gun Violence. Will It Work?

The city’s first-ever gun violence prevention director, Linda Harllee Harper, aims to treat the immediate symptoms and root causes of community violence.

Oct 21, 2021

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SHUTTERSTOCK

How To Crush Medical Debt: 5 Tips For Using Hospital Charity Care

Many people who qualify for financial assistance, which nonprofit hospitals are required to offer under the Affordable Care Act, never apply.

Oct 19, 2021

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Telemedicine visit with Kaiser Permanente. | COURTESY OF KAISER PERMANENTE NORTHWEST

Some Insurers Now Insisting On Virtual Visits

Many insurers offering virtual-first plans hire outside firms to provide medical staff, who may hold licenses in several states and not be located nearby.

Oct 19, 2021

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NATALIA MERZLYAKOVA/FOTOLIA

Surprise-Billing Rule ‘Puts A Thumb On The Scale’ To Keep Arbitrated Costs In Check

The No Surprises Act takes effect Jan. 1 and will protect patients against surprise medical bills for out-of-network treatment, but unintended consequences are unknown.

Oct 14, 2021

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MAWATA KAMARA WORKS AS A NURSE AT SAN LEANDRO HOSPITAL IN SAN LEANDRO, CALIFORNIA, WHERE VISITORS HAVE TWICE MADE GUN THREATS AGAINST STAFFERS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN./SHELBY KNOWLES/KHN

‘Are You Going To Keep Me Safe?’ Hospital Workers Sound Alarm On Rising Violence

Eighteen months since the pandemic began, health care workers say they are experiencing an alarming rise in violence in their workplaces.

Oct 12, 2021

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6 Months To Live Or Die: How Long Should An Alcoholic Wait For A Liver Transplant?

Widespread practice requires that patients with alcoholic liver disease complete a period of sobriety before they can get on the waiting list for a liver.

Oct 12, 2021

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The Public Backs Medicare Rx Price Negotiation Even After Hearing Both Sides’ Views

A poll found the vast majority of adults support letting the federal government negotiate drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries and those in private health insurance plans.

Oct 12, 2021

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THE HARM REDUCTION COALITION OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY GIVES AWAY FREE SYRINGES. THE PROGRAM’S GOAL IS TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF BLOODBORNE ILLNESSES, BUT CRITICS SAY CONTAMINATED NEEDLES END UP IN PARKS AND CREEKS./RACHEL BLUTH/KAISER HEALTH NEWS

Needle Exchanges Targeted By Eco-Rooted Lawsuits, But California Aims To Stop That

A new law is intended to stop syringe exchange opponents from using environmental regulations to sue over needle waste.

Oct 7, 2021