Kaiser Health News

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JÁNOS KOROM/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Pfizer’s COVID Cash Powers A ‘Marketing Machine’ On The Hunt For New Supernovas

Pfizer is sinking billions in profits from COVID-19 into developing and marketing potential new treatment blockbusters for conditions like migraines, sickle cell disease and obesity.

Nov 8, 2022

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Some state lawmakers have suggested restricting access to the intrauterine device known as IUD; many reproductive health advocates fear the overturning of Roe v. Wade would embolden those efforts. | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SUPPLIES COALITION/UNSPLASH

Post-‘Roe,’ Contraceptive Failures Carry Bigger Stakes

Even when the odds of contraception failure are small, the number of incidents can add up quickly.

Nov 8, 2022

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Supreme Court To Hear Nursing Home Case That Could Affect Millions

Millions of Americans who rely on federal assistance programs could lose the right to sue states when they do not receive benefits allowed by law under a pending U.S. Supreme Court case.

Nov 8, 2022

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FERNANDO ZHIMINAICELA/PIXABAY

Medicare Fines For High Hospital Readmissions Drop, But Nearly 2,300 Facilities Are Still Penalized

The average payment reduction was 0.43%, the lowest since 2014.

Nov 8, 2022

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WAYNE EVANS/PEXELS

‘Fourth Trimester’ Focus Is Pushed To Prevent Maternal Deaths

A staggering 84% of pregnancy-related deaths were deemed preventable, according to data released in September by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nov 3, 2022

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An employee of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services helps a consumer pick a health care plan on the federal online health insurance marketplace. | DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND BUSINESS SERVICES

This Open Enrollment Season, Look Out For Health Insurance That Seems Too Good To Be True

People who buy their own health coverage should be aware that alternative products, such as short-term health plans and health care sharing ministries, often provide far fewer protections, experts say.

Nov 3, 2022

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AN AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE AMBULANCE PARKED IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. AMR, THE LARGEST PROVIDER OF AMBULANCE SERVICES IN THE U.S., IS ENDING NONEMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION FOR 12 HOSPITALS IN LOS ANGELES AND ORANGE COUNTIES, CITING LOW STATE REIMBURSEMENT RATES./JUDY LIN/KHN

Ambulance Company To Halt Some Rides In Southern California, Citing Low Medicaid Rates

American Medical Response said its pullout from two counties in California will primarily affect Providence, the Catholic health system.

Oct 31, 2022

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SHUTTERSTOCK

States Opting Out Of A Federal Program That Tracks Teen Behavior As Youth Mental Health Worsens

Oregon is one of seven states not participating in federal youth risk behavior surveys, as it says its own survey is more useful and school-focused.

Oct 27, 2022

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FERNANDO ZHIMINAICELA/PIXABAY

Montana Backs Away From Innovative Hospital Payment Model As Other States Watch

Montana is making changes to a widely-watched hospital reform, sparking concerns.

Oct 27, 2022

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DR. BHAVIN SHAH AND SUNITA KALSARIYA’S JOURNEY TO REDUCE SHAH’S HIGH MEDICAL BILL ENTAILED BEING BRIEFLY SENT TO DEBT COLLECTION, ASKING FOR HELP FROM THE ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL, AND EVENTUALLY UNCOVERING THAT NEARLY $7,000 OF SHAH’S INITIAL CHARGES WERE FOR A PROCEDURE THAT WAS NEVER PERFORMED./BRAM SABLE-SMITH/KHN

Billing Expert Saved Big After Finding Incorrect Charge On Husband’s ER Bill

Her sleuthing knocked thousands of dollars off the hospital’s charges — and provides a playbook for other consumers.

Oct 25, 2022