Category: Health Policy
Health reads of the week
Must-read health care stories of the week from Kaiser Health News’ Brianna Labuskes.
Seattle’s Soda Tax Almost Entirely Passed on to Consumers
Two-liter bottle of soda increased 64 percent; price of diet drinks jumped, too
Health care industry spends $30B a year on advertising
Marketing drives more testing…more treatments. It’s a big part of why health care is so expensive… it’s the fancy, high-tech stuff things that get marketed.
Medicaid plans helping patients get their GED
Plans starting to pay for services such as meals, transportation, housing and other Assistance to improve members’ health and reduce medical costs.
Grants available to programs addressing health disparities in Puget Sound Region
Agencies can apply for up to $30,000. Funding can be used for development, planning, technology improvement, training, or policy and advocacy work.
Bill for two infusions of MS drug: $123,000
No one told Shereese Hickson she qualified for financial assistance to cover her portion of a $123,019 bill until she called the hospital.
House Dems In New Seats Of Power Will Steer Health Policy, Attack Drug Prices
Here’s a look at some of the major House committees that influence health policy — and the Democrats who may lead them.
Too Few Doctors and Nurses for Veterans in Some Areas
Many veterans in rural areas and some cities still face long wait times for health care because there aren’t enough doctors, nurses and support staff.
Why is so hard to get your medical records?
Medical records can be hard for patients to get, even in this digital information age. But they shouldn’t be.
More Democrats calling for ‘Medicare-for-All’
“Medicare-for-all” and single-payer health care are suddenly popular. Republicans are calling it threat to older people and to American freedom.
This week’s health news ‘must reads’
Election stories made up the bulk of the health care news this week. Other great gems and intriguing developments surfaced, though, so let’s get to it.
Health Care Tops Guns, Economy As Voters’ Top Issue
Seven in 10 people list health care as “very important” as they make their voting choices, eclipsing economy, gun policy, immigration and foreign policy.
Drugmakers Funnel Millions To Lawmakers; A Few Dozen Get $100,000-Plus
Since the beginning of last year, 34 lawmakers have each received more than $100,000 from pharmaceutical companies.
Health ‘must reads’ of the week
Top stories from this week on health, health care and health policy.
Being born in the wrong ZIP code can shorten your life
Babies born 10 miles apart can see a life expectancy difference of almost 33 years.