Category: Health Policy
Support grows for action on drug prices
Spurred on by midterm election results that showed health care to be a deciding issue, lawmakers are pushing a bevy of new proposals and approaches.
Can the states fix US healthcare?
For over a decade, we’ve been waiting for Washington to solve our healthcare woes. Now, with Washington in total dysfunction, states are looking for solutions.
Seven in 10 Americans say healthcare system in “crisis” or having “major problems
Seven in 10 or those polled said the healthcare system in “crisis” or having “major problems, in response to a new Gallup poll. The results are in line with what the poll has found since 1994.
The more women in government, the healthier a population
Compared to their male counterparts, female politicians are more likely to advance women’s rights, health care and family 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.