Category: 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.
New report details King County health trends
Insurance coverage up, smoking down, but little change in physical activity and obesity levels are among the findings.
Must-Read Health News Of The Week
It’s hard to believe anything happened this week other than the hearing for Supreme Court nominee but there actually was some health-related news, as well.
As cities push for paid sick leave, states push back
A split is growing between cities that want to require private companies to give workers paid sick days and states that are determined to stop them.
Unwitting patients used to influence federal rule-making
Some patients whose comments were submitted to the federal government to oppose a change in drug payment policy have no memory of writing or signing the comments.
The Doctors Want In: Democratic Docs Talk Health Care On The Campaign Trail
Doctors running as Democrats are campaigning hard on the need to reform the health care system. They present a stark contrast to Congress’ current physician makeup.
When You’re Insured But Still Owe $109K For Your Heart Attack
When a hospital and an insurer do not agree on a price. The hospital can sometime demands that patients pay the difference, in a practice called balance billing.
Religious Conservatives’ Ties To Trump Officials Pay Off In AIDS Policies, Funding
Evangelical activist Shepherd Smith has spent decades cultivating relationships with leading AIDS policymakers to promote abstinence-only sex education.
As Surgery Centers Boom, Patients Are Paying With Their Lives
The centers started as low-cost alternatives for minor surgeries. They now outnumber hospitals, and regulators OK’d ever-widening array of outpatient procedures
Red States May Be Ready to Expand Medicaid — In Exchange for Work
Critics argue that work requirements would cause many with chronic health conditions to lose health insurance, making them less likely to ever hold down a job.
Drug Trade Group Quietly Spends ‘Dark Money’ To Sway Voters
Conservative nonprofits are funneling “dark money” — difficult-to-trace funds behind TV ads, phone calls, and other efforts used to influence politics.
Déjà Voodoo: Pharma’s Promises To Curb Drug Prices Have Been Heard Before
Drug company promises to contain prices are a familiar — and fleeting. In past, their vows to restrain prices last only as long as it is politically necessary.
Profiles For Sale: How Captured Data Can Paint a Picture Of Your Health
Under privacy laws your doctor can’t reveal information about your health, habits or weight, but your purchases and online activities can reveal a lot.
States Attacking ACA Would Suffer Most If Shield On Preexisting Conditions Were Axed
West Virginia has the highest rate of adults with preexisting conditions, 36% of those under 65.
Why Taking Care In Discharging A Hospital Patient Matters
Patients want to feel prepared to look after themselves when they leave the hospital.