Maryland could become the first state to stop participating in the federal family planning program

Maryland could be the first state to stop participating in the country’s only federal family program, should the Trump administration’s so-called gag rule go into effect.

On Saturday, the Maryland House of Delegates passed a bill that would end the state’s participation in Title X, if the administration prevents the program’s federal family planning funds from going to clinics like Planned Parenthood that provide abortion or refer patients for abortion elsewh...

‘I vote with my pancreas’: How the skyrocketing price of insulin became an 2020 election issue

Once a month, Sarah Stark makes the trip to her local pharmacy to pick up the insulin she needs to keep her diabetes in check.

She has health insurance through her job and uses a $100 manufacturer’s coupon to help defray the cost. Even so, she ends up paying a whopping $728.40.

Stark, 28, is not the only one to experience sticker shock when making the purchase. Invariably, the pharmacist who rings her up is taken aback by the price of the medication, and asks if she’s certai...

Cost of x-rays and ultrasounds to drop under Coalition pledge to increase Medicare rebates

All ultrasound and diagnostic radiology services to be cheaper under plan

Patients who need x-rays and ultrasounds will end up paying less under a new Morrison government pledge to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for the services.

The health minister, Greg Hunt, announced on Sunday the government would expand indexation of Medicare payments to all ultrasound and diagnostic radiology services over three years from 1 July 2020 – for the first time in 20 years.

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Illinois lawmaker introduces bill to punish doctors for providing health care to trans people

An Illinois bill filed by a Republican lawmaker, the Youth Health Protection Act, would punish doctors for providing transition-related health care to trans youth.

Rep. Tom Morrison’s bill, HB 3515, would prevent doctors from giving hormone prescriptions or providing transition-related surgeries for young trans people under the age of 18. If they do, it will be considered “unprofessional conduct” subject to discipline by a licensing entity or disciplinary review bo...

In an unprecedented Senate bill, Democrats try to get federal dollars to pay for abortion

For the first time ever, Senate Democrats will introduce a bill that guarantees every person has access to abortion coverage if they receive health care through the federal government.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) will introduce the EACH Woman Act on Tuesday with support from at least nine other Democrats, including 2020 presidential candidates Sens. Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

On the other side of the chamber, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) will re-introduce,...

What does Medicare for All look like for people with disabilities?

More and more, the progressive rallying cry, Medicare for All, is garnering support. It’s now a frontrunner topic for Democratic presidential candidates, and members of Congress are introducing legislation for how it could actually work.

But does Medicare for All really include everyone? Disability rights activists say not really, if you’re basing it on the way Medicare, the health program for seniors and certain people with disabilities, works today.

“I think if you ask most...

FDA head Gottlieb leaves behind legacy of tackling big tobacco and underage vaping

Food and Drug Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who spoke out against a number of public health issues like youth vaping and vaccine misinformation, resigned Tuesday after nearly two years on the job. He is reportedly resigning to spend more time with his family.

“Scott Gottlieb, who has done an absolutely terrific job as Commissioner of the FDA, plans to leave government service...

What if public insurance covered abortion care?

What if public health insurance paid for abortion? More and more people are beginning to ask that question.

With support for Roe v. Wade stronger than ever before, reproductive rights advocates have moved the “Overton window” of what policy ideas are considered feasible. Now, instead of simply defending the right to abortion, they’re talking about securing access.

Advocates have been trying to get public insurance to cover abortion for some time now...

Idaho Republicans seek to limit Medicaid expansion against the will of voters

Idaho Republicans are looking into several proposals aimed at hobbling a successful ballot initiative to expand Medicaid in the state, joining a growing list of red states trying to limit health care coverage against the will of voters.

Republican lawmakers have considered plans to apply work requirements, co-pays, and lifetime limits. They also plan to ask the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to grant the waivers before the ballot initiative goes into effect on Jan....