Truthout
Health
US’s First Overdose Prevention Site Continues Research-Backed, Lifesaving Work
Harm reduction advocates say more overdose prevention centers could save more lives amid the opioid crisis.
Affordable Care Act Sign-Ups Lag Following Trump’s Election
Meanwhile, a Biden administration push to give “Dreamers” access to coverage and subsidies is facing court challenges.
US Leaders Dragged Their Feet Fighting Bird Flu. Now We Risk Another Pandemic.
Policy makers let the agriculture industry dictate disease response — the world may pay the price.
Trump’s Picks for Top Federal Health Agencies Look Like “Team of Opponents”
The president-elect’s choices for many agencies hold positions on abortion and vaccination that are often at odds.
Opioid Maker Avoids Massive Federal Penalty Through Bankruptcy, Slow-Moving DOJ
Endo owed the US government $7 billion. It settled this year for just $200 million.
Indigenous Patients Threatened by Collections Over Medical Debt Government Owes
Federal law says they aren’t liable for medical bills the Indian Health Service promises to pay. Some are billed anyway.
A Texas Town Faced Dangerous Benzene Fumes. Regulators Never Told Residents.
The levels exceed even Texas’s benzene guidelines — the weakest in the nation — but aren’t being recorded by monitors.
Toxic PFAS Chemicals Found in Rural CA Drinking Water Far From Known Sources
Researchers worry that the “forever chemicals” could disproportionately harm farmworkers and communities of color.
It’s Not Just Denied Claims. Insurance Firms Are Hiring Middlemen to Deny Meds.
Lawmakers are looking to break up massive health care conglomerates that manage nearly 80 percent of prescriptions.
Top 5 US Health Insurers’ Annual Profits Jumped 230 Percent Since ACA’s Passage
The lion’s share goes to UnitedHealth Group, which reportedly denies nearly 1 in 3 medical claims from policy holders.