Kaiser Health News
A Toddler Survived a Snakebite. Antivenom Cost Over $200,000.
SUMMARY: Brigin Feffer, a 2-year-old, was bitten by a rattlesnake in San Diego, requiring over $200,000 worth of antivenom to save his life. He received 30 vials of antivenom, leading to a total medical bill of nearly $300,000, which covered hospital stays and ambulance rides. Hospitals often mark up prices significantly, with charges exceeding $957 per vial at one facility. Only two brands of snake antivenom exist, limiting competition. Although insurance negotiated a reduction in costs, the family faced a substantial deductible and potential additional charges. Brigin has since healed, though nerve damage affects his thumb’s dexterity.
For snakebite victims, antivenom is critical — and costly. It took more than $200,000 worth of antivenom to save one toddler’s life after he was bitten by a rattlesnake.
Read more of this “Bill of the Month” here: https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/toddlers-backyard-snakebite-bills-totaled-more-than-a-quarter-million-dollars/
#snake #healthcare
SUMMARY: Donald Trump’s return to the White House may inspire Republicans to weaken or repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), but significant procedural and political challenges remain. Trump has opposed the ACA and is interested in reforming it, while GOP lawmakers aim to revamp the 2010 health law, citing costs and government overreach. Potential changes could affect Medicaid expansion, raise the uninsured rate, and increase premiums. Trump could use reconciliation to change the ACA without Democratic votes, or pursue executive actions to modify it. Critics worry that policies could lead to higher costs and reduced protections for individuals with preexisting conditions.
The post Washington Power Has Shifted. Here’s How the ACA May Shift, Too. appeared first on kffhealthnews.org
SUMMARY: William Lopez, a former employee of the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank, recounts a troubling experience from June 2017 involving a request to contact a deceased friend’s spouse for eye donation, which he refused. Over three years, he witnessed numerous issues, including damaged tissue and lack of transparency. Criticism has emerged about the eye bank’s operations, highlighting high employee turnover and inadequate training, leading to errors. Despite its crucial role in restoring sight through cornea transplants, former employees express concerns over oversight and the pressure to fulfill international demands at the expense of quality. Stricter regulation of tissue donation practices is called for.
The post Ex-Eye Bank Workers Say Pressure, Lax Oversight Led to Errors appeared first on kffhealthnews.org
SUMMARY: Indiana residents and officials are opposing a proposed merger between two rival hospitals in Terre Haute, which would create a healthcare monopoly. Union Health, a nonprofit, aims to acquire the for-profit Terre Haute Regional Hospital. Critics, including the FTC, warn that this merger will lead to higher prices, reduced care options, and negative impacts on the local economy. The Indiana Department of Health has received extensive public feedback largely against the deal. Union Health claims the merger will enhance care and efficiency, while experts predict it could worsen public health outcomes and job losses for the community.
The post FTC, Indiana Residents Pressure State To Block Hospital Merger appeared first on kffhealthnews.org
Washington Power Has Shifted. Here’s How the ACA May Shift, Too.
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