SUMMARY: In a trial in Boise, Idaho, physicians and four women are challenging the state’s near-total abortion ban, arguing it endangers women’s health by forcing them to carry fetuses with fatal anomalies or endangering their lives without medical intervention. The case, which aims to introduce medical exceptions into the current law, highlights personal testimonies of severe pregnancy complications. Opposing counsel criticized the plaintiffs’ testimonies, framing abortions negatively. Advocates fear that a loss in this case could limit future challenges to similar bans nationwide. The trial follows previous legal setbacks in Idaho and Texas regarding abortion rights.

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SUMMARY: In March, Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley addressed systemic issues within the agency regarding overpayments that have harmed vulnerable beneficiaries. Although he has made some progress, including reducing full benefit withholding from 46,000 to about 7,000 recipients, challenges remain, such as the burden of proof still resting on beneficiaries to dispute overpayment claims. Advocates urge the need for a statute of limitations on recovery efforts, as cases can date back decades and cause severe financial hardships. O’Malley’s term is nearing an end, and while improvements have been noted, many beneficiaries still face difficulties within the system.

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SUMMARY: Kathleen Clark faced an unexpected $960 prepayment request from her OB-GYN during her pregnancy, a practice increasingly reported by pregnant women. Often, these upfront fees occur before the pregnancy concludes, creating financial strain and anxiety. Advocacy groups criticize this as unethical, arguing it can deter women from seeking necessary care. Although providers claim prepayments ensure compensation, the approach complicates billing and may force unwanted decisions on patients. With U.S. maternity care costs averaging nearly $3,000 out-of-pocket, many families struggle financially, raising concerns about equitable access to prenatal services. The issue remains challenging to regulate due to industry lobbying.

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The post Pay First, Deliver Later: Some Women Are Being Asked To Prepay for Their Baby appeared first on kffhealthnews.org