fbpx
Connect with us

Kaiser Health News

In Montana, Conservative Groups See Chance To Kill Medicaid Expansion

Published

on

kffhealthnews.org – Katheryn Houghton – 2024-10-31 04:00:00

SUMMARY: Conservative groups aim to roll back Montana’s expansion, which covers approximately 78,800 low-income individuals, marking a potential first elimination under the Affordable Care Act since its inception. As the program is set to expire next year, critics argue it’s costly and bloated, while supportive studies show it enhances access to care. The debate centers around differing viewpoints on the program’s impact on vulnerable populations. Montana, unique among states, may face this next year, with significant implications on access and budget priorities. Supporters emphasize that expansion has notably reduced the uninsured rate in the .

Read the full article

The post In Montana, Conservative Groups See Chance To Kill Medicaid Expansion appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

Kaiser Health News

A Toddler Survived a Snakebite. Antivenom Cost Over $200,000.

Published

on

www.youtube.com – KFF – 2024-10-30 11:38:33

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 . 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 a substantial deductible and potential additional charges. Brigin has since healed, though nerve affects his thumb’s dexterity.

For snakebite victims, antivenom is critical โ€” 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 #

Source

Continue Reading

Kaiser Health News

For People With Opioid Addiction, Medicaid โ€˜Unwindingโ€™ Raises the Stakes

Published

on

kffhealthnews.org – Kim Krisberg, Public Watch and Stephanie Colombini, WUSF – 2024-10-30 04:00:00

SUMMARY: Stephanie, a Florida recovering from opioid addiction, a crisis when she lost her coverage during the ‘s eligibility reevaluation after protections ended. Her treatment with methadone, crucial for managing cravings, became financially burdensome. Reports indicate over 1.9 million Floridians lost Medicaid, jeopardizing addiction treatment access. Experts stress that interruptions in care increase overdose risks. Nonprofits like Operation PAR are struggling to assist uninsured amid rising demand. While some individuals regained coverage, many face ongoing challenges, emphasizing the need for stable sources to ensure continued access to lifesaving medications for those in recovery.

Read the full article

The post For People With Opioid Addiction, Medicaid โ€˜Unwinding’ Raises the Stakes appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

Continue Reading

Kaiser Health News

Toddlerโ€™s Backyard Snakebite Bills Totaled More Than a Quarter Million Dollars

Published

on

kffhealthnews.org – Jackie Fortiรฉr – 2024-10-30 04:00:00

SUMMARY: Two-year-old Brigland Pfeffer was bitten by a rattlesnake in his backyard in San Diego shortly after his birthday. His mother him to the hospital, where medical staff challenges administering antivenom due to difficulties finding a vein. Eventually, an alternative method delivered the antivenom, stabilizing Brigland. His treatment cost $297,461, primarily for 30 vials of antivenom. Despite insurance negotiation, the faced significant out-of-pocket costs. Brigland’s injuries included nerve , but he has since healed. the incident, the family installed snake fencing to enhance safety in their yard.

Read the full article

The post Toddler’s Backyard Snakebite Bills Totaled More Than a Quarter Million Dollars appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

Continue Reading

Trending