Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Viewpoints: Can You Ignore A Medical Bill?; Families Rushing To Use IVF Before It's Too Late
Medical debt is not like other debt. The stuff is omnipresent: Two in five American adults owe something to a health-care provider, and 3 million people each owe more than $10,000. But this is largely a financial burden dumped on consumers, not chosen by them. (Annie Lowrey, 10/2)
Two years ago, I was happily pregnant and preparing for life as a stay-at-home mom when my world unraveled. My 19-week anatomy scan was abnormal, and I was sent to my local perinatologist. They further referred me to specialists at the Children's Hospital in Denver, but I had to wait several weeks for an appointment. The interim was filled with whiplash. (Anne Angus, 10/3)
Louisiana is the first state to classify misoprostol and mifepristone as schedule IV-controlled substances, in the same category as some narcotics and other medications with potential for addiction and abuse. (Jane Martin, 10/3)
