Jan 11 'Substantial number' of women could lose birth control coverage under rule, judge says By Sudhin Thanawala, Associated Press The changes set to go into effect on Monday would allow more employers, including publicly traded companies, to opt out of providing no-cost contraceptive coverage to women by claiming religious objections. Continue reading
Jan 10 Democrats to unveil bills to reduce prescription drug prices By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press The package of bills are designed to link the prices Americans pay for prescription drugs to lower costs in other countries. Continue reading
Jan 08 Watch 5:45 As death rates from cancer decline, why are some communities faring worse? The death rate from cancer in the U.S. fell 27 percent between 1991 and 2016 due to earlier detection and a decline in smoking, according to a new study by the American Cancer Society. But obesity-related cancer deaths are increasing,… Continue watching
Jan 08 For 25 years, the U.S. cancer death rate has fallen. Here's why By Mike Stobbe, Associated Press NEW YORK — The U.S. cancer death rate has hit a milestone: It's been falling for at least 25 years, according to a new report. Lower smoking rates are translating into fewer deaths. Advances in early detection and treatment also… Continue reading
Jan 07 Growing opioid crisis adds to Puerto Rico's problems By Dánica Coto, Associated Press "Hardly anyone talks about this problem in Puerto Rico. It's like it doesn't exist," says Rafael Torruella, program director for a needle exchange program in Puerto Rico. Continue reading
Jan 06 A deep dive into newborns' DNA may reveal potential disease risks — but is the testing worth it? By Andrew Joseph, STAT Looking for diseases in newborns’ DNA that could arise during adulthood is more ethically fraught than focusing on childhood conditions. Continue reading
Jan 03 Democratic attorneys general appeal Affordable Care Act ruling, as signups stay 'remarkably steady' By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press Democratic attorneys general on Thursday appealed a federal court ruling that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional, as new enrollment numbers underscored the staying power of the Obama-era law. Continue reading
Jan 01 Watch 7:06 Will drug companies be held accountable for America's opioid epidemic? The nation’s opioid crisis was declared a public health emergency in 2017 and received new funding this past October. But rampant addiction led to some 40,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. last year, and 2019 could see the culmination of… Continue watching
Jan 01 Forget the crash diet. These 6 New Year's resolutions are better for your health By Julia Griffin These ideas can improve both your physical and emotional wellbeing in 2019. Continue reading
Dec 31 These issues will top state lawmakers' to-do lists in 2019 By David A. Lieb, Associated Press Big-dollar decisions about health care and education will lead the agenda in many state capitols as lawmakers convene for their 2019 sessions with a closer balance between Republicans and Democrats. Continue reading