Side Effects Public Media

Medicaid officials around the country are watching California as it rolls out one of the most ambitious initiatives ever to address Medicaid patients’ social needs in hopes of improving their health.

Nearly every state has laws that limit access to opioid treatment programs, according to a new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts.

A federal emergency declaration that has allowed children to receive continuous Medicaid coverage throughout the pandemic could end soon, and health providers are worried.

The patchwork nature of abortion laws across the country has made the procedure harder for pregnant people to get — and for health care providers to give.

Gun violence incidents, which include non-fatal shootings, have spiked across the country. And the trail of damage these shootings leave extends well beyond those who were struck by bullets.

The Inflation Reduction Act gives Medicare historic new powers to lower prescription drug prices, but lawsuits, loopholes and opposition from the drug industry could undermine them.

Abortion restrictions will likely affect Black women the most. Many are concerned about the impact on Black maternal mortality, and the risk of criminalization.

A recently approved economic package will lower out-of-pocket costs for some patients. Many who rely on the costly medication say the measure doesn’t go far enough.

A lack of data regarding sickle cell disease in the U.S. stunts efforts to improve outcomes for patients. The federally funded Sickle Cell Data Collection Program aims to chip away at these data gaps.

Having health insurance doesn’t always mean the care you need will be covered, even if that care is provided in-network. Consumers have a right to appeal denied claims, but federal data shows very few people do.