Health & Safety

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. — shown with Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (left) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in 2015 — represents the state with the highest per-capita death rate from opioids.

GOP Senators From Opioid-Ravaged States Uneasy About Health Care Bill

12:48pm June 29, 2017

by Tamara Keith

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., has announced that she opposes the health care bill in its current form. She cited cuts to Medicaid and what the bill would mean for people with opioid addiction.

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Patients who underwent genetic screenings now fear that documentation of the results in their medical records could lead to problems if a new health law is enacted.

Patients With Pre-Existing Conditions Fear Bias Under GOP Health Proposals

10:09am June 29, 2017

by Charlotte Huff

Encouraged by their doctors, many people in recent years have taken tests to find out if they're at risk of disease. Now they worry the Republican health bills could make them vulnerable.

With The Senate's Health Care Vote Delayed, What's Next For Democrats?

8:10am June 29, 2017

Do Democrats want to work with Republicans to make the health bill better? Rachel Martin talks to Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

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Senate Health Bill Needs To Change Dramatically, AARP Says

7:44am June 29, 2017

Steve Inskeep talks to David Certner, legislative policy director for government affairs at AARP, about why his organization wants the Senate to scratch the GOP health care bill and start again.

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GOP Health Plan Vote Delayed, But Sen. Rounds Will Vote 'Yes'

7:44am June 29, 2017

The Senate leadership is intent on overhauling the Affordable Care Act. Steve Inskeep talks to Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota about why he supports the health care legislation.

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A comprehensive study of air pollution in the U.S. finds it still kills thousands a year, and disproportionately affects poor people and minorities.

U.S. Air Pollution Still Kills Thousands Every Year, Study Concludes

8:28pm June 28, 2017

by Rob Stein

An analysis examining mortality among millions of Americans concludes that a tiny decrease in levels of soot could save about 12,000 lives each year.

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Less than half of the 22 million veterans in the U.S. get their health care through the Veterans Affairs system. Many rely on Medicaid, which is slated for reductions under the health plan making its way through the U.S. Senate.

Veterans Helped By Obamacare Worry About Republican Repeal Efforts

5:44pm June 28, 2017

by Stephanie O'Neill

The rate of uninsurance among veterans dropped dramatically after the Affordable Care Act rolled out. Those who rely on Medicaid say they are particularly concerned about losing that care.

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Proposed Medicaid Cuts Likely To Put Pressure On Nursing Homes

5:29pm June 28, 2017

by Ina Jaffe

Two thirds of nursing home residents are paid for by Medicaid. Proposed cuts could put pressure on nursing homes and the older adults they serve.

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55 Percent Of Americans Disapprove Of Senate Health Care Bill

5:29pm June 28, 2017

by Mara Liasson

A new NPR-PBS NewsHour-Marist poll shows President Trump's approval ratings below 40 percent and approval of the GOP health care proposal in the teens. This toxic environment makes it even tougher for Republicans to forge a deal to meet their twin goals of repealing the Affordable Care Act and making affordable care more accessible.

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Lawmakers Warn Senate Health Care Bill Could Worsen Opioid Crisis

5:29pm June 28, 2017

by Tamara Keith

Some senators are concerned about how the Senate Republicans health care bill would affect treatment for opioid addiction.

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