Lauren Sausser

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lsausser@kff.org
@laurenmsausser

Mississippi Lacks Black Doctors, Even as Lawmakers Increasingly Target Diversity Programs

Administrators at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine are trying to recruit more Black students — and more Hispanic and Choctaw Nation students, for that matter. But they face several obstacles, including a recent swell of Republican opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Mujeres están bebiendo hasta enfermarse. A la administración Biden le preocupa el costo de la atención

Históricamente, las enfermedades vinculadas al abuso del alcohol han afectado más a los hombres. Pero datos actuales de los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) muestran que las tasas de muerte por esta causa están aumentando más rápido entre las mujeres que entre los hombres.

More Women Are Drinking Themselves Sick. The Biden Administration Is Concerned.

Historically, alcohol use disorder has disproportionately affected men. But targeted advertising and changes in societal norms over the past 50 years have led to an upsurge in alcohol-related diseases and deaths among women. “It’s a very taboo topic,” one expert said.

Lawsuits Claim Kids Underwent Unnecessary Genital Exams During Abuse Investigations

Lawsuits allege that several children under 18 in South Carolina have undergone examinations of their private parts during child abuse investigations — even when there were no allegations of sexual abuse. Courts from New York to California have ruled that government agencies violate children’s and parents’ civil rights when the exams are conducted without a court order or parental consent.

What Would a Nikki Haley Presidency Look Like for Health Care?

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s tenure in the Palmetto State — which overlapped with several tumultuous years of health care reform — and her recent comments offer clues to how her presidency might affect national health care policy.

Doctors and Patients Try to Shame Insurers Online to Reverse Prior Authorization Denials

Prior authorization is a common tool used by health insurers for many tests, procedures, and prescriptions. Frustrated by the process, patients and doctors have turned to social media to publicly shame insurance companies and elevate their denials for further review.