Pandemic-Fueled Shortages of Home Health Workers Strand Patients Without Necessary Care
By Judith Graham
Home health and hospice agencies are experiencing extreme worker shortages, which means they can’t provide services to all the patients seeking care.
Mental Health Therapists Seek Exemption From Part of Law to Ban Surprise Billing
By Julie Appleby
Some practitioners object to the way upfront cost estimates are designed, saying they could affect access to care and are burdensome. Other experts disagree.
A Disabled Activist Speaks Out About Feeling ‘Disposable’
By Rachel Scheier
Alice Wong, a writer and organizer in San Francisco, says the isolation and loss of the pandemic have shown society what it’s like to be disabled.
Daily Edition for Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Wednesday’s roundup of California health news covers covid’s Super Bowl impact, vaccines, omicron cases, tests, cancer and more.
The Advice to Vaccinate and Test Isn’t Much Help to Parents With Kids Under 5
By Bram Sable-Smith
Many parents of children too young for vaccines are exhausted. Some feel isolated and even forgotten by those who just want to move on even as omicron continues to sweep through parts of the country.
At Nursing Homes, Long Waits for Results Render Covid Tests ‘Useless’
By Rachana Pradhan
As omicron surges, more nursing homes are facing a double whammy: Lab tests are taking too long, and fast antigen tests are in short supply.
‘An Arm and a Leg’: Know Your ‘No Surprises’ Rights
By Dan Weissmann
The No Surprises Act protects patients from surprise out-of-network bills. But there are caveats. For instance, these protections apply only to care in a hospital. This episode breaks it all down.
Daily Edition for Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Tuesday’s roundup of California health news covers single-payer plan, nursing homes, vaccine developments, omicron cases, military and more.
‘American Diagnosis’ Episode 2: Reclaiming Native Food Traditions to Nourish Indigenous People
Native foodways of hunting, fishing, gathering, and farming have been under threat since the arrival of Europeans. In this episode, hear how Indigenous people are reclaiming their food traditions to improve community health.
Faxes and Snail Mail: Will Pandemic-Era Flaws Unleash Improved Health Technology?
By Bram Sable-Smith
The covid-19 pandemic exposed how state and local governments’ severely outdated technology can hinder unemployment benefits, food stamps, Medicaid, vaccine registrations, and the flow of other critical information. Now, with hefty federal pandemic relief and unexpected tax windfalls, states may finally have the chance to revamp their information technology for health care and social services. But can they?
