At the end of March, the U.S. Justice Department joined a lawsuit brought by a whistleblower alleging that UnitedHealth Group committed fraud in its Medicare Advantage (commercial insurance that...
Diane Archer
Video: Four older adults beat world record in freestyle relay
What does it take for four older adults–with a combined age of 360–to beat a world record in freestyle relay? Passion, purpose, and perseverance. One of the four, who is 89 years old...
When will Congress address health care costs?
While the majority of Americans have health insurance through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, even with this coverage, an increasing proportion of them are struggling to afford their health...
What to do after someone you love dies
Losing someone you love can be extraordinarily wrenching. And, taking care of all the things that need getting done can be tough. As always, having a buddy–a friend, family member or trusted...
Pharma pays academics to justify high drug prices
A new report from Pro Publica and Consumer Reports reveals how, behind the scenes, pharmaceutical companies are paying academics to justify their high drug prices. While this has always been the...
Republicans could hurt Medicare, Medicaid and ACA without ACA...
A splintering in the Republican party forced Speaker Paul Ryan to pull the American Health Care Act, aka Trumpcare, from a House of Representatives vote, and, at least for now, it has been put to...
Lifestyle changes could help reduce risk of memory loss as we age
Some estimates suggest that as many as one in five people over 65 have mild cognitive impairments. When these impairments are caused by medication side effects or depression, they can be reversed...
Volunteer: 93-year old delivers meals
Murel Johnson began volunteering for Meals on Wheels in Oregon when she was 77. She has been delivering meals every Friday now for 16 years. Her work not only ensures older adults eat well but...
Even without ACA repeal, quality of care at risk
The Republican leadership’s ACA repeal bill is dead for now, but quality of care in the U.S. is still at risk. In an interview for KPBS.org, Donald Berwick, M.D., president emeritus of the...
Orphan drug act delivers big profits to drug companies
More than 30 years ago, to foster drug innovation for rare diseases, Congress passed the Orphan Drug Act. The law helps drug companies make big profits on drugs that treat rare diseases–orphan...