Montana Examines Ways To Ease Health Care Workforce Shortages
Bills before the legislature would license community health workers and make it easier for some other health professionals licensed in other states to do business in Montana.
Legislation
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Bill That Congressman Says Protects Medicaid Doesn鈥檛 鈥 And Would Likely Require Cutting It
U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota, a Long Island Republican, told his constituents that he voted for the House-passed GOP budget resolution because it protects Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. However, the bill charges a committee with making cuts that likely can鈥檛 be attained without slashing Medicaid.
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The Colorado Psychedelic Mushroom Experiment Has Arrived
With the first licenses for providing psychedelic mushrooms issued, excitement and questions build about the fungi鈥檚 potential, affordability, and safety in the Centennial State.
By Kate Ruder -
In New York, Providers Must Put Patient Costs on the Table
The governor鈥檚 fiscal year 2026 budget revises a law designed to limit unexpected bills that can put people at risk for unfair medical billing practices and reduce medical debt. Consumer groups say it doesn鈥檛 go far enough.
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Her Case Changed Trans Care in Prison. Now Trump Aims To Reverse Course.
President Donald Trump ordered a halt to gender-affirming medical care for transgender prisoners in federal custody, and to housing trans women in female prisons. The new policies raise alarms for a formerly incarcerated trans woman. She said the order denies lifesaving medical care and creates a road map for rape.
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Without Federal Action, States Wrestle With Kratom Regulation
A bill proposed by kratom industry advocates is prompting consideration 鈥 and some concern 鈥 in the Montana Legislature.
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Progressives Seek Health Privacy Protections in California, But Newsom Could Balk
Democratic state lawmakers in California have proposed bills to protect women, transgender people, and immigrants in response to concerns that their health data could be used against them. If the measures reach his desk, Gov. Gavin Newsom could lay such legislation aside to focus on securing federal funds.
The State of Federal Health Agencies Is Uncertain
Episode 387The Supreme Court opined for the first time that Trump administration officials may be exceeding their authority to reshape the federal government by refusing to honor completed contracts, even as lower-court judges started blocking efforts to fire workers, freeze funding, and cancel ongoing contracts. Meanwhile, public health officials are alarmed at the Department of Health and Human Services鈥 public handling of Texas鈥 widening measles outbreak, particularly the secretary鈥檚 less-than-full endorsement of vaccines. Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health and Politico Magazine, and Stephanie Armour of 吃瓜不打烊 join 吃瓜不打烊鈥 Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more.
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Law and Order or Bystander Safety? Police Chases Spotlight California鈥檚 Competing Priorities
California鈥檚 governor is pressuring Oakland to allow more police pursuits as part of a crackdown on crime. But more pursuits mean a greater risk to public health, with more potential injuries and deaths among bystanders. Policies in cities including New York and San Francisco reflect divergent local priorities.
By Don Thompson -
States Facing Doctor Shortages Ease Licensing Rules for Foreign-Trained Physicians
Amid doctor shortages, several states have stopped requiring foreign-trained providers to repeat residencies before they鈥檙e fully licensed. Critics say patients could be harmed because of the loosened training requirements.
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Montana鈥檚 Medicaid Expansion Conundrum
State lawmakers appear ready to preserve the state鈥檚 Medicaid expansion program without knowing what federal changes might be in store.
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Deny and Delay? California Seeks Penalties for Insurers That Repeatedly Get It Wrong
A state lawmaker wants health insurers to disclose denial rates and explain those denials as anger grows over rising costs and uncovered medical care. If the bill is signed into law, health experts say, it could be one of the boldest attempts in the nation to rein in denials.
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Montana Looks To Regulate Prior Authorization as Patients, Providers Decry Obstacles to Care
Patients and providers say health insurers鈥 preapproval requirements lead to delays and denials of needed medical treatments. Insurers argue that prior authorization keeps costs down.
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Top California Democrats Clash Over How To Rein In Drug Industry Middlemen
Frustrated by spiraling drug costs, California lawmakers want to increase oversight of pharmaceutical industry intermediaries known as pharmacy benefit managers. It鈥檚 unclear whether they can persuade Gov. Gavin Newsom to get on board.
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Officials Seek To Dismantle Appeals Board for Montanans Denied Public Assistance
The Montana health department says the Board of Public Assistance is redundant and a bureaucratic hurdle that helps few people. Current and former board representatives say the rare cases in which the panel helps people are important.
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California Housing Officials Recommend State Protect Renters From Extreme Heat
State officials say homes should be able to be cooled to a safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees. The legislature will now take up the report.
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Trump鈥檚 Already Gone Back on His Promise To Leave Abortion to States
On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump said the power to make abortion policies 鈥渉as been returned to the states.鈥 In his first two weeks in office, he鈥檚 already gone further to restrict abortion than any president who鈥檚 held office since the 1973 鈥淩oe v. Wade鈥 decision, writes Julie Rovner.
By Julie Rovner -
Drawn-Out Overhaul of Troubled Montana Hospital Leaves Lawmakers in Limbo
Unsure how to help the troubled psychiatric facility, legislators look to shore up other parts of the state鈥檚 mental health system.
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Trump鈥檚 Order on Gender-Affirming Care Escalates Reversal of Trans Rights
The Jan. 28 executive order directs federal regulators to cut insurance coverage for hormonal or surgical treatments that help in young people's gender transitions and cut federal funding for medical professionals or institutions that provide such care. It will likely be challenged in court.
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New California Laws Target Medical Debt, AI Care Decisions, Detention Centers
California has a few major changes coming to its health policy landscape in 2025. New laws that took effect Jan. 1 ban medical debt from credit reports, allow public health inspections of private immigration detention centers, and ban toxic chemicals in makeup.