Carmen Heredia Rodriguez

Carmen Heredia Rodriguez was a reporter for KFF Health News until June 2021.

@ByCHRodriguez

Hospitals Chafe Under Medicare’s New Payment Rule For Off-Campus Clinics

KFF Health News Original

Under the rule that took effect this year, Medicare will lower payments for clinic visits performed at hospital-owned facilities to a rate that is equivalent to what it pays an independent doctor. Federal officials expect the move will save the government $380 million this year.

Trump’s Budget Offers $291M To Fight HIV In U.S. But Trims Overseas Efforts

KFF Health News Original

The budget would increase funding for efforts like the state-centered initiatives run by the Centers for Disease Control and the Ryan White Program, which offers services and treatment to patients. But it would also dramatically cut funding for global HIV efforts.

Vaccine Storage Too Often Fails To Meet Standards

KFF Health News Original

Federal officials regulate the handling of vaccines that are provided through the Vaccines for Children program, which offers the medicines generally for children whose families could not afford them. But there is no federal oversight of how these drugs are stored among other health care providers.

With Hospitalization Losing Favor, Judges Order Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

KFF Health News Original

Nearly every state in the country allows courts to force people with severe mental illnesses into treatment against their will. But critics argue these controversial intervention programs fail to address underlying problems in behavioral health services.

Immigrants’ Health Premiums Far Exceed What Plans Pay For Their Care

KFF Health News Original

Immigrants accounted for nearly 13 percent of premiums paid to private plans but only about 9 percent of insurers’ expenditures, according to a new study in Health Affairs. The cost of care for the group of native-born customers, however, exceeded their premiums.