States Not Tracking Role of Opioid Crisis in Foster Placements

by Byard Duncan / Reveal Jan 11, 2018 Even states hard hit by the abuse epidemic lack a way to specify opioids—or any other drug—as a contributing factor in the removal of children from their homes. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Some Pay More to Buy Prescription Drugs With Insurance Than Without It

Charles Ornstein / ProPublica, and Katie Thomas / The New York Times Dec 11, 2017 As insurers ask consumers to pay a greater share of their drug costs, it may be cheaper to pay cash than use an insurance card. Dig deeper ( 7 Min. Read )

Thousands Serving Long Sentences in an Era of Pot Liberalization

Tana Ganeva / AlterNet Oct 28, 2017 Widening legalization of marijuana possession is no help to many convicts. One Louisiana prisoner has been locked up since 2008 because of a $20 deal. Dig deeper ( 7 Min. Read )

Trump’s Opioid Declaration Won’t Mean New Money

Jill Colvin and Carla K. Johnson / AP Oct 26, 2017 The president's declaration of a public health emergency will expand access to medical services and shift some federal HIV funds to help addicts. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Ohio Community Confronts the Opioid Crisis Head-On

Jack Shuler / Moyers and Company Sep 25, 2017 Famously associated with the addiction problem, the city of Portsmouth is fighting back. But some worry that one drug crisis will be replaced with another. Dig deeper ( 9 Min. Read )

In Opioid Crisis, Insurers Limit Less Addictive Meds

Katie Thomas / The New York Times, and Charles Ornstein / ProPublica Sep 20, 2017 Drug companies and doctors have been accused of fueling the epidemic, but the role of insurance companies is under scrutiny too. Dig deeper ( 8 Min. Read )

Take the Generic Drug—Unless Insurers Say No, Patients Told

By Charles Ornstein / ProPublica, and Katie Thomas / The New York Times Aug 7, 2017 Some pharmaceutical companies are cutting deals with insurers to favor brand-name products over cheaper versions. Dig deeper ( 8 Min. Read )

The Myth of Drug Expiration Dates

By Marshall Allen / ProPublica Jul 19, 2017 Hospitals and pharmacies are required to discard expired drugs, no matter how costly or vital they are. Meanwhile, the FDA has long known that many remain safe and potent for years. Dig deeper ( 11 Min. Read )

Here’s Why the U.N. and WHO Both Want to Decriminalize Drugs

Staff / Truthdig Jul 10, 2017 It started with a little country called Portugal, which in 2001 opted to treat possession and use of small quantities of drugs as a public health issue, not a criminal one. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

How Two Common Medications Became One Specialty Pill Worth $455 Million

By Marshall Allen / ProPublica Jun 27, 2017 Here's another reason Americans pay too much for health care. Dig deeper ( 9 Min. Read )

Drug Overdose Deaths Surged in 2016, Preliminary Report Shows

Emma Niles / Truthdig Jun 7, 2017 Data compiled by The New York Times suggests 2016 saw the largest annual increase in drug overdose deaths ever recorded in the U.S. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Opioids

By Adam Zyglis / The Buffalo News / Cagle Cartoons Jun 4, 2017 Dig deeper