Health Care

Pulling Back the Curtain on the Health Industry and Regulation

The U.S. Government Defended the Overseas Business Interests of Baby Formula Makers. Kids Paid the Price.

Records and interviews show that the U.S. government repeatedly used its muscle to advance the interests of large baby formula companies while thwarting the efforts of Thailand and other developing countries to safeguard children’s health.

by Heather Vogell, ProPublica, photography by June Watsamon Tri-yasakda, special to ProPublica, March 21, 5 a.m. EDT

A Utah Cleft Palate Team Says Its Approach Is Innovative. Others See a Pattern of Unnecessary Surgeries on Children.

At Primary Children’s Hospital in Utah, pediatric surgeons are taking controversial risks with how they care for kids with cleft lip and palate. Outside doctors found that some parents weren’t told their child’s care was different from the norm.

by Megan Rose, March 6, 5 a.m. EST

Syphilis Is Killing Babies. The U.S. Government Is Failing to Stop the Disease From Spreading.

The only drug that treats syphilis during pregnancy is in short supply. Untreated, the disease can pass to newborns, killing them or leaving them with disabilities. As cases rise sharply, the government isn’t doing much to prevent shortages.

by Anna Maria Barry-Jester, March 4, 5 a.m. EST

We’re Investigating Mental Health Care Access. Share Your Insights.

ProPublica’s reporters want to talk to mental health providers, health insurance insiders and patients as we examine the U.S. mental health care system. If that’s you, reach out.

by Kirsten Berg, Max Blau, Duaa Eldeib, Jeff Ernsthausen, Maya Miller, Lizzie Presser and Annie Waldman, Feb. 28, 6 a.m. EST

Featured Reporters

David Armstrong

Caroline Chen

Duaa Eldeib

Robin Fields

Ryan Gabrielson

Ava Kofman

J. David McSwane

Maya Miller

Annie Waldman

Impact of Our Reporting

Uncovered

Michigan Lawmaker Introduces Bill Requiring State Health Plans to Cover Cutting-Edge Cancer Treatments

After ProPublica reported on a Michigan insurer that wouldn’t cover a cancer patient’s last-chance treatment, a state lawmaker introduced a measure compelling health plans to cover a new generation of advanced cancer therapies.

by Robin Fields and Maya Miller, March 5, 10 a.m. EST

Committed to Jail

Lawmakers Could Limit When County Officials in Mississippi Can Jail People Awaiting Psychiatric Treatment

The legislation follows reporting by Mississippi Today and ProPublica showing that hundreds of people in the state are jailed every year while awaiting court-ordered treatment simply because public mental health facilities are full or too far away.

by Isabelle Taft, Mississippi Today, March 1, 5 a.m. EST

Local Reporting Network

Veterans Without Assistance

Veterans Affairs Secretary Vows to Increase Staffing at Clinic Tied to Two Deadly Shootings

The Northern California clinic was the focus of a recent ProPublica investigation into inadequate mental health care. Over the course of three days, two veterans who’d been unable to get consistent treatment at the facility fatally shot their mothers.

by ProPublica, Jan. 31, 10:10 a.m. EST