Fran Smith

Water shutoffs are a hidden public health crisis. But here's how journalists can shine more light on this issue in their coverage area.

What happens when an expensive drug that works well for a condition affecting millions of people remains out of reach to many of those who would benefit?

Most of us live in a "food swamp" now, but only more affluent communities typically have healthy options.

Insurance denials hit many Americans, but marginalized and sicker patients suffer most because appeals are complex, delaying care and widening health inequities.

“This is a lot of people not just milking the system but making deliberate economic decisions to exploit a vulnerable population,” said Barak Richman, a professor at George Washington University Law School. 

States are restricting SNAP purchases in a largely uncontrolled policy experiment backed by little evidence.

States are eliminating out-of-pocket costs for follow-up cancer tests, aiming to reduce delays, improve early detection, and address disparities in care.

As premiums jump and assistance shrinks, a growing number of older people are being forced to delay or skip health care.