Kara Lofton
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The Affordable Care Act made it faster and easier for a coal miner with black lung to get compensation benefits. Many in coal country want that provision retained, even if the larger law is repealed.
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A fund guaranteeing health coverage and pensions to retired mine workers is about to run dry. Congress has been reluctant to pick up the tab. Democrats from coal country say it's time to act.
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Climbing drug prices are taking a toll on West Virginia's budget, some state legislators say. Expensive drugs fuel an increase in Medicaid spending, which leaves less money for schools and roads.
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Three weeks after the flooding in West Virginia, the phrase "West Virginia Strong" is painted everywhere. But no matter how strong the community, emotional healing after a disaster takes a long time.
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Only about half of geriatric fellowships for medical residents in the U.S. are filled each year. Some students blame overwhelming medical school debt, which grows with every extra year of training.
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Sometimes, no matter how hard an emergency team works to save a life, the patient dies. A nurse finds that pausing after the frenzy to honor the loss helps him and others cope — and avoid burnout.