An Arm & A Leg - Top Stories
An Arm & A Leg - Latest Podcast Epsiodes
Latest Podcast Episode
April 27, 2026
The Supreme Court case that could slow generic drugs
In Hikma v. Amarin, it's a battle between a brand-name drugmaker and a generic company over drug patents
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April 8, 2026
Why drugs cost so much, 101: Medicine monopolies
How a street-smart patent lawyer helped shape a grand bargain between brand-name and generic drug companies — and the unforeseen consequences he's determined to fix.
March 19, 2026
‘Not workable’: How two Americans picked a plan this year — or didn’t
Featuring: An attorney with a kid who plays polo and a third-generation skateboard-shop owner.
February 26, 2026
The EpiPen and Food Allergies (from Drug Story)
How a lifesaving – and notoriously pricey – drug came to be. From journalist Thomas Goetz.
February 5, 2026
NYT’s Ron Lieber: ‘These people are not going to win’
When NYT columnist Ron Lieber's wife got an unexpected insurance denial 36 hours before surgery, he started asking: why does this happen? And how can we better arm ourselves in advance?
January 15, 2026
‘Sh**’s wild’: Scaling up, doubling down, and buckling in
We check in with Dollar For founder Jared Walker about how the organization massively scaled up their operations — as they (and the rest of us) navigate increasingly rocky terrain.
December 29, 2025
Our favorite project of 2025 levels up — and you can help
Behind-the-scenes on a volunteer project to help people get care and avoid debt.
Reporting on why health care costs so freaking much, and what we can maybe do about it.
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First Aid Kit
Get our latest tips for dealing with the health-care-industrial complex.
Don't know where to start? Start here.
For topic-specific deep dives and recommended reading, start here or use the search bar below to explore our site.
We're reporters who spend our days asking why your medical bills are so outrageous.
Then we dig up the real answers and what you can do about it.
First Aid Kit
Our newsletter, with advice for surviving the health-care-industrial complex.
First Aid Kit
April 10, 2026
New episode! Why drugs cost so much, 101: Medicine monopolies
The backroom deal that set the rules, and the boardwalk guy who brokered them.
First Aid Kit
April 2, 2026
Discount dental care, medical debt update, and other stories
What we've been chattering about.
First Aid Kit
March 26, 2026
Prior Authorization: Lessons, Strategies and Stories
And a hilariously-gross video, if you dare.
Starter Packs
Our Starter Packs are full of useful information and actionable advice on all things health care. If you don't know where to start or are just getting to know us, we recommend you start here.
Starter Pack
How to wipe out your medical bill with charity care
Most hospitals are required by law to provide financial assistance (AKA “charity care”) to a portion of their patients. And more people qualify than know about it.
Starter Pack
How do I shop for health insurance?
Picking a health insurance plan can be overwhelming. Here’s our best advice.
Starter Pack
Help! I’m stuck with a gigantic medical bill.
Don’t freak out. We’ve created a guide to help you manage.