Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Trump Hints He May Be Open To Cutting Medicare, Safety-Net Programs In Shift From 2016 Campaign Promises

Morning Briefing

“At the right time, we will take a look at that. You know, that’s actually the easiest of all things, if you look,” President Donald Trump said in response to a question whether cuts to programs like Medicare and Social Security were on the table. The statement was a departure from the last election when Trump tapped into the popularity of the two programs while wooing voters.

In-Home Teeth-Straightening Business Is Booming ― But Better Brace Yourself

KFF Health News Original

SmileDirectClub and similar startup companies say they provide these services at what can be thousands of dollars less than office-visit teeth straightening, but proof is lacking and patients can be left with no recourse if problems arise.

Patients Want A ‘Good Death’ At Home, But Hospice Care Can Badly Strain Families

KFF Health News Original

Fewer Americans are dying in a hospital, under the close supervision of doctors and nurses. That trend has been boosted by an expanded Medicare benefit that helps people live out their final days at home in hospice care. But as home hospice grows, so has the burden on families left to provide much of the care.

Long-Anticipated Vertical Merger Guidelines From FTC And DOJ ‘Don’t Say Much,’ Some Complain

Morning Briefing

“They don’t really do much new, and they don’t refer at all to healthcare or use any healthcare-related examples,” said Douglas Ross, a veteran antitrust attorney. The guidance update from the agencies comes as concerns mount over the growing consolidation of hospitals and physician practices. In other news on the health industry and costs: Medicare payments for acupuncture, an interview with the Gates Foundation CEO, the cost of teeth aligner treatment, and more.

A Prescription For Video Games? Company Wants To Advertise Product As ADHD Treatment, But FDA Request Languishes

Morning Briefing

The delay on the company’s request from the FDA may reflect the complexities of the issue. The company argues that the video game can act as the delivery system for targeted algorithms that can activate certain neural networks in the brain. But questions about the efficacy of such a treatment remain. In other public health news: drunken driving, health by neighborhood, sunscreen, the flu shot, HIV transmission, and more.

Fight Brewing In California Over Adding Cancer Warning Label To One Of Most Common Over-The-Counter Drugs

Morning Briefing

Acetaminophen is found in well-known brands like Tylenol, Excedrin, Sudafed, Robitussin and Theraflu. In other pharmaceutical news: production of some Excedrin products temporarily halted; the effort to fight superbugs continues to be patchy; pharma’s race to partner with tech companies; and more.

What We Know About Wuhan Coronavirus: For One Thing It Appears Far Less Dangerous Than SARS, MERS

Morning Briefing

Officials now say that there’s a possibility the coronavirus may have sustainable human-to-human transmission, much like the flu virus. But public health experts warn these are still early days in the outbreak. Beyond that, symptoms appear to be much more mild than with its virus cousins, SARS and MERS.

Coronavirus Death Toll, Number Of Cases Climb As Chinese Officials Try To Contain Outbreak During Busy Travel Time

Morning Briefing

Nine people have died and the number of cases of the coronavirus has climbed well past 400. Chinese officials are scrambling to contain the spread of the illness as the Spring Festival — when hundreds of millions of people travel via planes, trains and buses to return to their hometowns to ring in the new lunar year — tests their logistical capabilities.

Airport Screenings Ramp Up At Five Major American Hubs As First U.S. Case Of Coronavirus Is Confirmed

Morning Briefing

“Leave no doubt: Entry screening is just one part of a multilayered system,” said Dr. Martin Cetron, the head of the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. CDC officials say they’re expecting to see more coronavirus cases in the U.S.

As Both Sides Of Abortion Wars Mark Anniversary Of Roe V. Wade, All Eyes Are On March’s Oral Arguments

Morning Briefing

In March, the Supreme Court will hear one of its first major abortion cases since conservative Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch joined the bench. Both sides are closely watching the case as one that might threaten Roe v. Wade. The decision that protects Americans’ right to an abortion marks its 47th anniversary on Wednesday. Meanwhile, a new poll reveals Americans complicated feelings toward the legality debate.

Flint Residents Get Green Light From Supreme Court To Pursue Class-Action Lawsuit Against City, State Officials

Morning Briefing

The city of Flint and Michigan officials sought to toss out the claims against them, arguing they should be shielded from being sued. A lower court sided with the Flint residents, and the Supreme Court on Tuesday saying it won’t block the suit. “Any reasonable official should have known that doing so constitutes conscience-shocking conduct prohibited by the substantive due process clause,” the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals said in its opinion.

Supreme Court Denies Request To Fast-Track Health Law Case Giving GOP Breathing Room Before Elections

Morning Briefing

Had the Supreme Court granted the House Democrats and states defending the law a quick court date, a ruling may have been issued before the 2020 elections that could have done damage to President Donald Trump and other Republicans. With the law’s growing popularity, it’s widely viewed as a winning topic for Democrats.

How Fast Can A New Internet Standard For Sharing Patient Data Catch Fire?

KFF Health News Original

The web-based standard FHIR — pronounced “fire” — could hasten the day when we can view our full medical histories on a smartphone screen. Tech giants are hungry for a piece of the pie, but obstacles remain.