Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Health Law Dramatically Helped Combat Racial Coverage Disparities, But That Progress Has Now Stalled

Morning Briefing

A new study finds that coverage gains made in the early years of the health law are slipping. Researchers blame the shift largely on continued lack of coverage for adults in the 15 states that hadn’t expanded Medicaid.

What The 2020s Have In Store For Aging Boomers

KFF Health News Original

On the bright side, advances in medical science and a push for healthier lifestyles might extend the quality of life for aging boomers. Among clouds on the horizon: ageism, strained long-term care services and the need to work well past retirement age.

People With Vaping-Related Disease Far More Likely To Have Gotten Products From Friends, Family Than Legally

Morning Briefing

But one in six of the patients did purchase the products legally, prompting the CDC to reinforce its current recommendations to not use THC-containing e-cigarettes. Vaping news comes out of Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well.

Rising Harms Of Alcohol: Consumption Among Americans Is Higher Than Just Before Prohibition

Morning Briefing

More than 88,000 Americans die each year, a number that has more than doubled since 1999, as a result of excessive drinking. That figure is higher than opioid-related deaths, according to the CDC. In other public health news, lawmakers express worries about an increase of cocaine overdoses.

A Pharma Snapshot Of JP Morgan Conference: Bristol’s Love Story, Alzheimer’s Drugs’ Future, Gilead’s Crown Jewels

Morning Briefing

Stat offers a glimpse into what pharmaceutical companies are buzzing about at the big annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. Also on the docket: what role tech will play in the future of the industry, the promise of immunotherapies, “smart pills,” and more.

A Cancer Prognosis Can Be Daunting. One Site Wants To Make It Easier For Patients To Understand Their Survival Chances.

Morning Briefing

The tool, which is free, asks users to enter information about their age and gender, then more details about their cancer diagnosis, and then they can see what the survival rates look like for similar patients. In other health and technology news, the American Medical Association wants to connect doctors and startups and a study finds doctors are spending too much time on their electronic devices.

At Hearing, Lawmaker Raises Concerns That Border Patrol Officials Are Hiding Serious Issues Within The Agency

Morning Briefing

Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.) questioned officials at a House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation and Operations hearing about the administration’s efforts to prevent child deaths while in U.S. custody.

Urgent Health Challenges For 2020: WHO Cites Climate Change, Anti-Vaxxers As Deep Concerns Requiring Leaders To Work Together

Morning Briefing

“The list reflects a deep concern that leaders are not investing enough resources in core health priorities & systems, putting lives & economies in jeopardy,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted. Public health news is on China’s coronavirus, heart disease, exercise and health, weight loss, postpartum depression, X-ray protection, and home-care workers, as well.

What Does An Opioid Crisis Look Like? More Than 100 Billion Pain Pills Shipped Through U.S. During 8-Year Span

Morning Briefing

A legal battle for information waged by The Washington Post and the company that owns the Charleston Gazette-Mail reveals the sheer scope of the opioid crisis in the country. “In excess of 100 billion pills is simply jaw-dropping,” said Peter J. Mougey, a lawyer who helped the newspapers obtain the data. The newly released data, which traces the path of pills from manufacturers and distributors to pharmacies across the country, confirms again that six companies distributed the vast majority of the pain pills.

Following Earthquakes, HUD Will Lift Months-Long Block On $8.2B In Disaster Aid For Puerto Rico

Morning Briefing

Back in September, the Trump administration said it needed to ensure financial safeguards were put in place in light of recent political unrest on the island. The delay in funding incensed Democrats and other critics as Puerto Rico continues to struggle in the aftermath of multiple natural disasters.

Dems Urge Watchdog Office To ‘Exercise Vigorous Oversight’ If Tennessee Is Approved For Medicaid Block Grants

Morning Briefing

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) say Tennessee’s proposal would create a financial incentive for the state to cut coverage benefits for consumers, because it’s allowed to keep some amount of any of the unspent federal funds it’s awarded. Medicaid news comes out of Kansas and Ohio, as well.

Health Care Takes Back Seat To Foreign Policy, Gender Politics At Democratic Debate As Candidates Cover Well-Trodden Ground

Morning Briefing

Although the domestic agenda was somewhat anchored by discussion of health care, the topic didn’t take center stage like at previous debates. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) focused on the cost of the status quo while moderates like Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) made the argument that debating “Medicare for All” is a pointless since many in Congress don’t support it.