Latest KFF Health News Stories
UPS Gets Green Light From FAA To Use Drones For Delivering Medical Supplies Outside Of Urban Areas
Amazon and Uber are vying for similar approvals to transport food and goods. “It just gives us a lot of capabilities,” David Abney, the chairman and chief executive of UPS, told the Wall Street Journal: “We’re going to move ahead quickly and expand rapidly. It’s not going to be a small operation.” He added the first phase could include 100 or more hospital complexes.
Five overdose deaths are linked to the operation, which allegedly involved China-based websites where fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, was sold. Outlets also report on opioid news from Virginia and New Hampshire.
Death Tally Associated With Mysterious Vaping-Related Injury Reaches 16 And Touches 13 States
Nebraska, New Jersey and Virginia each added to the total this week. Meanwhile, state and local actions to ban vaping products continue. And, as it attempts to repair its relationship with regulators, Juul Labs Inc. hires another tobacco company executive.
The company agreed to pay more than $20 million to two Ohio counties, making it the fourth drugmaker to reach a deal before the trial, which is scheduled to start later this month.
Justice Dept. Report: DEA Let Painkiller Production Surge Even As Opioid Epidemic Alarm Sounded
The Drug Enforcement Administration fell short in regulating the prescription opioid supply, capturing adequate data on opioid abuse and other drug trends, and developing a comprehensive response strategy, according to the Department of Justice Inspector General.
Trump Expected To Detail His Vision For Improving Medicare Advantage Programs Thursday
In a speech scheduled in Florida, the president will try to draw a contrast between his plans for Medicare and the expansions that Democrats are considering. The administration is also close to choosing Dr. Stephen Hahn to head the Food and Drug Administration, sources tell Stat. In other news, a proposal to add wellness programs to the health insurance marketplace is drawing criticism and some health industry groups are pushing to be included in a pilot program to promote telemedicine.
Despite the animosity between House Democrats and the White House, both sides see curbing drug prices as a top priority. In other news from Capitol Hill, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal proposes a third way to tackle surprise medical bills, gun control advocates keep pressure on as impeachment initiatives dull push for changes and former Rep. Chris Collins pleads guilty.
Georgia Sheriff’s Deputy Sues Over Lack Of Transgender Insurance Coverage
A sheriff’s deputy in central Georgia filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Houston County, whose employee insurance plan has denied coverage for her transgender-related health care. The decision would likely result in a ruling that affects the entire state, if not the entire Southeast, and comes after decisions in Wisconsin and Iowa sided with other transgender patients.
First Edition: October 2, 2019
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Cosmetic Surgery And The Secret World of Instagram Dolls
An Instagram community of “doll pages” lets women find valuable information about body-sculpting journeys.
The Deep Divide: State Borders Create Medicaid Haves And Have-Nots
State borders can highlight Medicaid’s arbitrary coverage. On the Missouri side of the Mississippi River, low-income people struggle with untreated health issues. But on the Illinois side, people in similar straits can get health care because their state expanded its Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act.
Una crema para aclarar la piel deja a una mujer en coma. Podría suceder de nuevo
La crema facial que enfermó a la mujer de Sacramento fue manipulada después de su fabricación, en México. Estas cremas suelen atraer al consumidor latino.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health topics and others.
Media outlets report on news from Alabama, Virginia, Michigan, Georgia, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Maryland and Missouri.
Ex-FDA Head Robert Califf Hired To Lead Strategy At Google Health, Verily Life Sciences
Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf has been tapped by Google parent Alphabet to serve as head of strategy and policy for Google Health and Verily Life Sciences. Califf served at FDA from 2016 to 2017 during the Obama administration. And other hospital and health system news is reported from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Illinois.
Say What?: Put Processed And Red Meats Back On The Dinner Table, Controversial New Study Suggests
Just as plant-based burgers are starting to gain acceptance, a new study published in the American College of Physicians’ journal Annals of Medicine is saying there’s little scientific evidence to support that eating less red meat is better for your health. But the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and other groups have attacked the findings and the journal that published them.
‘Big Cultural Change’: VA Smoking Ban Has Some Vets Fuming, But Other Welcome The Change
Compared to those who have never served in the military, veterans smoke at double the rate—29% compared to 14%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Tuesday, the VA isn’t allowing smoking or vaping inside or outside campuses.
Pharmacy Chains CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid Remove Zantac From Store Shelves Over Cancer Concerns
The FDA is investigating the source of the contamination in the popular heartburn drug.
The FDA Tried To Ban Kid-Friendly, Flavored Vaping Fluids Years Ago – What Stopped It?
The Los Angeles Times reports that as the regulation was being considered as part of an Obama administration tobacco control rule, tobacco industry lobbyists and small business advocates applied a full court press on the White House. Now, with so much attention on the vaping disease outbreak, some congressional Republicans are being pulled between free market principles and efforts to regulate e-cigarette and vaping products. Outlets also report on the sprawling black market for vaping products as well as efforts to crack down on vaping in the Bay Area. In addition, six Massachusetts vape shop owners are suing the state over its temporary ban on vaping-product sales.
Will This Year’s Flu Vaccine Mix Protect People From The Coming Season?
Evidence emerges that lead some to worry that two of the four selections made last winter for this upcoming season’s flu vaccine could be off the mark, Stat reports. In other public health news: social media’s impact on kids; good Samaritans who donate organs twice; asthma; and dangerous cosmetics.