Latest KFF Health News Stories
More People Actually Went To Emergency Department For Non-Urgent Issues When Medicaid Was Expanded
The study counters a common talking point that expanding the program would get people to stop using the emergency department in non-emergency situations. The author say it’s not surprising because patients under Medicaid don’t have to fear debt collection, removing one big barrier that could deter someone from a hospital visit. So those visits may be perceived as more convenient than a regular doctor’s office, which can be difficult as many providers don’t take Medicaid.
Longer Looks: Adult Children As Caretakers; The Mythology Of CBD As A Cure-All; And An Aging America
Each week, KHN finds interesting reads from around the Web.
The safe-injection sites have drawn pushback from the federal government and conservatives who see them as condoning drug abuse. Lawyers for the Pennsylvania site central to the case say it’s not illegal under the Controlled Substances Act — which regulates the possession, use and distribution of certain drugs — to stand nearby with life-saving medical help. Other opioid news comes out of Massachusetts.
Texas Oncologist With No Previous Ties To Washington Meets With Trump About Helming FDA
The Trump administration is staring down a Nov. 1 deadline to name a permanent leader to the FDA. Public health advocates have been urging the White House to name acting FDA Chief Ned Sharpless to the position.
Walgreens and CVS followed in Walmart’s footsteps this week by asking their customers not to openly carry firearms in their stores. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is busy drafting up a gun violence proposal — but it might leave both parties unsatisfied in the long run. Other news on gun violence looks at buy-back programs, better threat reporting options, bump stocks, survivors’ advice, and more.
New York health officials identified a compound called vitamin E acetate that has shown up in several of their samples. But that doesn’t mean the mystery is solved, experts say. “No one substance, including vitamin E acetate, has been identified in all of the samples tested,” said Michael Felberbaum, a spokesman for the FDA. “Importantly, identifying any compounds that are present in the samples will be one piece of the puzzle but will not necessarily answer questions about causality.”
First Edition: September 6, 2019
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Groupons For Medical Treatment? Welcome To Today’s U.S. Health Care
Groupon and other deal sites are the latest marketing tactic in medicine, offering bargain prices but potentially unnecessary, duplicative services.
Watch: Five Things To Know About Hunger Among America’s Aging
One out of every 13 seniors in America struggles to get enough food to eat while the federal program intended to help hasn’t kept pace with the graying population. KHN Midwest editor/correspondent Laura Ungar explains what you need to know about this largely hidden problem.
California Lawmakers Send Contested Vaccine Bill To Governor. Will He Sign It?
The state Senate on Wednesday sent a measure to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom that would tighten the rules for children’s medical exemptions from vaccines. Newsom, who said in June that he would sign the measure after amendments had been made at his request, now wants more changes.
How Political Maneuvering Derailed A Red State’s Path To Medicaid Expansion
When Kansas elected Laura Kelly as governor, Medicaid expansion looked like a shoo-in, with seemingly broad support across state government. It didn’t happen. A look at conservatives’ new health care playbook and the politics of obstruction. Health care for 130,000 Kansans hangs in the balance.
Listen: India Gives Opioid Makers A Huge And Growing New Market
KHN’s Sarah Varney discussed opioid painkillers in India with NPR’s Rachel Martin on “Morning Edition” Thursday.
KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Waiting For The Trump Health Plan
President Donald Trump keeps promising a new health plan, but so far it’s nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is proposing a plan to cancel billions of dollars in medical debt owed by patients. This week, Stephanie Armour of The Wall Street Journal, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico and Kimberly Leonard of the Washington Examiner join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Rovner also interviews KHN’s Rachel Bluth about the latest “Bill of the Month” feature. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists recommend their favorite health stories of the week.
Mientras baja brote de sarampión, NY pone en marcha nuevas reglas de vacunación
La nueva legislación deroga las exenciones de vacunación religiosa en las escuelas. Otra norma endurece las reglas sobre las vinculadas a razones médicas.
Regreso a clases 2019: mochilas, loncheras y test de drogas
Según expertos, el aumento en las pruebas de drogas es una reacción a la epidemia de opioides y a las leyes de marihuana liberalizadas que se extienden por todo el país.
Research Roundup: E-Cigarettes; Benefits Of Fruits And Vegetables; And Longevity
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health issues and others.
Different Takes: Walmart Makes Our Government Look Weak On Combating Gun Violence
Editorial writers express views on gun control issues.
A new study finds that the plan–which would cap out-of-pocket spending for Medicare beneficiaries at $3,100–would help those who rack up astronomical bills while not significantly hurting those who have moderate ones.
Media outlets report on news from Georgia, Colorado, Wisconsin, Maryland, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida, Ohio, California, Kansas, Minnesota and New Hampshire.