Latest KFF Health News Stories
Rural areas have been hit hard by the financial changes in the health care landscape. As states and local governments struggle to ensure access to the vulnerable communities, some providers take measures into their own hands.
While three major drug retailers have stopped selling the drug, researchers are now testing to see what happens when it combines with stomach acid. A CBS report found that three years ago a group of researchers discovered the problem. Public health news is on resiliency training for police officers, warnings about vulva beautifiers, a recall for IKEA infant bibs and chemos’ sad side effects on Alex Trebek.
“I’ve litigated against federal and state agencies over the years and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Liz Schott of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which has been tracking the progress of the various lawsuits. The rule would expand the definition of constitutes a “public charge” when immigration officials are considering green card applications.
Millions Of Pregnant Women Aren’t Getting Vital Flu And Whooping Cough Vaccinations, CDC Reports
Only about 35 percent of women are receiving both and just over half receive one. “Maternal immunization rates have been steadfastly stuck at about 50 percent,” said Dr. Denise Jamieson, of Emory University School of Medicine. “We really haven’t moved the needle at all.”
The plaintiff sued Johnson & Johnson in 2013 saying that he grew breasts — a condition known as gynecomastia — after he began using Risperdal in 2003, at age 9, to treat symptoms of autism. His case is one of more than 10,000 similar suits against the company.
The Bronx teenager was the youngest of the nearly 20 victims who have died from a vaping-related lung illness. “This vaping is a public health crisis. It is affecting our young people,” said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. In other news on vaping: teens talk with first lady Melania Trump about their experiences; Los Angeles mulls a ban on e-cigarettes; Montana issues a temporary ban; and more.
Arizona Signals Misgivings With Purdue Pharma Settlement In Possible Sign Of Troubled Waters Ahead
Arizona was one of 24 states and and hundreds of local governments that agreed to settle with the maker of OxyContin. But now the state might be switching sides. “Purdue [Pharma] and the Sackler family need to take responsibility for their role in the opioid crisis,” said Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich in a statement. In other news on the national drug epidemic: a voice for the babies affected by the opioid crisis; overdoses at homeless shelters; medication-assisted treatment; and more.
The diseases are easy enough to prevent that the rates shouldn’t be climbing, experts say. “When we see a case of congenital syphilis, it is a hallmark of a health system and a health care failure,” said Virginia Bowen, an epidemiologist with the CDC and an author of the report.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said he was “dumb” to ignore warning signs of cardiac distress. The 2020 presidential candidate said he will slow the pace of his campaign down following his health scare.
The cases hinge on the debate of whether a landmark federal law forbidding sex discrimination in the workplace protects gay and transgender employees. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch repeatedly suggested that the words of Title VII may well bar employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and transgender status. The question was “really close, really close.” But he added that he was worried about “the massive social upheaval” that would follow from a Supreme Court ruling saying so.
First Edition: October 9, 2019
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Pelosi’s Drug Plan: Common-Sense Reform Or A Killer Of Innovation?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
A weekly round-up of stories related to pharmaceutical development and pricing.
Medicare Fraudsters Now Tap Telemedicine In Medical Equipment Scams
Scammers bent on defrauding Medicare are embracing the new technologies of remote diagnosis. Federal law enforcement is cracking down.
They Enrolled In Medical School To Practice Rural Medicine. What Happened?
Eight years ago, a new medical program opened in Salina, Kan., as an experimental way to promote rural medicine. Hailed as a solution to the rural doctor shortage, only three of its eight newly minted doctors are now working in the most rural communities.
Medicare: comienza la inscripción sin una herramienta popular para comparar precios
El viejo buscador de planes proporcionaba grandes ahorros, según expertos. Pero luego de un rediseño, perdió muchas de sus funciones clave.
La sífilis congénita sigue aumentando a un ritmo alarmante
A nivel nacional, 1,306 bebés adquirieron sífilis de su madre en 2018, un aumento del 40% con respecto a 2017, según datos federales. Este tipo de transmisión es prevenible.
Congenital Syphilis Continues to Rise at an Alarming Rate
The number of U.S. infants who acquired syphilis from their mothers during pregnancy rose 40% last year. Just five states, including California, accounted for nearly two-thirds of the cases.
Editorial writers focus on on these public health stories and others.
Opinion writers weigh in about health care issues.