Latest KFF Health News Stories
In an Oval Office meeting Wednesday that included first lady Melania Trump, HHS Secretary Alex Azar and acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, President Donald Trump said: “We can’t allow people to get sick. And we can’t have our youth be so affected.” Azar said the administration intends to “clear the market” of flavored e-cigarettes to reverse a worsening youth vaping epidemic. Anti-tobacco advocates praised the move but said it’s a “long way from the finish line.”
First Edition: September 12, 2019
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
In Search Of Age-Friendly Health Care, Finding Room For Improvement
Simple alterations — like better signs, seating, parking or door design — can make it easier for older patients to navigate health care facilities. Here are several changes doctors’ offices, clinics and hospitals could make.
Congress Rakes In Millions From Drugmakers
In the first six months of this year, pharmaceutical firms and their trade groups donated almost $4 million to the campaigns of a variety of senators and House members.
The explosive rise in a serious lung illness linked to vaping spotlights the popularity of e-cigarettes among teens and young adults. Vaping is now so pervasive among young people that federal health officials say its use has fueled a sharp reversal in what had been a celebrated two-decade decline in overall tobacco use by teenagers.
Legislation To End Surprise Medical Bills Has High Public Support — In Both Parties
Almost 80% of Americans support efforts in Congress to protect patients from bills that come from doctors or hospitals that were outside their insurance network.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health topics and others.
Media outlets report on news from California, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Maryland.
Oftentimes soldiers and veterans with PTSD will try to hide the symptoms. But an accurate blood test would mean all troops who return from combat would get an objective screening. The blood test couldn’t definitively diagnose PTSD, but it would alert doctors to the need for further screening. Meanwhile, some veterans are taking up beekeeping to relieve anxiety.
The deal is the latest sign that Google is positioning itself to better shoulder into the health care landscape. While large portions of Mayo’s clinical data will be stored in Google’s cloud, hospital officials emphasized that Mayo will control access to that information.
Americans are divided about providing more comprehensive government-backed coverage to the roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., but many of the Democratic candidates have spoken in favor of doing so. CNN takes a look at what that would entail. Meanwhile, immigration and health care continue to rank high in polls of issues that voters care about.
Mental Health Roundup: PTSD From 9/11, Inmate Suicides, Facebook Bans, And More
Mental health takes center stage on World Suicide Prevention Day.
CMS Administrator Seema Verma presented hospitals with a stark choice between Trump administration policies and the looming threat of a “Medicare for All” type system.
Since some people die with plenty of amyloid plaques and tangles and never develop dementia, research is expanding to explore the complex disease and how to care for patients. Other public health news is on sperm banks, HPV vaccines, CBD oils, longevity, neurology and more.
Lasker Foundation Honors Scientists For Innovative Breast Cancer Therapy, Immune System Work
Five scientists won the prestigious awards, which have been precursors to Nobel Prizes and carry prizes of $250,000. Three researchers won for the invention of Herceptin, which transformed breast cancer care and “has already bestowed tens of thousands of women with time and quality of life,” the foundation said.
While a national effort is under way to lower opioid doses, many chronic pain patients feel unfairly treated and researchers say there’s been little research done on how to taper. Other news on the opioid epidemic covers pain education for doctors and helping the workforce in rural areas.
ProPublica looks at the industry mindset on fraud within the health insurance marketplaces. The bottom line is this: If a con artist, or a corrupt medical professional, makes off with health care dollars, those losses don’t necessarily fall on the insurers. In other health industry news: a unique alliance geared toward saving members thousands on health coverage; a look at who is invested in keeping surprise medical bills; and more.
California Leaders Caught Off Guard By Trump’s Potential Crackdown On State’s Homeless Encampments
President Donald Trump has publicly bickered with California leaders such as Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom over the state’s homeless crisis. Following reports that the Trump administration is considering demolishing homeless encampments and moving unhoused people into government facilities, mayors were left trying to determine if they were dealing with a speculative threat or the real possibility of drastic federal action.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is standing firm in his decision to wait and see what President Donald Trump will propose to curb gun violence. But Democrats are antsy to get the ball rolling now that Congress is back in session. “Shame on him. There are people who died,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) “Put the bill on the floor and stop ducking the issue. Shame on him.” In other news: how financial institutions could help stop violence, regulations even gun owners are OK with, and more.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s long-awaited drug pricing proposal was far more aggressive than had been expected. The progressive proposal isn’t expected to get anywhere in the GOP-controlled Senate, but since Pelosi mimicked President Donald Trump’s own campaign rhetoric for some of the ideas, the plan could drive a wedge into the Republican party.