Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial pages focus on these and other health topics.
Opinion writers weigh in on the administration’s legal challenge to the health law.
Media outlets report on news from Tennessee, North Carolina, D.C., New Hampshire, Minnesota, New York, California, Georgia, Arizona, Massachusetts, Missouri, Michigan and Texas.
The extraordinary declaration highlighted the desperation of Rockland County, N.Y., public officials to control the spread of a disease they have so far struggled to halt. Meanwhile, in California, lawmakers consider a bill that would crack down on bogus medical exemptions for vaccinations.
In response to the North Carolina ruling in federal court on Monday, American Civil Liberties Union attorney Andrew Beck said, “Politicians shouldn’t be meddling with women’s health in a way that’s actually illegal.” News on abortion comes out of Utah, Kansas, Texas and Georgia, as well.
For people in a low-income, struggling county in Arkansas the idea that there are just jobs out there waiting for them now that they’re being faced with work requirements for their Medicaid program is almost laughable. Now, residents are having to skip care after they’re dropped from the rolls. “I am just putting it in God’s hands,” said Elizabeth Cloinger, 47. “He is going to let me stay on this Earth to see my grandbaby be raised.”
The proposed policy follows on the heels of recent studies that found the alternative way of replacing an aortic heart valve is safe and effective.
A Wall Street Journal and Frontline investigation earlier this year detailed how IHS doctor Stanley Patrick Weber was transferred from hospital to hospital despite allegations that he abused Native American boys under his care. The task force will examine what went wrong and suggest improvements to better protect the children in the future.
“We will enforce a strict prohibition on backdoor funding schemes and end runs around our policy,” said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The policy, dubbed a “global gag rule” by its critics, cuts off funding for foreign organizations that promote or practice abortion.
The Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing delved into the possibilities of protections that let family members or law-enforcement officials petition a court for an order that would temporarily block a person from being able to buy a firearm, or enable officials to remove his or her weapons.
The case has been closely watched as others across the country move toward their trial dates. Experts say the settlement “puts a stake in the ground” and “telegraphs what these cases might be worth and makes the elephant in the room even larger — namely, do Purdue and the Sacklers have sufficient funds to give fair payouts in the 1600-plus cases that remain?”
Pelosi In Early Stages Of Talks With Trump Over Bringing Down Drug Prices
Curbing high drug prices is looked at as one of the few bipartisan issues that might actually be tackled by the divided Congress, and is a known priority for both the Democrats in the House and President Donald Trump.
Democrats have largely viewed health care as a winning topic, and President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on the issue–right before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced a plan to shore up the health law marketplaces–gives them an easy talking point as election season draws ever nearer. For Republicans, it shifted the spotlight from a topic that was a political victory for them–the Mueller investigation–onto one where they’ve repeatedly stumbled in the past two years.
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Perspectives: Just How Expensive Do Prescription Drugs Need To Be To Fund Innovative Research?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
First Comes The Grief Of Losing An Infant Unexpectedly. Then Come The Questions From The Detectives.
When a baby dies from sudden infant death syndrome, parents don’t have long to recover before they’re faced with questions and paperwork from detectives. The policies are in place to protect from abuse or neglect, but can often bleed over to accusatory for parents in the worst moments of their lives. In other public health news, the mysteries of aging, exercise, schizophrenia, smoking and marijuana extract.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Device-Safety Experts To FDA: Make Data Public
For almost two decades, device makers have sent reports of incidents to databases hidden from public view.
Analysis: Why Americans Shouldn’t Feel Grateful For $137 Insulin
Only by the bizarre logic of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry does this drug count as any kind of generic.
Medicaid Expansion Boosts Hospital Bottom Lines — And Prices
Colorado officials say hospitals are better off financially after the state expanded coverage to more low-income residents, but that hasn’t stopped them from shifting more costs to other insured patients.