Latest KFF Health News Stories
CRISPR’s International Patchwork Of Patents
There’s been a bitter and fierce battle between the Broad Institute and the University of California over patents for the technology. In the U.S., courts have come down firmly on the side of the Broad Institute, but internationally it’s a different story.
The initiative, created by Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase, is geared toward cutting health care costs, and recent moves signal where officials are looking to improve spending.
Due to a court order, Gov. Paul LePage requested approval last month to expand Medicaid in Maine. But the governor also wrote a letter to the administration urging officials to reject his application. Meanwhile, support for a program that helps people with disabilities move out of nursing homes gains support. Medicaid news comes out of Iowa, as well.
Despite Potential Political Backlash, Republicans Continue To Push Forward With Kavanaugh Nomination
Christine Blasey Ford has said she won’t testify without an FBI investigation first, but Republicans say that if she wants to be heard, Monday is her chance. The impasse has swayed some moderate Republicans back to Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s camp, and a committee meeting, and possible vote, has been scheduled for Wednesday. Those watching the contentious play-by-play, though, say it’s a real risk to push the nomination through in the current #MeToo landscape.
Hurricane Maria’s Death Toll: Storm Left A Slow-Moving Medical Catastrophe In Its Wake
Hurricane Maria’s effects lasted long after the rains and winds disappeared. From sepsis to lack of medical oxygen to dialysis appointments cut short, patients had to navigate a medical system ravaged by the storm.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is looking into the drowning deaths of two women who voluntarily committed themselves. Family members and others want to know why the women were being transported from the relative safety of a hospital during the aftermath of a hurricane. In other news from the Carolinas: hospitals are starting to recover from the storm, a look at whether hurricanes really do trigger births, the story of helping patients survive such a natural disaster, and more.
Experts Knock Down Trump’s Attempt To Claim Credit For Modest Premium Increases Under Health Law
The Associated Press fact checks President Donald Trump’s statements that his administration is “holding the rates down.”
Preexisting Conditions Protections Becoming Achilles’ Heel For Republicans On The Trail
Candidates are struggling to make their promises to protect coverage for people with preexisting conditions believable to voters. “What you have to do at this point is duck and cover,” said one Republican strategist. Midterm news comes out of Illinois and Georgia, as well.
States ‘On Front Lines’ Of Opioid Crisis Get $1 Billion In Grants From Trump Administration
The vast majority of the funding was approved by Congress earlier this year as part of a budget bill. “Addressing the opioid crisis with all the resources possible and the best science we have is a top priority for President Trump and for everyone at HHS,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar.
First Edition: September 20, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
The Storm Within: Protecting Loved Ones With Dementia During Florence
For families living with dementia, natural disasters can be particularly terrifying, heightening confusion, disorientation, anxiety and paranoia.
Despite Red Flags At Surgery Centers, Overseers Award Gold Seals
A decade ago, California stopped licensing surgery centers and then gave approval power to private accreditors that are commonly paid by the same centers they inspect. That system of oversight has created a troubling legacy of laxity, a Kaiser Health News investigation finds.
Editorial pages express views on these health topics and others.
Opinion writers weigh in on the importance of properly vetting sexual violence claims, in this case allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
Perspectives: Why Does This HIV Drug Cost $75 In Africa and $39,000 In America?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Senate Approves Bill That Lifts Gag Clauses Preventing Pharmacists From Discussing Drug Prices
The legislation, if it makes it through the House, would be a small win for President Donald Trump, who took to Twitter to champion the bill when it looked to be in danger on Monday.
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Texas, Idaho, Illinois, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Kansas, Georgia, California, Pennsylvania and Arizona.
Bayer Asks Court To Toss $289M Verdict Against Monsanto Weed Killer Blamed For Cancer
Arguing that Roundup poses no health risks, the company said the evidence presented at the trial, the first of thousands to come against glyphosate-based weed killers, was not valid.
Burnout Takes A Bigger Toll On Physicians, But Main Source Of It Remains Undetected
While two JAMA studies report an increase in stress and fatigue among residents and veteran doctors, especially in some specialties, an editorial says burnout is too loosely defined and that spending more time with patients vs. doing administrative work might turn attitudes around.