Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Minnesota Sues Insys Therapeutics Over Its Opioid Marketing Practices

Morning Briefing

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson says the Arizona-based pharmaceutical company “encouraged physicians to prescribe this highly-potent fentanyl product to patients who didn’t have cancer, even though it was only approved for severe breakthrough pain in cancer patients.” Meanwhile, as legal cases related to the opioid epidemic pile up, Native American tribes fight to not get lost in the mix.

Trump Revamping Reproductive Health Policies To ‘Stand For Life’

Morning Briefing

The administration’s efforts to pack courts with new judges and change the policy on which groups can receive federal family planning funds concerns groups that seek to preserve women’s ability to seek an abortion. But officials say they aren’t cutting funding — merely drawing a “bright line” between birth control and abortion.

Legal Limbo Over California’s Aid-In-Dying Law Impacts Patients And Doctors

Morning Briefing

The state’s law allowing medical aid-in-dying for terminal patients is on hold for at least another month. A judge refused a stay on his ruling that the measure was illegally passed during a special session of the Legislature. With appeals underway, the uncertainty leaves many questions for the medical community.

Chronic Backlogs In Kansas’ Privatized Medicaid Program Prompt Threats Of Fines Against Contractor

Morning Briefing

Unprocessed applications that have delayed payments to providers have piled up since Maryland-based Maximus took over KanCare operations in 2016. Elsewhere, Utah residents will vote on Medicaid expansion. And a technical glitch has hindered public comments over Florida’s planned changes to Medicaid.

As Va. Lawmakers Vote To Expand Medicaid, Some Say ‘No Just Wasn’t The Answer Anymore’

Morning Briefing

The effort, which will provide coverage to 400,000 residents, had been stymied for years by conservative Republicans. But a few state senators changed their minds this year after a Democratic tidal wave last November brought 15 new members to the House of Delegates and the Trump administration said it would allow states to implement work requirements for non-disabled adults getting Medicaid.

An Odd Twist At The White House’s Sport And Fitness Day: Trump Talks About The Importance Of Being Fit

Morning Briefing

President Donald Trump is known for is affinity for fast food and his distaste for exercise. And, aside from a batting-cage swing, he steered clear of many of the day’s active events. And, in other public health news, a poll finds that the vast majority of older Americans are open to trying virtual health care, and The Washington Post details a recent mock pandemic-response exercise.

As Colorectal Rates Spike In Younger People, American Cancer Society Now Recommends Screenings Starting At Age 45

Morning Briefing

The prominent cancer organization changes its guidelines to encourage Americans to undergo colorectal cancer screening starting at 45 instead of waiting until 50. Since 1994, there has been a 51 percent increase in the rate of the disease among those younger than 50, and the death rate also has started to rise.

What’s This About ‘Ambien-Tweeting?’

Morning Briefing

Roseanne Barr faced a backlash over a series of controversial tweets. She blamed, in part, the drug Ambien for these late-night musings. In response, news outlets examine the side effects of this and other “sedative hypnotic” medications.

In Effort To Ease Investors’ Minds, Allergan To Sell Women’s Health, Infectious-Disease Units

Morning Briefing

These two business lines are among the drugmaker’s smallest. Meanwhile, the company announced a voluntary recall of nearly 170,000 birth control packs because of a packaging error that could lead to unintended pregnancy. Also, the World Health Organization is sharpening its focus on gaps in biotech regulations.

Health Care Groups Offer Negative Takes On Trump Insurance Marketplace Rules

Morning Briefing

More than 300 patient and consumer groups have expressed concerns over the proposed rulemaking, warning the planned changes could destabilize insurance markets, raise premiums for sick Americans and make insurance fraud easier. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is also eyeing changes to accountable care organizations.

Federal Inspectors Struggle To Catch Opioids Smuggled In Small Amounts Through Mail, Delivery Services

Morning Briefing

“The sheer logistical nature of trying to pick out which packages contain opioids makes it much more challenging,” said Robert E. Perez, an acting executive assistant commissioner at United States Customs and Border Protection, an arm of the department. In other news from the opioid epidemic: President Donald Trump overstates progress the government has made to tackle crisis; a congressional panel focuses on the impact of border security; and Reveal investigates the rehab industry.

What’s At Stake In Administration’s Request For A Rescission Of Some CHIP Funds?

Morning Briefing

The Washington Post Fact Checker examines the possible impact of the rescission request. Also, a new study by researchers in California analyzes the racial overtones of the debate on the country’s social safety net.