Latest KFF Health News Stories
Legal Limbo Over California’s Aid-In-Dying Law Impacts Patients And Doctors
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
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’
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.
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.
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?’
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
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
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.
HHS Refutes Reports On Missing Migrant Children
In other news, a special report focuses on burnout doctors are suffering by being required to give uninsured, undocumented patients suboptimal care.
“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.
President Donald Trump says he never understood why the issue had lagged for years, but some Democrats and public health advocates fear that the measure offers patients “false hope.”
White House Announces Drug Companies Plan ‘Massive’ Cuts In Prices Soon
The statement appeared to catch administration officials and industry leaders off guard, and no other details were offered.
What’s At Stake In Administration’s Request For A Rescission Of Some CHIP Funds?
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.
KHN First Edition: May 31, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Readers And Tweeters Bare Their Teeth On Dental Disparities (And Other Fine Points)
Kaiser Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.
Another Cause Of Doctor Burnout: Being Forced To Give Immigrants Unequal Care
Undocumented patients with kidney disease often can’t get treatment unless they are in a state of emergency. This bothers clinicians who want to treat all patients equally.
Watch: Beyond Puerto Rico’s Grim Statistics, Stories Of Lives And Deaths
KHN senior correspondent Sarah Varney reports from Puerto Rico in the aftermath of the devastating Sept. 20 hurricane.
Medicamentos de Medicare pueden costar menos pagando en efectivo
Beneficiarios de Medicare pueden conseguir medicamentos más baratos si pagan en efectivo… pero por reglas mordaza el farmacéutico no puede decirlo.
Editorial pages focus on these and other health care issues.
Perspectives: Drug Companies Placing Higher Priority On Profits Than The Lives They Could Be Saving
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.