Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Don’t Swap Your Sunscreen Lotion For Pills, FDA Warns

Morning Briefing

No matter what companies may claim, ingesting a sunscreen capsule instead of lathering up will put you at risk. In other public health news: the health effects of alcohol and tobacco, coal miner’s disease, superbugs, and air pollution.

Ebola Vaccine Faces Real-Time Effectiveness Test With The World Watching

Morning Briefing

“Today marks a turning point in how we deal with Ebola. We are moving from a strategy of containment to one of offering communities protection and care,” WHO official Peter Salama said of the new vaccine. However, even as scientists celebrate, real challenges stand in the way of success.

As Involuntary Rehab Rates Rise In Midst Of Crisis, Doctors Warn That The Practice Usually Doesn’t Work

Morning Briefing

Lawmakers in some states hit hard by the drug epidemic are trying to create or strengthen laws allowing authorities to force people into treatment, but experts say success stories are rare. In other news on the crisis: a cycle of despair for women who end up in and out of jails for crimes related to their drug addiction; death rates in Massachusetts; a “dangerous batch” of K2 in New York; and more.

Virginia Democrats Walk Back From ‘Nuclear’ Threat As State Senate Delays Medicaid Expansion Debate

Morning Briefing

But a key Republican in the state’s upper chamber said that there is a good possibility the legislation to expand the program will pass. “The question is, in what form?” said Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment Jr.

FDA To Fast Track Certain Gene Therapies In Effort To Keep Pace With Fast-Growing Field

Morning Briefing

“For some of these products, there’s going to be some uncertainty, even at the time of approval,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said. “But these products are initially being aimed at devastating diseases, many of which are fatal and lack available therapy. In these settings, we’ve traditionally been willing to accept more uncertainty to facilitate timely access to promising therapies.”

Former Valeant Executive Found Guilty Of Using A Secret Kickback Arrangement To Defraud Drugmaker

Morning Briefing

A federal jury in Manhattan found Gary Tanner, the former Valeant executive, and Andrew Davenport, a former chief executive of Philidor Rx Services, guilty on all charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

USC President Lacks ‘Moral Authority To Lead,’ 200 Professors Say Following Controversy Over Campus Doctor

Morning Briefing

But about an hour after the faculty members sent the letter urging President C.L. Max Nikias to step aside, USC board Chairman John Mork released a statement saying that while trustees were “troubled by the distressing reports” about the campus doctor, he and others on its executive committee “strongly support” Nikias.

‘We’re Stuck’: States Scramble To Shore Up Exchanges As Political Gridlock Halts Federal Movement On Health Law

Morning Briefing

Many lawmakers are unwilling to tackle any changes to the health law in such a politically charged year, which is leaving states to do the policy work on making sure their exchanges are able to hold up under the weight of higher premiums. Meanwhile, the topic is likely to play a role in the upcoming elections.

Trump Touts ‘Promise Kept’ As HHS Moves Forward With Plan To Restrict Funding For Abortion Providers

Morning Briefing

At the Susan B. Anthony List annual gala, President Donald Trump spoke about the new restrictions and encouraged supporters to rally ahead of midterms. “We are nine votes away from passing the 20-week abortion bill in the Senate,” said Trump, adding that Democratic senators are up for re-election in 10 states that he said he won “by a lot.”

‘Right-To-Try’ Legislation Sails Through Congress On Second Wind After Previous Foundering

Morning Briefing

President Donald Trump has been vocal about his support of the measure, which allows terminally ill patients access to experimental drugs, so it is likely to become law. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said he is “comfortable” with the bill, though has previously admitted it will make it harder to protect patients.