Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Past Surgery Patients At Denver Hospital Might Be At Risk For HIV, Hepatitis

Morning Briefing

Patients notified by Porter Adventist Hospital are receiving a list of frequently asked questions. Other hospital news comes from Tennessee, Maryland, Texas, California, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Arizona, as well.

Where Education Campaigns Fail To Improve Vaccination Rates, Small Behavioral Nudges Found To Help

Morning Briefing

A new study finds that the most common reason people don’t get vaccines is perceived obstacles. So instead of focusing on persuading anti-vaccination activists, the study recommends solutions like automatically scheduled vaccination appointments and monetary incentives from employers. In other public health news: SARS, diabetes, gene-editing, macular degeneration, Zika, and running recovery.

Perpetrators Of Mass Shootings Typically Use Guns Taken From Family Members

Morning Briefing

The statistics suggest officials and advocates should emphasize the importance of gun safety at home. Meanwhile, the trauma surgeons who have been responsible for caring for victims of these incidents speak out.

Acting VA Secretary Steps In Amid Weeks Of Turmoil, Low Morale Following Shulkin’s Departure

Morning Briefing

Robert Wilkie is filling the position as President Donald Trump’s nominee awaits Senate confirmation. “[Wilkie] came in and said, ‘Look, guys, I wasn’t planning on being here, but I want to make a difference while I’m here,’” a senior VA official said.

Advocates ‘Concerned’ China Tariffs Will Cause Already Rising Drug Prices To Increase Even More

Morning Briefing

Experts are trying to unpack the implications of placing tariffs on the world’s largest supplier of active pharmaceutical ingredients will have on U.S. drug prices. While there are many layers to take into account, some worry it will exacerbate an already daunting problem.

With Congress’ Purse Strings Newly Loosened, Pharma Poised To Make A Lot Of Money From Opioid Fight

Morning Briefing

In the fight against the national drug epidemic, there’s now a larger focus on medication-based treatments. So, where should advocates draw the line in terms of working with drugmakers when it comes to conflicts of interest? Meanwhile, a new report details the cost to employers of treating opioid addiction.

In Rare Public Health Advisory, Surgeon General Urges Family And Friends To Carry Anti-Overdose Medication

Morning Briefing

Surgeon General Jerome Adams likened the precaution to learning CPR or carrying an EpiPen for a loved one. Meanwhile, National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins has announced a new initiative geared toward studying pain management.

FDA Chief: Big Players In ‘Internet Ecosystem’ Need To Do More To Curb Illegal Online Opioid Sales

Morning Briefing

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb plans to host a summit with tech CEOs and others in the industry to discuss solutions, like altering search algorithms and posting information about the fatal risks associated with the illegal drugs.

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ Alive And Limping: ACA In The Age Of Trump

KFF Health News Original

In this special episode of KHN’s “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Joanne Kenen of Politico, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times and Alice Ollstein of Talking Points Memo take a deep dive into the state of the federal health law, what happened in 2017 and the Affordable Care Act’s viability going forward.