Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘Right To Try’ Measure Loosening Experimental Drug Access Sails Through House On Second Attempt
The legislation gives terminal patients a chance to try experimental drugs, but critics say that it undermines patient safety standards without actually increasing access to lifesaving drugs and gives patients “false hope.”
Pharma Industry Dealt Rare Defeat As Congress Leaves ‘Doughnut Hole’ Tweak Out Of Spending Bill
Drugmakers had been hoping Republicans would include a measure that rolls back a policy leaving them on the hook for a bigger percentage of prescription costs for seniors who reach the so-called doughnut hole, which is a gap in Medicare coverage. But one pharmaceutical company scored a win.
The provision is part of a gun package that was added to the sprawling spending deal that congressional lawmakers reached ahead of a Friday shutdown deadline.
HHS Sees Boost In Spending Levels Partly Thanks To Congress’ Pledge To Fight Opioid Epidemic
Media outlets take a look at how the spending bill breaks down for health-related agencies.
Bipartisan Health Law Stabilization Measure Shut Out Of $1.3 Trillion Spending Bill
In the early days of negotiations, there was hope that the legislation would make it into the final budget bill, but anti-abortion language became a deal-breaker for both sides. Lawmakers who worked on the package expressed their disappointment “that an opportunity to lower health insurance rates by up to 40 percent for working Americans has turned into a debate about the mechanics of funding for abortion coverage.”
Prominent AIDS Researcher Named As CDC Chief Despite Concerns Over Misconduct Investigation
Dr. Robert Redfield “has dedicated his entire life to promoting public health and providing compassionate care to his patients,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said. Critics had spoken out against Redfield over complaints that his work on a high-profile vaccine research more than 20 years ago was flawed — though a probe found no evidence of misconduct — and that he advocated for policies like mandatory patient testing for HIV and for segregating HIV-positive Army soldiers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
States Extend Medicaid For Birth Control, Cutting Costs — And Future Enrollment
Medicaid family planning programs reduce unplanned births, but some are caught in disputes over federal funding to Planned Parenthood.
Graphic: Opioid Painkiller Is Top Prescription In 10 States
Though opioid prescriptions appear to be on the decline, Vicodin and Norco remain popular, especially in the South. In more than half of states, Synthroid — a drug to treat hypothyroidism — came in at No. 1.
Research Misconduct Allegations Shadow New CDC Head
Critics say the Trump administration failed to properly vet Dr. Robert Redfield as they attribute a pattern of “ethically and morally questionable behavior” to him.
Editorial pages highlight these health topics and others.
Media outlets report on news from Kansas, Ohio, Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Ohio, Virginia and Georgia.
Kansas Lawmakers Try To Tackle Issue Of Children’s Deaths While In State Custody
The state lawmakers are considering creating a watchdog based outside the state’s child welfare agency, but with access to inside information, as well as taking other steps to address failures in the system.
The problem of hospitals “patient dumping” was spotlighted when the video showing a disoriented woman in just a hospital gown spread on social media. The University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown was cited for violating patient rights and safety rules.
FDA Resumes Focus On Regulating Menthol, Tobacco Flavors That Attract Young People
More than 50 percent of underage smokers reported using menthols, compared with only 36 percent of adult smokers. “The FDA must use the full force of its authority in a scientific and transparent manner to address flavoring issues, especially in regard to youth,” said Chris Hansen of the American Cancer Society.
Judge Temporarily Blocks Mississippi’s 15-Week Abortion Ban
“The Supreme Court says every woman has a constitutional right to ‘personal privacy’ regarding her body,” U.S. District Court Judge Carlton Reeves. Abortion news comes out of Idaho and Iowa, as well.
Numerous sales representatives are expected to testify against the company, the government revealed after Novartis asked a judge to rule that there was insufficient proof to move forward.
Video Footage Emerges Of Theranos’ Mysterious Second-In-Command
Despite being Theranos’ No. 2 executive, there’s little trace of Sunny Balwani’s image on the internet. But newly found footage shows Balwani giving a pitch for the company in 2014.
Incoming AHIP President Wants To Focus On Affordability In Ever-Changing Health Landscape
Modern Healthcare talks with Matt Eyles, who will take the reins of the insurance lobbying group from Marilyn Tavenner on June 1.
Trump’s Plan To Use Death Penalty To Curb Opioid Epidemic Is Already Legal
But federal prosecutors have never used that power to execute drug dealers in the 24 years since the law was signed.