Latest KFF Health News Stories
Lawmakers Vote To Lift Medicaid Restrictions On Opioid Treatment, But Dems Worry About Funding
The move to allow Medicaid to pay for treatment at facilities with more than 16 beds would be one of the more costly steps Congress is thinking about taking to fight the opioid epidemic. In other news on the crisis: CVS will offer a discount on overdose medication to the uninsured; a poll reveals Americans’ complex views on addiction; the CDC investigates an HIV surge; and more.
Billionaires’ Health Care Initiative To Focus On Reducing Waste, Improving Access To Telemedicine
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon talks about the goals of the health initiative between Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and his company. The initiative made a big splash when it was announced but so far there haven’t been many details on what it will actually entail. In other news, while many in the industry are pursuing mergers and deals, Anthem is sitting it out.
How A Small Office In Charge Of Refugees Has Become A Battleground Over Abortion
The shift in priorities for the Office of Refugee Resettlement is part of the larger story of the Trump administration’s push to enact rules that favor socially conservative positions on issues like abortion. Meanwhile, even though research shows that criminalizing women seeking out the procedure is dangerous to their health, antiabortion activists have recently been focusing on strategies to do just that.
Democrats Spurred To Run By GOP Health Law Attacks Plan To Go On Offense During Midterms
Where once the health law was an elections burden for Democrats to defend, they now see it as a talking point that could help them switch red seats blue. In other news, the Washington Post Fact Checker explains why correlation does not equal causation when it comes to cost-sharing reduction subsidies; actuaries have their hands full with the law’s risk adjustment method; and Maryland’s governor signs legislation to help stabilize the marketplace.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Patient Advocacy Groups Take In Millions From Drugmakers. Is There A Payback?
Kaiser Health News launches “Pre$cription for Power,” a groundbreaking database to expose Big Pharma’s ties to patient groups.
To Treat Pain, PTSD And Other Ills, Tennessee Vets Try Tai Chi
In hopes of reducing an over-reliance on pills for anxiety and pain, the Department of Veterans Affairs has taken a turn toward alternative medicine.
Editorial pages focus on these and other health topics.
Longer Looks: Saving Lives Or Money; American Deaths; And Male Birth Control
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on news from Maryland, Missouri, California, Florida, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Past Surgery Patients At Denver Hospital Might Be At Risk For HIV, Hepatitis
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
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
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.
New Jersey Jury Will Be Latest To Weigh In On Baby Powder-Cancer Link
Johnson & Johnson has been trying to fend off lawsuits across the country over claims that its talc-based product contained asbestos for years.
Acting VA Secretary Steps In Amid Weeks Of Turmoil, Low Morale Following Shulkin’s Departure
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
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.
The country’s largest medical organization also criticized the administration’s talking point that transgender care would cost the government too much money.
With Congress’ Purse Strings Newly Loosened, Pharma Poised To Make A Lot Of Money From Opioid Fight
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.
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
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.