Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
While Talk About Opioids Continues In D.C., Addiction Treatment Is In Peril In States
The Trump administration has talked about prioritizing the opioid crisis, but states have seen little in the way of new resources. And, in some states, getting into treatment is becoming even harder.
User-Friendly Or Error-Ridden? Debate Swirls Around Website Comparing Nursing Homes
State says its new site is easier to navigate, though it remains a work in progress. Advocates for nursing home patients call it “a huge step in the wrong direction” that could endanger people’s lives.
Need A Medical Procedure? Pick The Right Provider And Get Cash Back
Incentives to encourage health care consumers to shop around gain momentum as a means to rein in spending.
A medida que crecen los centros de cirugía, los pacientes están pagando con sus vidas
Hay más de 5,600 centros de cirugía en todo el país, en donde se realizan procedimientos quirúrgicos menores. Pero una investigación reveló que a veces ocurren complicaciones que hubieran sido prevenibles en un hospital.
Opinion writers focus on these health issues and others.
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from Utah, Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas, New York, Missouri, Maryland and Georgia.
Governor Renews Effort To Expand MinnesotaCare Program
Gov. Mark Dayton unsuccessfully fought for the plan last year, but said he hopes the November election will pressure the GOP-controlled Legislature to change its mind on a measure that would help many farmers and other people living in rural areas who can’t afford coverage. Opponents fear the plan could end up costing taxpayers.
Proton Therapy Allows For Radiation To Be Delivered Almost Exclusively To Tumors
The Washington Post offers a look at this state-of-the-art therapy that spares healthy tissue in the fight against tumors.
The Business Of Selling Dubious Elixirs To Aging People Desperate For A Fountain Of Youth
Promoters are urging people to pay to participate in a soon-to-launch clinical trial of blood transfusions of younger people to older patients. But critics say the idea reeks of “snake oil.” In other public health news: the flu, tumors, depression in kids, surgery centers, parasitic worms, IV bags and aging parents.
As Medicaid Fight Brews In Virginia’s Capitol, Hundreds Rally To Support Expansion
While the Virginia House shifted its stance on expanding the program after years of fighting it, the Senate hasn’t budged. Media outlets report on Medicaid news out of Massachusetts, Ohio, Alabama and California, as well.
Grassley Wades Into Hotly Contested 340B Drug Debate With Transparency Legislation
The 340B program requires pharmaceutical companies to give steep discounts to hospitals and clinics that serve high volumes of low-income patients. Through Medicare, the federal government then reimburses the facilities for the drugs at a higher rate. A bill from Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) would require hospitals to disclose how much they pay for drugs under the program.
No-Show Patients Are A Huge Problem In Health Care. Uber Sees Itself As The Solution.
Uber has announced it’s launching a new branch called Uber Health, which will ferry patients to nonemergency medical appointments. It will be set up so that the medical provider would be billed for the service and not the patient.
Sen. Hatch Slams Anyone Who Supports Health Law, As Poll Finds Its Favorability Is At All-Time High
Separately, the poll found that health care costs are the top health care issue that voters want to hear candidates talk about ahead of this year’s midterm elections. Meanwhile, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) had some choice words for both the legislation and the “dumbass” people who support it.
The Troubled Indian Health Services Agency Has Been Without Permanent Leader Since 2015
President Donald Trump’s latest nominee withdrew from consideration following allegations he exaggerated his work experience. Senators are calling on the administration to move quickly on a replacement.
Day After Embracing Comprehensive Gun Control, Trump Has ‘Great’ Meeting With NRA Lobbyist
The tone of tweets from both President Donald Trump and the lobbyist suggest that the president is walking back from the support he voiced the previous day for tighter gun restrictions. Meanwhile Democrats are calling for gun research funding at the same time a report finds that gun policy science is lacking overall.
Sessions Tells DEA To Study Opioid Production Quotas, Consider Cuts
The DEA annually sets the production and manufacturing quotas for Schedule I and II controlled substances. Between 1993 and 2015, the DEA approved a 39-fold increase of oxycodone, 12-fold increase of hydrocodone and a 25-fold increase of fentanyl.
Trump Broaches Idea Of Death Penalty For Dealers To Help Curb Opioid Epidemic
At an opioid summit at the White House, President Donald Trump focused on criminal penalties, alarming advocates who want leaders to concentrate on treatment rather than punishment.
Congress Races The Clock In Quest To Bring Stability To Individual Insurance Market
Bipartisan efforts on Capitol Hill seek to help keep premium prices from rising out of control and undermining the policies available to people who don’t get insurance through work.