Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study Upends Widely Held Belief That Adults Can Create New Neurons, Uproar Ensues
If the UCSF researchers are right that the adult human brain does not produce any detectable new neurons in the area that’s supposedly ground zero for neuronal creation, 20 years of neuroscience textbooks have to be rewritten. In other public health news: pre-teen suicide, male doctors in gynecology, probiotics, cancer, and aging.
U.S. District Judge Dan Polster is overseeing a case that consolidated more than 350 lawsuits from cities and states across the country against drugmakers for their alleged role in the opioid epidemic. Although Polster has been pushing for both sides to talk and get to the root of the crisis, it may end up going to court.
Defying NRA, Florida Lawmakers Send Gun Control Legislation To Governor’s Desk
Although the legislation falls short of many of the demands from students affected by the Parkland shooting and other advocates, if it is signed the bill will be the first successful gun control measure in Florida in more than 20 years. Media outlets take a look at what made it in the final draft.
Drugmakers’ ‘Sham Transactions’ With Tribes To Game Patent System Targeted By Lawmakers
The latest legislation introduced in the Senate would limit the ability of a company to transfer patent rights to a foreign country or under legal claims of tribal sovereign immunity.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb’s sharp words for the pharmaceutical industry are seen as a strong signal of his interest in curbing high drug costs.
With Women’s Health Riders, Republicans Throw Wrench In Otherwise Smooth Budget Talks
Democrats are opposed to new additions to the fiscal 2018 Labor-Health and Human Services funding measure that target Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health programs.
Lawmakers, Unfazed By White House Memo, Work On Finishing Touches To Market Stabilization Deal
A leaked memo from the Trump administration includes new demands in return for the president’s support, but lawmakers are marching forward with their efforts and are optimistic for a deal soon. Meanwhile, a group of attorneys general is speaking out against a rule to allow states to work around certain health law requirements.
Three Veterans Affairs programs under now-VA Secretary David Shulkin’s management from 2015 to 2016 knew of “serious, persistent deficiencies,” a VA internal watchdog report finds. Meanwhile, Shulkin announced an overhaul of the senior leadership overseeing almost two dozen troubled hospitals across the country.
In Search Of The Next Bill Gates: Hospitals Gamble On Health-Tech Startups In Hopes Of Striking Big
“We view this as a strategic investment. It will be important to the care of patients and we also can presumably make money,” says Thomas Thornton, senior vice president of Northwell Ventures, the for-profit arm of a health system in New York.
Cigna Move To Buy Express Scripts Is Latest Acquisition In Rapidly Evolving Health Industry
Cigna would acquire Express Scripts in a cash-and-stock deal worth about $52 billion, excluding debt, the companies say.
To qualify for the discounted $5.99 monthly Prime membership, customers must have a valid Electronic Benefits Transfer or Medicaid card.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
When Wildfire Smoke Invades, Who Should Pay To Clean Indoor Air?
Public health agencies are set up to regulate easily controlled sources of air pollution. Wildfire smoke presents a different set of expensive challenges.
Health Care Revamped At L.A. County Jails
The effort, overseen by the county’s health services department, aims to improve care for a population with high rates of chronic disease, mental illness and drug addiction.
Mind Over Body: A Psychiatrist Tells How To Tap Into Wisdom And Grow With Age
Seniors face tough — often life-changing — events throughout their final years. But this stage of life does not have to be limited to loss and deterioration.
Of ‘Miracles’ And Money: Why Hemophilia Drugs Are So Expensive
The market is flooded with 28 different medications for just 20,000 patients with the hereditary bleeding disorder. Yet intense competition hasn’t worked to bring costs down. Sales amount to $4.6 billion annually in the U.S.
Mental Health Funding Tied To Florida’s Controversial Gun Legislation
The same Florida bill that would put more guns in schools would provide the state with $90 million more for mental health resources, including $69 million for schools. Advocates say those funds for mental health care are desperately needed.
Editorial pages highlight these health issues and others.
Perspectives: Pharma’s Slick PR Slogans, Lobbyists Aren’t Succeeding In Shifting Blame Over Prices
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Beyond The Politics And Finger-Pointing: The Day-To-Day Reality Of Living With High Drug Costs
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.