Latest KFF Health News Stories
Media outlets report on news from Ohio, California, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, Minnesota and Oregon.
Can Virginia Governor’s Friendly Bonds With Republicans Translate Into Medicaid Expansion Win?
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, is well-liked on both sides of the aisle. But will that make a difference as the expansion debate heats up in the Legislature?
Advocates Say Releasing Dying Prisoners Is Humane And Fiscally Smart. But It’s Rarely Done.
Despite support from both parties, the Bureau of Prisons rarely approves a compassionate release request intended to allow frail and sick patients to die outside of prison. In other public health news: ears, blood pressure, the flu, selfies and raw water.
First Breast Cancer Home-Screening DNA Test Cleared By FDA
While the FDA cautioned that regular checkups and screenings are still needed, the decision allows people to initiate testing on their own for three genetic mutations that put them at a substantially higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
After Shooting, Advocates Say What’s Really Needed To Improve Mental Health Services Is Money
Florida’s proposed gun legislation under consideration by the legislature would include a boost in funding for state mental health services, which advocates see as necessary before any problems can be fixed. Meanwhile, Aetna is donating $200,000 to the March for Our Lives rally.
Drugmaker ‘Stonewalling’ Of Opioid Probe ‘Suggests They Have Something To Hide,’ Sen. McCaskill Says
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) has been trying to get information from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries to determine its role in the opioid crisis.
‘Astounding’ Study Finds Opioids Work No Better At Managing Chronic Pain Than Over-The-Counter Drugs
The opioids were also slightly inferior at controlling pain intensity, and patients on them reported many more side effects. The study could change the way doctors help patients manage pain in the midst of the opioid crisis.
Sharp Increase In Opioid Overdoses In ERs Paints Grim Picture Of An Ever-Worsening Epidemic
New data shows that overdoses spiked 30 percent last summer, compared to the same period in 2016. “This is a very difficult and fast-moving epidemic and there are no easy solutions,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Preparation Of Its Acquisition Of Aetna, CVS Sells $40B Of Bonds
Regulators aren’t expected to pass judgment on the $69 billion Aetna purchase until late this year, but CVS issued the debt this week to avoid the risk that interest rates continue to rise.
The systems currently are clunky to navigate and don’t communicate well with each other.
In prior years a group of officials made the call on distributing Title X funding. But this year it will fall to Valerie Huber, the acting deputy assistant secretary for population affairs at HHS. Women’s health advocates are concerned about the “dangerous implications” of the “unprecedented” decision. Meanwhile, CMS Administrator Seema Verma is looking to overhaul the Trump administration’s meaningful-use requirements after years of complaints.
In Midst Of Outrage Over Prices, UnitedHealth Announces It Will Pass On Drug Rebates To Customers
Typically, pharmaceutical drugmakers pay rebates to win reimbursement coverage for their medicines and insurers use these rebates to lower their own costs and keep a lid on premiums.
Privatizing Veterans’ Care At Root Of Attempted Rousting Of VA Secretary By Political Foes
The debate is heating up over how to provide veterans the best care, leading to unusually public displays of infighting at the troubled Veterans Affairs agency. Secretary David Shulkin has maintained control for now, saying that anyone not on board with the department’s mission will have to get out.
White House Suggests Charging Older People More In Memo On How To Stabilize ACA Marketplaces
The Trump administration also encourages other conservative principles like expanding access to health savings. And the document includes language on abortion that will likely be a stumbling block for any congressional negotiations on stabilizing the exchanges.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
After Raising Age For Tobacco Purchases, State Sees Decreased Sales To Minors
A new study shows that, in California, moving the minimum age from 18 to 21 significantly reduced purchase by those under 18. That could be because teenagers had less access to tobacco through slightly older friends.
Oregon Couple’s Final Days Captured In Intimate Aid-In-Dying Video
Dr. Charles Emerick and his wife, Francie, died together last spring after both being diagnosed with terminal illnesses. First, they let their daughter turn on the camera.
Crowded Shelters And The Vicious Flu Brew Perfect Storm For The Homeless
Although homeless shelters provide lifesaving protection from the winter’s cold, they also act as incubators for diseases like influenza.
Jury’s In: Opioids Are Not Better Than Other Medicines For Chronic Pain
A new study followed patients with severe chronic pain for a year and found that opioids relieved pain and increased function no better than common drugs like acetaminophen and lidocaine. But the opioids carry the risk of more serious side effects, including addiction and death.
Estudio: los opioides no son mejores que otras medicinas para tratar el dolor crónico
Una nueva investigación revela que estos crontroversiales medicamentos no son eficaces para tratar el dolor de largo plazo.