Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump Says He’s Made ‘Tremendous Progress’ In Improving VA Health Care. Those Claims Fall Short.
The Associated Press fact checks the president’s assertions that his initiatives have had a positive impact on the quality of health care provided to veterans.
Alex Azar, the Trump administration’s pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services, is set to testify before the Senate Finance Committee this week, where it’s likely his close ties to the pharmaceutical industry will take center stage with his critics.
First Edition: January 8, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
An Opioid Remedy That Works: Treat Pain And Addiction At The Same Time
Studies show promising results for a treatment approach that tackles chronic pain and addiction together, but obstacles stand in the way of this integrated care.
Drug Overdose Deaths Soar Nationally But Plateau In Some Western States
Fatalities are climbing in states that have been flooded by the deadly opioid fentanyl, but are remaining flat — or even falling — in many Western states, where the drug has not yet been as common as other parts of the country.
Running On Empty: CHIP Funding Could Run Out Jan. 19 For Some States
A fiscal patch that Congress approved last month proves not enough to keep coverage for children afloat, CMS says.
Vuelve del retiro para ayudar a luchar contra la hepatitis C
Cuando se lanzó una prometedora droga para curar la enfermedad contra la que había luchado como médico por décadas, el doctor Robert Cirillo no dudó en volver a ejercer.
Grassley Calls For ‘Corrective Action’ On Abuses In Herpes Vaccine Research
The Republican senator sent out letters to the Food and Drug Administration and HHS demanding an explanation about a rogue herpes vaccine trial.
Estados se quedarían sin dinero para el programa CHIP a partir del 19 de enero
A pesar que el Congreso autorizó fondos para cubrir al programa hasta el 31 de marzo, varios estados comenzarían a quedarse sin dinero este mes.
Half Of Hospitals In Conn., Del. Hit By Medicare’s Safety Penalties
Seven states saw a third or more of their hospitals punished under the federal heath law’s campaign against hospital-acquired conditions.
La administración Trump busca frenar el creciente negocio de la marihuana
El fiscal general de Estados Unidos, Jeff Sessions, anuló una norma de la era Obama con la cual se desalentó a los fiscales federales a tomar medidas enérgicas contra la venta y el consumo de marihuana.
A selection of opinions on health care from news outlets around the country.
Opinion writers examine a range of health policy issues, including the Trump administration’s proposed rule to pave the way for the creation of more association health plans and a push for Congress to restore funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Research Roundup: Opioid Use; Medicaid Work Requirements; And Individual Marketplace Performance
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from California, Florida, Texas, Connecticut, Maryland, Washington and Georgia.
While Cancer Deaths Are Decreasing, U.S.’s No. 2 Killer Still Remains Formidable Foe
Experts credit a decline in tobacco use for the improved rates, along with breakthrough drugs that have improved the chance of surviving a diagnosis. In other public health news: the IV bag shortage linked to the hurricane in Puerto Rico may be over soon; a study finds that antioxidants don’t ease muscles after exercise; and more.
Risky Behavior Decreased ‘Markedly’ Among Younger Students
The proportion of high school students having sex continues to decrease, a new government study finds, and other students are waiting longer.
Less Than One In Three Americans Think Opioid Crisis Is A National Emergency
A “surprising” study finds that while many think it’s a problem, only a small number of Americans think the opioid epidemic rises to the level of an emergency.
Pipeline Of Generics Into Drug Marketplace Contributing To Lower Prices, CVS And Walgreens Say
But the influx of the medications might help the companies’ bottom lines because generics generally have a higher margin than name-brand drugs. Meanwhile, the industry is primed for another wave of mega-mergers in the coming year.
Medicare Agrees To Cover Abbott’s Glucose Monitor For Diabetes Patients
The monitor allows patients to avoid pricking their fingers to get blood-sugar readings. Analysts suggest the decision by Medicare will give Abbott a leg up over another device made by DexCom.