Latest KFF Health News Stories
WHO Shifts Zika Classification From Emergency To Ongoing Threat
Experts worry the distinction — that the virus is here to stay and should have longterm resources devoted to it — will be lost on many, and could slow research and funding efforts. In other news, Florida moves forward with plans to release genetically engineered mosquitoes and a look at the race for a vaccine.
An Average Patient In A Clinical Trial Isn’t An Average Patient In Real Life. And That’s A Problem.
Those who sign up for clinical trials tend to be younger, whiter and healthier than other cancer patients, which is causing a dissonance between the success of a drug in trials and its success in real life.
Kansas Officials Slowing Plans For Renewing Private Management Of Medicaid
The state administration is watching for changes that may come from Congress and a Republican White House. Other Medicaid news comes from Florida, Kentucky and Alabama.
Rep. Price Says Hill Republicans Hope To Overhaul Medicare In 2017
A move on Medicare would raise the stakes substantially for the GOP, both on Capitol Hill and in the White House.
Though Its Work Saves Countless Lives, Agency’s Anonymity Threatens Its Future
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has instituted changes in the health care system that have saved many lives, but as the industry is about to enter a time of uncertainty under a Trump administration, the agency could lose support.
25% Of Children In U.S. Don’t Have Access To Essential Health Care, Study Finds
But the number of children without health insurance has decreased, the study by the Children’s Health Fund found.
Anthem-Cigna Merger Goes To Trial In Final Chapter Of Obama’s Antitrust Efforts
If completed, the merger between Anthem and Cigna and the deal between Aetna and Humana would leave the industry topped by three giant firms. While the decisions are expected before Donald Trump takes office, it’s unclear where his administration will come down on mega-mergers like these.
Repeal Without Replace Plan Spooks Insurers, May Provoke Stampede To Exit Market
Insurers would have little incentive to stick around if the law is dismantled without a replacement plan in place — which would mean chaos for consumers. Meanwhile, Mike Pence says Donald Trump will take on the health law right “out of the gate,” but two conservative thinkers talk with Politico about how Trump’s stance on health care is more of a wild card than some may think.
In Depressed Rural Kentucky, Worries Grow Over Medicaid
Low-income residents in poverty-stricken Clay County worry what will happen to their health care if Gov. Matt Bevin’s ambitions to overhaul the state’s Medicaid program go forward.
Uncertain Fate Of Health Law Giving Health Industry Heartburn
The effect of “repeal and replace” could have greatest consequences for hospitals. They accepted lower federal funding under the law because their uncompensated care was expected to fall as more people became insured.
First Edition: November 21, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Texas: dura polémica porque aumenta el número de niños no vacunados
Texas es uno de los 18 estados que permiten exenciones no médicas a las vacunas requeridas para ir a la escuela. La historia de la familia Moore revela un costado de la controversia entre las decisiones privadas y la salud pública.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Research Roundup: Drug Compliance; Payment Reforms; Hospital Readmissions
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Outlets report on health news from Minnesota, California, Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio and Georgia.
Special Board Recommends Universal Lead Screening For Michigan Children
The Child Lead Poisoning Elimination Board issued guidance on how to protect Michigan’s children. Meanwhile, the state is fighting a requirement that it delivers bottled water to Flint residents.
Report Finds Kansas’ Move To Private Management Of Medicaid Fails To Improve Care
The report, by the consulting firm Leavitt Partners, was commissioned by three health care groups and recommends that the state become more involved in its Medicaid program. Also, outlets report on Medicaid news from Louisiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Spike In Preventable Deaths In U.S. Counters Decrease In Rates From Top 3 Diseases
Deaths from cancer, stroke and heart disease all decreased, but the opioid epidemic drove a surge in preventable deaths.
One Year Later: WHO Advisers Mull Rolling Back Crisis Designation For Zika
But some worry that if the World Health Organization no longer classifies the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern, a disease that many have struggled to understand will slip further down in priority. In other public health news: a buzzy new product to reduce stress that leaves critics unimpressed; germs and ATMs; cucumbers’ tendency to carry salmonella; and more.
In Effort To Reduce Its Crushing Debt, CHS Finds Buyer For 2 Wash. Hospitals
Media outlets report on other hospital news from Massachusetts and Kansas.