Latest KFF Health News Stories
Deadly Opioid Overwhelms First Responders And Crime Labs in Ohio
Carfentanil, a potent variation on fentanyl, is being blamed for a wave of opioid overdoses. In Cincinnati, the coroner, crime lab and first responders are struggling to keep up.
Election Buzz: Critics Of Legal Pot Say Addiction Becomes ‘A Disease Of The Family’
As more states consider legalizing recreational marijuana, families consider what messages to present to young people about using pot. Should it be avoidance, moderation or acceptance? Differing views from Arizona and Oregon.
When Drug Reviewers Leave The FDA, They Often Work For Pharma
Researchers examine the Food and Drug Administration’s “revolving door” regarding employees who worked on cancer and hematology drugs.
Viewpoints: House Calls — A Better Idea Than Ever; Is The FDA Tightening Hold On Generics?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Washington, Ohio, Minnesota, Connecticut, California, New York and Massachusetts.
Medicaid Managed Care Official Sees Growing Role For Plans On Health Law Marketplaces
Jeff Myers tells The Hill, “It seems to me that the exchange products that work best are ones that, rather than just open up a giant network and provide lots of services, really look at, are there services that we can open up and drive that will improve health outcomes and reduce cost?” News outlets also report on Medicaid developments in Kansas and Nebraska.
In Training To Handle Calls Involving Mentally Ill, Atlanta Police Learn To See Bigger Picture
At first, many officers had to be ordered to attend. But they say they walked away with a better understanding of how to de-escalate situations involving someone with a mental illness. Advocates say there’s still more work to do.
Despite $127M Lawsuits, Scientists Say Still No True Link Between Talc, Ovarian Cancer
Two plaintiffs who sued Johnson & Johnson were awarded millions each, but research finds little evidence to back up the decisions. “Lord knows, with the amount of powder that’s been applied to babies’ bottoms, we would’ve seen something” if talc caused cancer, says Dr. Hal C. Lawrence III.
A Medical Mystery Solved: ‘I Didn’t Know How To Convince Them This Is Not In My Head’
A chance meeting on a hiking trail leads to the restoration of a normal life for one woman who suffered from intense pain every time she ate. In other news, testosterone’s bad rap might have a silver lining, patients’ fitness levels come under scrutiny before surgery, scientists make strides toward identifying CTE in living victims and more.
Its People Are Dying At Alarming Rates, But This City Just Can’t Make A Dent In Its Opioid Crisis
Huntington, W.Va., has taken steps to curb the epidemic that’s holding the city in its grasp. But barriers prevent the residents from getting the best treatment. Meanwhile, CNN offers a look at how drug deaths are spiking across the country.
Doggone It: Spiking Costs, Inefficiencies At Veterinarian’s Office Mirror U.S. Health Care System
Meanwhile, KHN reports on new recommendations for the preventive services that should be free for women. And in insurance news, Kaiser Permanente ranks highest among providers in Georgia and a Washington health system comes to an agreement with Premera Blue Cross.
Transgender Surgery Demand Spikes Amid Growing Support From Medical Community
The procedure was once nearly unattainable as people had to go to private-practice plastic surgeons or even out of the country.
As Zika Money Debate Dominates Capitol Hill, Other Health Priorities Pushed To Backburner
In other news on the virus spread, Florida officials face questions about millions in federal emergency funds it has not yet used while three more cases are reported in the Miami area. Research efforts are also in the news.
Health Plans From Both Trump And Clinton Would Add To Federal Deficit
However, the effect the proposals would have on the number of uninsured in the country differs dramatically.
Medicaid Expansion Advocates Look To The Election To Press Their Cause
Some people hoping to see more states expand their Medicaid programs under the health law think the opposition may be lighter after this campaign.
House To Vote On Measure To Help Consumers Who Lost Coverage When Co-Ops Collapsed
In other news related to the health law and marketplace coverage, media outlets report on Blue Cross Blue Shield movements in Tennessee, Texas and five other states.
Pfizer Decides Not To Split Into Two Companies After Years Of Planning That Cost $600M
The pharmaceutical company considered the option as a way to reduce its complexity while rewarding shareholders with the stock split, but has decided to scrap the plan.
Mylan Misrepresented EpiPen Profits To Congress By 60 Percent
The company said it used the standard 37.5 percent corporate tax rate to get the numbers it reported to Congress. But Mylan had a 7.4 percent overall tax rate last year.
First Edition: September 27, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Election Buzz: With Pot On The Ballot, States Weigh How To Police Stoned Drivers
Blood tests for marijuana aren’t an accurate measure of impairment for drivers, and there isn’t an easy roadside sobriety test for pot yet. The five states where recreational marijuana is on the ballot may be looking to Colorado for its experiences with the DUI problem soon.