Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Linking Agent Orange, Hypertension May Finally Pressure VA To Act
There has been an ongoing battle between veterans and the VA over insurance coverage related to diseases veterans say are caused by their exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. The VA has been reluctant to acknowledge a connection because of the amount of money it would cost.
Look No Further Than New York In The ’70s For Glimpse Of Abortion Rights’ Future
If Roe v. Wade is overturned, the decision on whether abortion is legal will rest with the states. This could create a rush of women to the states where the procedure is available, similar to what New York saw in the 1970s.
Drug To Clear Plaque From Arteries Shows Promising Results In Study
“This is the first time anyone has shown these drugs do anything other than lower cholesterol,” says Steven Nissen, the senior author of the paper. In other news, new guidelines on statins may reshape the internal battle between doctors over who should take them.
They Had A Pill — All They Needed Was Something To Treat
Eli Lilly was about to lose its lucrative patent on Prozac. What it needed was a disorder that could be treated with anti-depressants so that it could re-brand and tap into a new marketplace. The problem was, it found a disorder that was not recognized as an actual condition by the American Psychiatric Association until years later.
Who Will Have Trump’s Ear On Health Care?
Stat offers a look at the players who are likely to have influence in a Trump presidency. Meanwhile, as Ben Carson passes on Cabinet positions, another name is added to the list for Health and Human Services secretary.
Oscar — The Health Care Startup — Continues To Lose Millions
Also in the news, a federal judge tosses out a lawsuit by a now-defunct health insurance company that says it is owed more than $70 million by the government.
Some States Looking For More Control Of Medicaid Under Trump
The future of the health law’s Medicaid expansion is uncertain but parts of it may remain. State officials want to be able to add more requirements for people participating in the programs, however. Meanwhile, South Dakota’s governor says his efforts to get the legislature to consider a Medicaid expansion are now dead.
Companies Warn Of Mass Marketplace Exodus If Trump Drops ‘Insurer Bailout’ Lawsuit
The House is suing the Obama administration, saying subsidies the health law provides to insurers are illegal because the legislation is appropriating money without congressional approval. Donald Trump will be able to drop the lawsuit when he’s sworn into office, but if he does, it could spell quick disaster for the marketplace.
First Edition: November 16, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
As Non-Medical Vaccine Exemptions Grow, Texas Parents Seek Transparency In Schools
Although the state has an overall high level of vaccinations, some people are concerned about growing pockets with high numbers of children who are not immunized.
Podcast: The GOP’s Path To ‘Repeal And Replace’ May Not Be So Easy
KHN’s Julie Rovner and Mary Agnes Carey, The New York Times’ Margot Sanger-Katz and The Lancet’s Richard Lane discuss the future of the Affordable Care Act under GOP control of both the White House and Capitol Hill.
Obamacare: indiferencia y pánico ante los cambios
Las 20 millones de personas que han ganado cobertura bajo la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible (ACA) aún no saben cómo sus vidas cambiarán bajo la presidencia de Donald Trump, y las reacciones van de la ansiedad a la apatía.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Opinion and editorial writers around the country analyze how certain parts of the Affordable Care Act, as well as other health policies, may fare in the Trump era.
Outlets report on health news from Minnesota, Virginia, Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Washington, Florida, Texas, California, Massachusetts and Georgia.
As Marijuana Legalization Sweeps Country, Worrisome Trends Emerge
Marijuana use has become so prevalent and so accepted that many don’t think of it as a drug.
Researchers Suggest Link Between Rise In Gender Equality, Decrease In Infectious Diseases
They say the correlation is as strong as smoking and lung cancer. In other news, cholesterol drugs are underused in women and the election sparks a dramatic reaction from many worried about contraception under the new administration.
Efforts To Keep Zika Out Of United States’ Blood Supply Seem To Pay Off
Screenings reveal that Zika infections in the blood supply are exceedingly rare.
Desperate Cancer Patients Smuggle Unapproved Vaccine From Cuba Into U.S.
Cuba is home to an innovative vaccine called Cimavax, but American trials on the drug could take years. Many, however, can’t wait that long. In other public health news, Donald Trump’s stance on healthy eating may upend first lady Michelle Obama’s efforts to improve school lunches; timeouts are taking the place of spankings for disciplining children; proteins that signal Alzheimer’s don’t always lead to diagnosis; and more.
Advocates Worry Trump’s Solution To Build Wall Ignores Realities Of Opioid Epidemic
Donald Trump has said one way he plans to address the opioid crisis is to build a wall between America and Mexico — but the leading causes of overdose deaths are prescription pills and alcohol, which would not be affected by a wall. Meanwhile, some companies are taking steps to combat the crisis starting with their employees.