Latest KFF Health News Stories
California Voters Pass $2 Cigarette Tax
The tax is expected to raise $1.4 billion a year for health care, smoking prevention programs and research. Meanwhile, cigarette tax measures in Colorado, Missouri and North Dakota were knocked down.
Universal Health Care Initiative Shot Down In Colorado
The measure would have eliminated most private health insurance in the state and replace it with a taxpayer-funded cooperative known as ColoradoCare. Media outlets report on other health care related ballot initiatives out of California, Oklahoma and Nevada.
Colorado Overwhelmingly Passes Aid-In-Dying Measure
Two physicians would have to agree the person is mentally competent and has fewer than six months to live, and the person choosing to die would have to self-administer the dosage of secobarbital.
Drugmakers Poised To Rack Up Significant Win In California
Proposition 61, which aimed to curb high prescription drug prices, looks to have been defeated after national attention and intense lobbying efforts on both sides.
Pharma Gets Reprieve From ‘Worst-Case Scenario,’ But Trump Is Still A Question Mark
The pharmaceutical industry was braced for a possible Democratic takeover. But Donald Trump might not be an ally. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical stocks are up on the news of his win.
With Trump As President, Path Toward Dismantling Health Law Clears
Although to actually repeal the law, Republicans would need Democratic votes in the Senate — which is unlikely to happen — they could tear big pieces of it apart on the procedural level.
Republicans also retain control of the Senate and gain grounds in gubernatorial races. Health policy implications from the results are expected to be felt widely.
Trump, GOP In Congress Could Use ‘Must-Pass’ Bills To Bring Health Changes
Some “must-pass” health legislation next year could give the new administration a vehicle for some proposals that might not be able to clear political or procedural hurdles on their own.
Latest On Other Health Ballot Initiatives From Around The Country
Missouri, North Dakota and Colorado voters rejects tobacco tax proposals. Oklahoma passes measures related to drug crimes and mental health services.
California Proposition Legalizing Recreational Pot Passes
Voters approve Proposition 64 allowing recreational use of marijuana. The state considers 17 ballot questions, several of which are related to public health issues.
Colorado Rejects Single-Payer Measure, Approves Right-To-Die Initiative
Amendment 69 would have established a program called ColoradoCare to cover most people in the state.
Florida Voters Approve Medical Marijuana Legalization Ballot Measure
From pot to drug prices, health measures are on the ballot across the nation.
¿Gas de la risa para los dolores del parto?
Desde mediados del 1800, el gas de la risa se ha usado para aliviar el dolor, pero usualmente se lo asocia con la visita al dentista. Ahora, una pequeña banda de parteras está ayudando a reflotar su uso en los Estados Unidos.
Se curaron del cáncer cuando niños, pero siguen enfermos
Aunque los avances en la medicina están salvando a más niños diagnosticados con cáncer, una nueva investigación sugiere que problemas de salud persistentes en la edad adulta están aumentando con cada generación de supervivientes.
Viewpoints: Election’s Clues To Health Care’s Future; Closer Look At The Doctor Shortage
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from New York, California, Texas, Colorado, New Jersey and Minnesota.
World Health Organization Offers Recommendations To Prevent Childbirth Deaths
Meanwhile, is laughing gas making a comeback for use during labor?
Public Health Roundup: Janet Reno’s Parkinson’s Journey; Dangers Of Planned Early Births?
News outlets also report on other public health developments related to genetic research into medical mysteries, poison ivy allergies, anesthesia impact on children, novel methods to reduce medical errors and REM sleep behavior disorder.
Second Human Zika Vaccine Trial Begins Using Inactive Virus
Army researchers recruit volunteers for an experimental vaccine called ZPIV. Another human trial began this summer. It’s still estimated that a publicly available Zika vaccine is two to three years away.