Latest KFF Health News Stories
DEA Officials Stonewalled Efforts To Battle Opioid Epidemic, Investigation Finds
The Washington Post looks into the slowdown of Drug Enforcement Administration’s actions during the crisis.
Both GOP And Democrats Seek Changes To Health Law, But Can They Find Common Ground?
Pressure from insurers who may leave the health law’s marketplaces could spur lawmakers to consider updates to the law. Also in the news, a study examines costs off and on the marketplaces, Minnesota’s governor wants changes to bring down insurance costs on the individual market, people buying insurance through their workplace are seeing more high-deductible plans and a look at how many insurance shoppers are hampered by confusion and terminology.
Presidential Election Could Weigh Heavily On Future Of Medicaid Expansion
Democrat Hillary Clinton wants to convince remaining states to accept the health law’s provision to expand Medicaid to more lower-income residents, while Republican nominee Donald Trump seeks to reverse the expansion. Also, NPR looks at the difficulties getting dental care for patients with disabilities, who often have Medicaid insurance.
‘Politically, We’re On Defense’: Anti-Abortion Groups Fear Ramifications Of Election
With Donald Trump’s chances of taking the White House fading, many on the anti-abortion side of the fight fear he’s doing more harm than good.
Beyond Bluster Of Campaign, Candidates Have Deep Differences On Health Care Issues
The Associated Press offers a series looking at where the candidates stand on health care issues and why it matters.
First Edition: October 24, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California’s RN Wages Now Highest In The Nation, Federal Data Show
Registered nurses in the state earn an average annual salary of $100,000, compared to a national average of $71,000.
Skeptics Question The Value Of Hydration Therapy For The Healthy
Some spa-like clinics will inject an expensive mix of water and vitamins into your bloodstream, ostensibly to ward off illness and boost energy. But can’t drinking fluids offer the same benefit?
Is 20-Something Too Late For A Guy To Get The HPV Vaccine?
A generation of young men missed out on the HPV vaccine. Now, 29-year-old journalist Jake Harper wonders if that’s putting him and other men at risk.
Viewpoints: More Health Exchange Battles; What About Insurance And State Lines?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Georgia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, California, New Hampshire, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Ohio and Florida.
Compared To Other Sedentary Behaviors, Watching TV Strongly Linked To Belly Fat
Commercials may play a role, the study’s author says. “Seeing those ads showing food can prime you to eat more later.” In other news, researchers key in on certain cells that may lead to the development of effective obesity drugs.
How Much Screen Time Is Too Much Screen Time For Kids?
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released its recommendations for how much children and teenagers should be exposed to TVs, computers and smartphones.
After Flood Of Reactions To Kentucky’s Medicaid Changes, CMS Extends Comment Period
Federal records show Kentucky is the first state to receive such an extension. Media outlets also report on other Medicaid developments in Louisiana and Florida.
Naming And Shaming Fails To Curb Hospitals’ Practice Of Overcharging Patients
“There’s nothing stopping them,” says Karoline Mortensen, one of the authors of a study that looked at charges before and after hospitals received negative publicity about the high costs. If anything, they got more expensive after being shamed publicly.
The Patients Behind Theranos’ Dubious, Unreliable Test Results
Theranos failed to maintain basic safeguards to ensure consistent results — according to regulators, independent lab directors and quality-control experts — and patients suffered.
Trump’s Claim About Abortions Taking Place Days Before Birth ‘Absurd,’ Expert Says
If, very late in pregnancy, a fetus was found to be nonviable the woman might continue the pregnancy and deliver a stillborn baby, or she might decide not to continue the pregnancy, says Dr. Aaron B. Caughey. “Would you call that an abortion? I think most of us wouldn’t use that language.”
Gilead Presses For Exclusivity On HIV Drug After Judge’s Ruling That FDA Policy Is ‘Capricious’
Gilead wants the agency to retroactively grant it five years of exclusive marketing. Meanwhile, groups say the gaps in Food and Drug Administration’s biosimilar policies are creating untenable situations.
Lawmakers Seek Explanation For ‘Staggering,’ ‘Outrageous’ Price Hikes
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Elijah Cummings wrote to Ariad Pharmaceuticals demanding data on their cancer treatment.
Watchdog: EPA Lacked Urgency On Flint, Failed In Oversight Role
The agency had sufficient authority to issue an emergency order as early as June 2015, but it didn’t take action until January 2016, the report finds.