Latest KFF Health News Stories
Public Health Roundup: Discarded Organs; Elevated Cancer Risks; And Superbugs From Pets
Media outlets also report on efforts to use fitness apps to make exercise more enjoyable and the risk that strollers and car seats pose to children.
Michael Bromberg, Former Head Of The Federation Of American Hospitals, Dies
Bromberg was a leading health-care lobbyist who often avoided the spotlight but cultivated support from both political parties. He unsuccessfully sought to get the Clinton administration to modify its plan for health reform and then played a key role in fighting the proposal.
Colorado Didn’t Qualify For $38 Million Bonus It Got From Medicaid, Federal Audit Finds
The Health and Human Services inspector general’s office says the state received money for children who didn’t qualify. Meanwhile, in Kansas, state officials cancel public meetings on plans to cut reimbursements for Medicaid providers.
The Woman Behind The Changing Face Of Planned Parenthood
A lightning rod in the charged atmosphere of the current debate on abortion, Planned Parenthood head Cecile Richards is viewed as a heroic defender of women’s health care or a cunning puppet-master — depending on who is doing the talking.
New Osteoporosis Drug Would Offer An Additional Treatment Option
The drug, which garnered promising results in a large clinical trial, is expected to win approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Meanwhile, another article examines why medicating kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder makes them safer.
Justice Can’t Prosecute Medical Marijuana Cases If State Law Not Broken, Appeals Court Rules
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco orders that pot growers, suppliers and users cannot be prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice if their actions are not illegal under state law. Meanwhile, Arizona receives 750 applications for 31 dispensary licenses that will be granted in October.
SEC Cracks Down On Health Net For Its Attempts To Silence Whistleblowers
The insurance provider had departing employees sign illegal severance agreements that stripped away their financial incentives to blow the whistle on any questionable activities.
Aetna Exit Brings Health Law — Largely Absent On Campaign Trail — Back Into Play
Though candidates haven’t been beating the repeal and replace drum as loudly this cycle, Aetna’s withdrawal from a majority of ACA exchanges brings the topic back into the election spotlight.
Some States To Be Left With Few Or No ACA Options After Aetna’s Pullback
Media outlets report from Arizona, Iowa, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas on what Aetna’s exit from most health law marketplaces means for the states.
Long-Term Stability Of ACA In Doubt As Insurers Continue To Jump Ship
“The exchanges are a mess as they exist today,” says Aetna’s CEO Mark Bertolini. The company is the latest insurer to announce it is pulling out of most markets.
First Edition: August 17, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Licensing Logjam For California Nurses
A big backlog of applications at the state’s licensing board is holding up hiring by hospitals and making it difficult for recent nurse graduates — and experienced nurses from out of state — to work.
Medical Providers Try Uber, Lyft For Patients With Few Transportation Options
Some hospitals and other medical providers are experimenting with ride-hailing services to help patients without access to cars get to their appointments.
Viewpoints: Thoughts On The Public Option And Single-Payer; Medical Errors And Scary Headlines
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Florida, Minnesota, California, Texas, New Hampshire, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Tennessee and Arizona.
Writer Chronicles Sister’s Use Of California’s New Aid-In-Dying Law
Betsy Davis’ last celebration had only one rule: There would be no crying in front of her.
Public Health Roundup: Sensory Disorder In Kids; The FluMist Debate
News outlets also cover stories related to racial health disparities, the impact of light on bone density, and the connection between SIDS and sleeping positions.
Aging News: A Plan When You Don’t Have Kids; Health Costs Rising; The Need To Keep Moving
A woman in Florida explains how she plans to grow old without children to lean on; a new analysis by Fidelity Investments urges today’s 65-year-olds to expect to pay $130,000 in retirement for health care costs, and an Alabama hospital makes it a priority to get elderly patients up and moving.
‘Rock Star Scientist’ Investigates Long-Term Effects Of Medical Marijuana
Where in the past, scientists have focused on recreational marijuana or its medical efficacy, researcher Staci Gruber, who runs the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery, wants to study the drug’s effects on cognition, brain structure, quality of life, sleep and other clinical measures.
Study Finds Link Between Tylenol Use During Pregnancy, Kids’ Behavior Problems
However, the researchers say the effect overall was relatively small and that pregnant women should not avoid acetaminophen when it’s needed.