Latest KFF Health News Stories
Alabama Lawmakers Begin Special Session To Consider A Lottery To Help Fund Medicaid
If the legislature approves the measure, it would go before voters in the fall. In other Medicaid news, North Carolina begins a waitlist for coverage for some “medically fragile” children, and a Republican candidate for governor in New Hampshire sees problems with expanding the program.
Congressional Democrats Eye Repeal Of Hyde Amendment Ban On Federal Funding For Abortion
The measure, which was first approved in 1976 and renewed annually since, has become part of the national election-year debate over abortion.
When It Comes To Cosmetic Products’ Safety, FDA’s Hands Are Tied. Some Want To Change That.
A hair care product that consumers claim has caused hair loss is at the center of a battle that’s been brewing over how much the government should be able to regulate cosmetic products. Right now, they can’t do much, even if someone dies. But advocates are moving to increase the Food and Drug Administration’s power.
Consumer Advocates Raise Concerns About FDA’s Efforts To Speed Drugs To Market
They charge the Food and Drug Administration is too close to the pharmaceutical industry and the effort to move drugs through the regulatory process faster is contributing to rising prices. Meanwhile, a new analysis finds that the agency’s user fees have brought in more than $7 billion since 1992. In other news, there are concerns in Europe, too, about fast-tracking drug approval, a ballot measure in California brings a massive drug industry counterpunch and a cystic fibrosis trial ends.
Clinton Vows To Carry Cancer Moonshot Torch If Elected
“Together, we will make cancer as we know it a disease of the past,” Hillary Clinton said. The Democratic candidate for president also hinted that she’d like Vice President Joe Biden to continue his work with the initiative. Meanwhile, questions about the physical and mental fitness of both candidates arise, and Donald Trump adds a health law critic to his team.
Candidates Latch On To Zika Funding Battle As Flashpoint For Campaigns
Meanwhile, a Texas resident who went to Miami becomes the first case linked to travel within the continental U.S., the Lone Star state makes it easier for women on Medicaid to get mosquito repellent and The Washington Post talks with the NIH’s Anthony Fauci about the virus.
Doctor Embarks On ACA ‘Listening Tour,’ Finds Outpouring Of Resentment, Bitterness
Dr. Paul Gordon is biking across the country to hear from Americans what they think of the health law. At first he was surprised and upset about the lack of understanding and empathy he witnessed. But then he became inspired to be the person who changed their minds.
Aetna To Leave All But 4 ACA Markets In Latest Blow To Health Law
The move also means that at least one Arizona county is at risk of having no insurers offering exchange plans in 2017.
First Edition: August 16, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Elderly Patients In The Hospital Need To Keep Moving
Spending too much time in their hospital beds can leave older patients sicker than when they were first admitted.
Hidden Plan Exclusions May Leave Gaps In Women’s Care, Study Finds
The research finds that many plans don’t make details about what services are not covered readily apparent.
Viewpoints: Problems With Medicare’s Three-Day Rule; Politics, Premiums And Obamacare
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Texas, Ohio, Iowa, California and Illinois.
Hearing Loss Often Slinks In Gradually Bringing Serious Health Repercussions
Hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight — often it creeps up on a patient. And with it comes increased risks of depression, dementia and falling.
Genetic Test Promises To Predict Concussion Risks But Young Athletes Are Staying Away
Meanwhile, media outlets cover more public health news related to Olympians’ nutritional supplements and the New York Times reports on organ donation policies for people older than 65.
Opioid Crisis: ‘No One Wakes Up In The Morning And Says, I Want To Kill My Friend’
Prosecutors, in trying to think outside the box on how to make a dent in the opioid epidemic, are more frequently going after dealers in cases of a fatal overdose. Some say that’s the wrong path to go down, though.
DOJ Report Slams Baltimore Police Over Treatment Of Mentally Ill
The report — laying out the intimate details of actual cases — found that officers repeatedly failed to de-escalate situations involving those with a mental illness.
Federal Judge Rules Ohio’s Effort To Defund Planned Parenthood Unconstitutional
The push is on from legislators who supported the law in question for the state to appeal the decision.
Severe OB/GYN Shortage Poses Critical Threat To U.S. Maternal Health
Nearly half the counties in the U.S. don’t have an obstetrician/gynecologist and 56 percent are without a nurse midwife. In other women’s health news, maternal care could be the next area to move toward a bundled-care payment system and a new breast-density notification laws are riddled with pitfalls.
Virtual Reality Could Circumvent Some Challenges To Diagnosing Pedophilia
Researchers have found the disorder difficult to study because they don’t want to use pictures of children, but virtual reality could help with that. Critics, however, are wary that it could lead to a missed diagnosis. In other health technology news, institutions delve into the ways computers can help diagnose cancer, a clinic in Georgia is hacked and Pokemon Go games prove “very useful” in getting people moving.