Latest KFF Health News Stories
Senators Urge DOJ To Investigate Whether Mylan Acted Illegally By Gaming System
In the letter to the Justice Department, senators say the company “may have knowingly misclassified EpiPens, potentially in violation of the False Claims Act and other statutes.”
Researchers: Zika Can Be Passed Through Sweat, Tears
The son of a man who died of the virus contracted it after sitting by his father’s bedside, touching his skin and wiping his eyes. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention responds to a whistleblower’s claims that it is not using the most effective test for Zika.
Zika Battle Finally Funded As Congress Passes Stopgap Spending Bill
After House leaders reach an agreement over the Flint water crisis funds, Congress averts a government shutdown by passing a bill that includes $1.1 billion for the fight against Zika.
Congress Finally Approves Funding To Fight Zika — But What Does This Mean?
Mosquito season may be ending in parts of the U.S., but public health officials say the additional resources will make a difference because the threat will not be measured in one cycle but in years.
First Edition: September 29, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A Practical To-Do List For Family Caregivers
In order to maximize the important role they play, family caregivers must be proactive in speaking up, planning and documenting their ability to meet their loved one’s health care needs.
Poll Finds Majority Of Americans Want Restraints On Drug Prices
As the spiraling costs attract headlines, many people are looking to the government to rein in prescription drug prices, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation poll.
Large Danish Study Links Contraceptive Use To Risk Of Depression
The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry, finds significant increases in the use of anti-depressants and depression diagnoses for women using hormonal forms of contraceptives, such as the pill.
Specialty Drug Costs Soar 30% For California Pension Fund
Such medications account for more than a quarter of the state agency’s $2.1 billion in pharmacy costs.
Viewpoints: Recognizing The Superbug Danger; Confronting Mental Health Stigma
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives: Mylan CEO’s Hearing, Though Dreadful, Could Have Positive Results
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
The Odd Silence From Patient Advocacy Groups On Drug Prices
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
Outlets report on health news from California, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, Florida, South Carolina, Wisconsin, New York, Massachusetts and Colorado.
Idaho Legislative Panel To Hear Public Comments Today On Medicaid Expansion
The day-long session will explore whether the state should expand Medicaid to cover the estimated 78,000 residents who don’t qualify for Medicaid or for subsidies to help buy insurance on the health marketplace. Also, Alaska officials and Xerox have settled a dispute over the complaints that the company, which set up a payment system for the state, was slow to reimburse doctors and other health providers.
In Election, Trend-Setting States Could Determine National Conversation On Marijuana
Polls have shown the “yes” side leading in most states with a marijuana-related ballot measure.
Appeals Court Sides With FTC To Pause Proposed Penn State-Pinnacle Health Merger
In other state hospital news, Georgia’s rural hospitals are hopeful about tax credit program, a Massachusetts watchdog agency raises a red flag about Boston Children’s planned expansion and a surprise inspection of a Pennsylvania hospital finds shortcomings.
New Diagnostic Tool May Identify Living Patients That Have Disease Caused By Repeated Concussions
In other news related to head injuries, an analysis of regional insurance claims shows that concussion rates among young boys and girls are on the rise in many states.
States Scramble To Act As Youth Suicide Rates Climb
Among the possible causes cited by suicide experts is a decline in the use of psychiatric medicines and the rise of cyberbullying. In other public health news, 92 percent of the world is breathing bad air, the Americas are declared free of endemic measles, C. diff is on the rise and a look at a mysterious lymphatic disease.
Viral Images Of Parents’ Overdoses Show Toll Opioid Epidemic Is Taking On Children
Police departments have started releasing photos and videos of parents who overdose in front of their children. Some say they’re what’s needed to finally get people outraged enough to act on the crisis, but others say it’s demoralizing and only makes it harder for those who want to get help.
The $64,000 Question: Is The Flu Shot Worth All The Bother?
One expert weighs in on that and other questions about flu vaccine science.