Latest KFF Health News Stories
Transgender Surgery Demand Spikes Amid Growing Support From Medical Community
The procedure was once nearly unattainable as people had to go to private-practice plastic surgeons or even out of the country.
As Zika Money Debate Dominates Capitol Hill, Other Health Priorities Pushed To Backburner
In other news on the virus spread, Florida officials face questions about millions in federal emergency funds it has not yet used while three more cases are reported in the Miami area. Research efforts are also in the news.
Health Plans From Both Trump And Clinton Would Add To Federal Deficit
However, the effect the proposals would have on the number of uninsured in the country differs dramatically.
Medicaid Expansion Advocates Look To The Election To Press Their Cause
Some people hoping to see more states expand their Medicaid programs under the health law think the opposition may be lighter after this campaign.
House To Vote On Measure To Help Consumers Who Lost Coverage When Co-Ops Collapsed
In other news related to the health law and marketplace coverage, media outlets report on Blue Cross Blue Shield movements in Tennessee, Texas and five other states.
Pfizer Decides Not To Split Into Two Companies After Years Of Planning That Cost $600M
The pharmaceutical company considered the option as a way to reduce its complexity while rewarding shareholders with the stock split, but has decided to scrap the plan.
Mylan Misrepresented EpiPen Profits To Congress By 60 Percent
The company said it used the standard 37.5 percent corporate tax rate to get the numbers it reported to Congress. But Mylan had a 7.4 percent overall tax rate last year.
First Edition: September 27, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Election Buzz: With Pot On The Ballot, States Weigh How To Police Stoned Drivers
Blood tests for marijuana aren’t an accurate measure of impairment for drivers, and there isn’t an easy roadside sobriety test for pot yet. The five states where recreational marijuana is on the ballot may be looking to Colorado for its experiences with the DUI problem soon.
Expert Panel Recommends Expansion Of Services With No Cost Sharing For Women
The list of preventive services that insurers must cover without a co-pay could grow to include mammograms for younger women, testing that follows an irregular screening and birth control for men.
Viewpoints: Ending Fee-For-Service; The Senate Should Move On Mental Health Reform
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets explore the federal health law’s implementation.
Thoughts On The Role Of Health Policy In The Debates, On The Campaign Trail
Opinion writers share ideas about how health policies are fitting into this year’s election.
Outlets report on health news from California, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland and Ohio.
In Minn., Striking Nurses, Allina Return To The Bargaining Table
In other state hospital news, two Connecticut state agencies rule against a challenge by hospitals within the state to a tax’s legality. The next step will be for the hospitals to take the state to court.
News Roundup: Do Concussions Increase PTSD Risk?; Earlier Exposure To Eggs, Nuts May Help Allergies
More public health stories report about “bioidentical” hormone therapies for women, LED lighting’s impact on sleep, water fluoridation, kidney stones, lice, cryotherapy and spinal cord injuries.
New Tests May Help Doctors Pinpoint Cancer Faster With Higher Accuracy
In other oncology news, a cancer scientist is racing against his own diagnosis, experts caution against optimism over immunotherapy and more.
Patients Trying To Get Addiction Medication Run Up Against Insurer Brick Wall
“This is not the time to throw up barriers. We are struggling as it is to keep people alive,” Dr. Jeremy Engel, a family physician, says of insurers denying payment for addiction treatment. Meanwhile, media outlets offer coverage of the epidemic out of Minnesota, Texas, Ohio, Tennessee and Massachusetts.
For Obese Patients, Doctors Too Often Giving One-Size-Fits-All Answer: Lose Weight
Studies show that doctors are often not able to move beyond the patient’s weight when diagnosing a problem.
Home Care Workers Paid 10 Cents An Hour Less Than They Were A Decade Ago
However, it is among the nation’s fastest-growing occupations. In other news, one of the largest home health care agencies in the country is facing a whistleblower lawsuit alleging massive fraud.