Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Long-Term Care Is An Immediate Problem — For The Government
Medi-Cal has become the payer of first resort for many Californians unable to afford the long-term care they need.
University Of California OKs $8.5 Million Payout In Spine Surgery Cases
Two Los Angeles area patients alleged a prominent UCLA spine surgeon harmed them by using Medtronic devices in experimental ways without their consent and failing to disclose his financial ties to the company. Both UCLA and Medtronic deny wrongdoing.
Opioid Dependence Leads To ‘Tsunami’ Of Medical Services, Study Finds
Insurance claims for medical services related to opioid dependence diagnoses rose more than 3,000 percent between 2007 and 2014, an analysis finds.
Local Zika Transmission Confirmed In Miami
The four cases in Florida are the first instances of the virus being transmitted within the U.S.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Teens And Nighttime Car Crashes; Self-Insured Plans; Virtual Violence
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Outlets report on health news from Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Kansas, California and Tennessee.
Parents Of Disabled Children Press N.C. Officials To Reconsider Cuts To Medicaid Services
The state had recommended cutting a program that provides help to families with children who are medically fragile. Also, Colorado officials are challenged on their policy to provide Medicaid coverage for expensive hepatitis C medications only to the sickest patients.
Repercussions Of Hinckley’s Insanity Plea Reverberate To This Day
John Hinckley Jr., the man who tried to assassinate Ronald Reagan, was released this week, resurrecting the fierce debate over a defense tactic that is used much less frequently than the general population believes. NPR reports on the “not guilty for reasons of insanity” plea as well as the gun violence relationship to mental health.
3 Apollo Astronauts Have Died Of Heart Problems, And New Study Tries To Figure Out Why
While radiation is one of the big concerns when monitoring the health of those who have traveled in deep space, some researchers are questioning if there’s also a connection to cardiovascular problems.
Alzheimer Drug Failure Deals Crushing Blow To Scientists Who Rail Over 35 Years Of Missteps
Researchers have approached a cure with the mindset that it was the expectation that amyloid plaques and tau tangles kill brain synapses and neurons, and despite clues suggesting otherwise, the field has been stuck on that for decades. A promising drug’s failure has sparked anger and frustration by those who have been toiling for all that time.
‘Natural’ Painkiller Used To Wean An Opioid Addiction Causing Spike In Poison Control Calls
Kratom is a highly addictive plant that can be brewed into teas, and it’s causing serious side effects for patients. In other news, physicians are having to learn new skills to help deal with the opioid epidemic, and Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill that would require insurers to cover addiction treatment.
Digital Health Firm Targets Low-Income Patients For Diabetes Initiative
Omada offers an online tool to help those with diabetes — but it wants to take it a step further and specifically address a population that faces a higher risk of certain chronic health problems.
Report: VA Spent $20M On Decorative Artwork During Height Of Wait-Time Scandal
The report, which focuses on the agency’s expenditures from 2004-2014, has sparked fresh anger with lawmakers and advocates. In other news, Army Secretary Eric Fanning speaks about the importance of mental health treatment, and a veteran’s family seeks answers about his death at a VA facility’s inpatient drug rehabilitation unit.
Bristol-Myers’ Bet On Cancer Drugs Pays Off In Second Quarter
In other pharmaceutical news, Sanofi’s profits fall, Pfizer’s takeover of Bind Therapeutics is approved by a federal bankruptcy court and Gilead comes under fire once again for its pricey hepatitis C medication.
New Hospital Star Ratings Ignite Debate About Assessing Quality Of Care
Many hospitals say the new ratings are oversimplistic, but consumer advocates contend patients need markers to help them make wise choices about where to seek treatments.
Theranos CEO Set To Present Technology At Prestigious Scientific Conference
Elizabeth Holmes’ slated conference speech is drawing mixed reactions, with some willing to listen, but others outraged at the idea. “Would you have Al Capone come and talk about his novel accounting practices?” asked Geoff Baird, a clinical pathologist. “Is it acceptable to allow someone to talk about science if they’ve used that science so horribly inappropriately?”
Justice Department Opposes Anthem’s Request For A Quick Trial On Merger With Cigna
Federal lawyers say the case is too complex for a rushed trial. Also in the news, insurers in Minnesota weigh an increase in rate requests, a Texas insurer may cover sex change surgery and an insured California family struggles to care for a disabled child.
Legislation That Could Make Deductibles For Chronic Care More Affordable Has Bipartisan Support
The bill, introduced earlier this month, comes at a time when more people have high-deductible plans. The bill would allow plan members to get coverage of all services needed for costly chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, without having to meet the high deductible first. In other Capitol Hill news, House Democrats urge stronger regulations for nursing homes.