Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

CDC Partners With WHO To End Violence Against Children

Morning Briefing

The plan includes a seven-point strategy that consists of measures, such as implementing and enforcing laws that limit young people’s access to firearms; changing beliefs and values around gender roles; and creating safe environments by doing things like improving housing.

Proper Pain Management From Parents Can Take Sting Out Of Vaccinations For Kids

Morning Briefing

More often than not, parents are unaware of the vast amount of children’s pain and anxiety management research they can pull from when their kids are getting vaccinated. And doctors aren’t providing the information because they say they aren’t being asked. In other news, advocates in California want adults to make sure they’re getting vaccinated, too.

How A Tough-On-Crime Politician’s Opioid Policy Shifted Toward Treatment Over Punishment

Morning Briefing

“Once you have the facts, it’s very clear to you,” says Frank Guinta, a New Hampshire politician who used to have a single-minded focus of ridding the state of drug dealers. His view has shifted to seeing addiction as an illness rather than a crime.

Disability Advocates Press Federal Officials To Get Kansas To Fix Medicaid Backlog

Morning Briefing

The Disability Rights Center is asking the Obama administration to force Kansas to prove that it is notifying applicants of their right to a hearing if their application isn’t processed within 45 days. Also, another group is staging meetings across the state to rally support for Medicaid expansion.

Theranos’ Downfall Serves As Cautionary Reminder To Silicon Valley Investors

Morning Briefing

If something seems too good to be true, it just might be. Don’t buy into the hype. Pay attention to red flags. These are just some of the lessons investors may take away when they evaluate what happened with the blood-testing startup.

Consumers Can Search Prices For Medical Services With New Online Tool

Morning Briefing

USA Today spotlights the expanded search from Amino, a data company that launched last year to help patients find doctors. In other health IT news, a new computerized biopsy tool may help pathologists and a Nashville, Tenn., tech company teams up with Uber to transport people to appointments.

With Proper Drugs, HIV-Positive Patients Have Low Risk For Sexual Transmission

Morning Briefing

A new study finds that patients who are HIV-positive and taking antiretroviral drugs have a low risk of spreading the virus to their partner, even if they are not using condoms. Doctors, however, warn about placing too much weight on the findings. In other news, a look at why the South is so disproportionately hard hit by AIDS.

After 3 Patient Deaths, Juno Therapeutics To Resume Modified Trial Of Anti-Cancer Treatment

Morning Briefing

The FDA is allowing the continuation after the company said that the deaths of the three young leukemia patients — who developed fatal brain swelling — stemmed not from its treatment but from a chemotherapy drug also used. Juno will drop that chemo drug in the modified trial.

‘Right To Try’ Experimental Medications Stance May Be Adopted In Republican Platform

Morning Briefing

Laws have passed in 31 states that allow terminal patients access to unapproved treatments. In other development news, a drug to help severe postpartum depression shows promising results in a clinical trial. And, in a first for a major venture capital firm, Flagship Ventures hires a new chief medical officer.

Democrats Will Support Opioid Bill — But They’re Not Happy About It

Morning Briefing

The package is expected to come up for a vote Wednesday. While Senate Democrats voice concerns about the legislation, they say they will give it their support. The bill authorizes $181 million for drug abuse and treatment programs but does not appropriate the funds.

CMS Counters Attacks That Health Law Insurance Costs Are Too High For Consumers

Morning Briefing

The agency’s report shows that when factoring in financial assistance from the government, the median deductible that consumers actually pay for Obamacare health plans is $850 this year. That’s down $50 from the past year. Meanwhile, another co-op is shutting down.

Democrats Unite, But What Happened To ‘Medicare For All’?

KFF Health News Original

Advocates for a single payer health care system say it would be more efficient, but other analysts predict that such an unprecedented change could be extremely disruptive to a key part of the nation’s economy.

Viejos moteles cobran nueva vida ayudando a las personas sin hogar a sanar

KFF Health News Original

El uso de moteles deteriorados para cuidar y albergar temporalmente a personas sin hogar recientemente dadas de alta del hospital ayuda a estabilizarlos de manera económica, previniendo retornos innecesarios y costosos a las salas de emergencia y a los hospitales.