Latest KFF Health News Stories
Government’s Secret Stockpiles Of Medical Supplies Could Save Lives In An Emergency
An NPR reporter gets a rare opportunity to see inside a Strategic National Stockpile warehouse. Other news outlets cover public health developments related to diagnosing a city through sewer tests, criticism for an anti-obesity device, public suggestions to fight cancer, genetic data challenges and the failures of FluMist.
As Zika Fears Grow, Research Quickens But Fight May Be Hampered By Regional Disparities
Stat profiles research in a monkey lab, while The Washington Post looks at how many counties across the country are not prepared to fund a fight against the mosquitoes carrying the virus. Also, news outlets describe developments in the states.
‘There Is No Happy Day At Work’: How Gun Violence Takes Toll On A Trauma Ward’s Staff
For those professionals who work in trauma care, there is a great sense of fulfillment in using the few available minutes to save someone’s life. But when the shift is over, the stress remains. Meanwhile, through counseling and community support, Orlando first responders are healing after the Pulse shooting.
The Future Is Finally Here: Telemedicine Begins To Live Up To Promises
More than 15 million Americans received some kind of medical care remotely last year, but even with expanded telemedicine use, issues — such as quality control — remain. In other news, digitally communicating information about doctors’ peers can help keep bad prescribing habits in check, a study faults hospitals’ cybersecurity practices and The Wall Street Journal talks health care technology with an expert.
Politically Volatile Medicare Proposal In GOP ‘Replace’ Plan Could Scare Trump Away
Some question whether Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will fully support the Republican plan to replace the Affordable Care Act because of some of its extremely unpopular proposals. Meanwhile, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget releases a report on how both Trump and Hillary Clinton’s plans will need to address Medicare to control the federal debt.
The industry has long-focused on the amyloid protein but after 190 drugs failed in human trials, researchers are starting to look at tau, another protein which spreads through the brain as Alzheimer’s progresses.
HHS Sued Over Unaccompanied Immigrant Minors Being Denied Contraception, Abortion
The minors are being placed in the care of religion-based agencies, whose policies, the ACLU says, conflicts with a First Amendment prohibition on establishment of religion. In other news, a Florida health agency is ordered to pay Planned Parenthood’s legal fees for a case about an abortion method and NARAL speaks out against Colorado’s single-payer initiative.
Ky. Governor’s Medicaid Plan Draws Complaints About Impact Of Tougher Eligibility, New Fees
Advocates argue that the changes Gov. Matt Bevin has proposed would drive tens of thousands of low-income residents out of the program. Also in the South, Louisiana is going the other direction and has signed up more than 225,000 people as part of its expansion of Medicaid.
When Out-Of-Network Doctors Offer Services At In-Network Hospitals, Patients Pay The Price
More and more Americans are getting slapped with sky-high surprise medical bills.
Facing Large Losses, Blue Cross Blue Shield Retreats From Minnesota Marketplace
The state’s largest insurer says that it is on track to lose $500 million over three years on policies purchased by individuals.
Private Equity Quietly Takes Over Emergency Services — And The Consequences Are Dire
The firms have applied cost-cutting, Wall Street-like methods to health care with little oversight or regulation, and vulnerable patients are paying the price.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
For Many In Baltimore’s Growing Latino Community, Health Care Is A Challenge
Many immigrants lack access to affordable services due to lack of citizenship and legal residency.
Minnesota’s Largest Health Insurer To Drop Individual Plans
More than 100,000 Minnesotans will need to look for new insurance for 2017. Blue Cross Blue Shield is pulling back from the state’s market for individual policies, citing heavy losses.
Flu-Miffed: Piecing Together Clues On How FluMist Lost Its Place In The Flu-Fighting Toolbox
After once being considered a preferred vaccine option for children, a CDC advisory panel recommended the spray should not be used in the upcoming flu season.
Viewpoints: GOP’s Chance Of Replacing Obamacare; Lack Of Transparency In Health Care Costs
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Laws To Curb Opioids; Cancer Spending; Special Enrollment Periods
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Fulton State Hospital In Mo. Marks ‘Milestone’ In Reconstruction Project
In other hospital news, Sun Valley Hospital in California agreed to pay $1 million to settle a case alleging that hospital employees put a woman with mental illness into a taxi and then lost track of her for three days.
Mich. AG Files Charges Against Firms Over Water Crisis: ‘They Failed Miserably In Their Job’
The companies face civil charges of professional negligence and public nuisance. In other news, Milwaukee gets a $1 million loan to replace the lead water pipes and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., wants federal regulators to determine if PFOA should be banned.
Facing Deep Funding Cuts For Children With Disabilities, Texas Democrats Ask Feds To Step In
As Texas officials prepare to cut $350 million in state and federal funding from Medicaid, which covers pediatric therapy services, Democrats in the state look to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to intervene. In other news, a look at those who fall into the “coverage gap” in Missouri.