Latest KFF Health News Stories
Scientists Find Contagious Cancer In Clams, Begging The Question — Will It Arise In Humans Too?
It’s possible, one scientist says. But no one should start to panic yet. In other oncology news, the president signed a law to document and track cancer clusters around the country, a New Hampshire task force investigates a cluster in its state and several prominent cancer centers announced they’ll collaborate with a biopharmaceutical company to help accelerate research on new, life-saving therapies.
U.S. Supply Of Fentanyl Being Fed By Vast, Unregulated Network In China
While U.S. law limits trade in key ingredients used to make fentanyl, the chemicals are unregulated in China or by United Nations policing conventions. Meanwhile, as the opioid crisis grips the nation, there’s a push for doctors to prescribe alternative pain treatments, a hard-hit Maine town comes together to fight it and the surgeon general says the path to solving the problem is to think of opioid addiction in terms of illness rather than as a crime.
The Dark Side Of Stem Cell Tourism: ‘If Something Sounds Too Good To Be True, It Is’
After Jim Gass suffered a stroke in 2009, he desperately sought treatment in clinics in Argentina, China and Mexico. Instead of being cured, though, he came back with a growth on this spine that was unlike anything doctors had seen before. His story now serves as a cautionary tale against stem cell tourism. Meanwhile, KQED offers a close look at stem cell research, and a Wisconsin company hires an executive to lead its cell manufacturing.
Demand For Abortion Pills Spikes In Latin American Countries Hit Hard By Zika
The requests for the drug nearly doubled, and while researchers can’t prove a direct link, countries that were not afflicted with the virus saw no change in orders.
After Failing Three Years In A Row, Panel Advises Against Nasal Flu Spray
A panel of experts tells the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that there is no evidence that AstraZeneca’s FluMist protected people against the flu, and recommend that people get the shot instead.
Drug Lobby Calls For Scrutiny Of Outside Group That Makes Drug Pricing Recommendations
The goal of the Institute of Clinical and Economic Review is to develop an independent pricing system. But a global pharmaceutical lobby questions its ties with insurers. In other news, Medicare Part D spending on compounded drugs jumps 600 percent and startup Blink Health says it helps patients obtain medications more cheaply.
Democratic Senators Ask DOJ To Block Health Insurance Mega-Mergers
Seven Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee warn that proposed mergers between Aetna and Humana as well as Anthem and Cigna would have “detrimental impact” on “premium prices, jobs and health care costs for consumers.”
In Ky., Bevin Issues Ultimatum To Feds On Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Matt Bevin tells the the federal Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services that if his plan is not approved there will be no expansion at all. Meanwhile, in Louisiana, health officials report that more than 220,000 have enrolled in the state’s expanded low-income health insurance program.
White House: Republican Repeal-And-Replace Proposal ‘Not Worthy’ Of Consideration
White House press secretary Josh Earnest blasts the plan, saying it includes wildly unpopular and recycled ideas. Meanwhile, a former presidential campaign adviser thinks the plan might be good for at least one person: Donald Trump.
Mental Health Legislation Vote Slated For July After Years Of Delay
Among other provisions, the bill would create a new assistant secretary in the Department of Health and Human Services to oversee mental health and substance abuse programs and authorizes grants for areas such as preventing suicide and early intervention for children with mental illnesses.
‘No Bill! No Break!’: Democrats Stage Sit-In Over Gun Control
House Democrats’ frustration was sparked earlier in the week when four gun control measures failed. Those in the medical industry, including the influential New England Journal of Medicine, are becoming increasingly vocal about the issue and the role doctors and public health officials should play. Meanwhile, Australia’s efforts to cut down on mass shootings could provide a blueprint for U.S. lawmakers.
House Passes $1.1B Zika Bill That’s Likely To Fail In Senate
Democrats strongly oppose parts of the package, which include provisions regarding the Affordable Care Act, Planned Parenthood and pesticides — and they have promised to filibuster it to death in the Senate. The House immediately adjourned for recess following the vote, leaving behind any chance to resolve the funding dispute before the holiday.
Medicare Fund Could Be Depleted By 2028, Trustees Say
Under current projections, trustees said automatic cuts in the program mandated under a controversial provision of the Affordable Care Act could take effect for the first time in 2019. Meanwhile, the presidential candidates have largely avoided talking about the problem.
300 Charged In Largest Takedown Of Medicare, Medicaid Fraud In U.S. History
The nationwide sweep exposed alleged kickbacks, embezzlement and fake claims, and involved various kinds of fraud in diverse areas of health care, ranging from prescription drugs to home health care to physical therapy, the Department of Justice announced.
A Primer: How The Fight Against Zika Might Be Funded
The Senate approved an amendment to a must-pass appropriations bill that provides $1.1 billion to combat the virus’s spread. A separate House proposal, which has drawn a veto threat from the White House, is also pending and it is not clear how they might compromise. But public health advocates say efforts are needed soon to fight the mosquito-based disease.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A pioneering program in southern California provides ongoing care and housing to homeless people who are “super-utilizers” of hospital emergency rooms. The effort is reducing ER visits and saving a lot of money.
In Alameda County, A Big Data Effort To Prevent Frequent ER Visits
Hospitals share patient records of “super-users” to save money and avoid duplicating medical treatment.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On Drug Costs: A Radical Idea To Cut Prices — Make Drugmakers Explain Themselves
Editorial and opinion writers offer their takes on drug-cost issues.