Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Thoughts On The Public Option And Single-Payer; Medical Errors And Scary Headlines
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Florida, Minnesota, California, Texas, New Hampshire, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Tennessee and Arizona.
Writer Chronicles Sister’s Use Of California’s New Aid-In-Dying Law
Betsy Davis’ last celebration had only one rule: There would be no crying in front of her.
Public Health Roundup: Sensory Disorder In Kids; The FluMist Debate
News outlets also cover stories related to racial health disparities, the impact of light on bone density, and the connection between SIDS and sleeping positions.
Aging News: A Plan When You Don’t Have Kids; Health Costs Rising; The Need To Keep Moving
A woman in Florida explains how she plans to grow old without children to lean on; a new analysis by Fidelity Investments urges today’s 65-year-olds to expect to pay $130,000 in retirement for health care costs, and an Alabama hospital makes it a priority to get elderly patients up and moving.
‘Rock Star Scientist’ Investigates Long-Term Effects Of Medical Marijuana
Where in the past, scientists have focused on recreational marijuana or its medical efficacy, researcher Staci Gruber, who runs the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery, wants to study the drug’s effects on cognition, brain structure, quality of life, sleep and other clinical measures.
Study Finds Link Between Tylenol Use During Pregnancy, Kids’ Behavior Problems
However, the researchers say the effect overall was relatively small and that pregnant women should not avoid acetaminophen when it’s needed.
Alabama Lawmakers Begin Special Session To Consider A Lottery To Help Fund Medicaid
If the legislature approves the measure, it would go before voters in the fall. In other Medicaid news, North Carolina begins a waitlist for coverage for some “medically fragile” children, and a Republican candidate for governor in New Hampshire sees problems with expanding the program.
Congressional Democrats Eye Repeal Of Hyde Amendment Ban On Federal Funding For Abortion
The measure, which was first approved in 1976 and renewed annually since, has become part of the national election-year debate over abortion.
When It Comes To Cosmetic Products’ Safety, FDA’s Hands Are Tied. Some Want To Change That.
A hair care product that consumers claim has caused hair loss is at the center of a battle that’s been brewing over how much the government should be able to regulate cosmetic products. Right now, they can’t do much, even if someone dies. But advocates are moving to increase the Food and Drug Administration’s power.
Consumer Advocates Raise Concerns About FDA’s Efforts To Speed Drugs To Market
They charge the Food and Drug Administration is too close to the pharmaceutical industry and the effort to move drugs through the regulatory process faster is contributing to rising prices. Meanwhile, a new analysis finds that the agency’s user fees have brought in more than $7 billion since 1992. In other news, there are concerns in Europe, too, about fast-tracking drug approval, a ballot measure in California brings a massive drug industry counterpunch and a cystic fibrosis trial ends.
Clinton Vows To Carry Cancer Moonshot Torch If Elected
“Together, we will make cancer as we know it a disease of the past,” Hillary Clinton said. The Democratic candidate for president also hinted that she’d like Vice President Joe Biden to continue his work with the initiative. Meanwhile, questions about the physical and mental fitness of both candidates arise, and Donald Trump adds a health law critic to his team.
Candidates Latch On To Zika Funding Battle As Flashpoint For Campaigns
Meanwhile, a Texas resident who went to Miami becomes the first case linked to travel within the continental U.S., the Lone Star state makes it easier for women on Medicaid to get mosquito repellent and The Washington Post talks with the NIH’s Anthony Fauci about the virus.
Doctor Embarks On ACA ‘Listening Tour,’ Finds Outpouring Of Resentment, Bitterness
Dr. Paul Gordon is biking across the country to hear from Americans what they think of the health law. At first he was surprised and upset about the lack of understanding and empathy he witnessed. But then he became inspired to be the person who changed their minds.
Aetna To Leave All But 4 ACA Markets In Latest Blow To Health Law
The move also means that at least one Arizona county is at risk of having no insurers offering exchange plans in 2017.
First Edition: August 16, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Elderly Patients In The Hospital Need To Keep Moving
Spending too much time in their hospital beds can leave older patients sicker than when they were first admitted.
Hidden Plan Exclusions May Leave Gaps In Women’s Care, Study Finds
The research finds that many plans don’t make details about what services are not covered readily apparent.
Viewpoints: Problems With Medicare’s Three-Day Rule; Politics, Premiums And Obamacare
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Texas, Ohio, Iowa, California and Illinois.