Latest KFF Health News Stories
Outlets report on health news from Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Washington, Missouri and California.
Federal Medicaid Officials Encouraging States To Use Home Care Instead Of Nursing Homes
The effort comes as states begin moving toward more home-based care. Also, consumer advocates in Alabama decry the effects of Medicaid budget cuts there.
Flint’s Federal Emergency Declaration Soon To Expire, But Much Work, Support Still Necessary
Federal, state and local officials say they remain committed to fixing Flint’s drinking water system.
Low-Cost Device To Create Artificial Airway May Reduce Preventable Battlefield Deaths
Students have invented a device, relying on a 3D printer, that would pump air into the lungs of someone whose airway is obstructed — a condition that is attributed to 10 to 15 percent of preventable battlefield deaths.
3.7M Patients’ Information Potentially Exposed In Banner Health Breach
The health system, which has locations in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming, says it has hired a computer forensics firm, contacted law enforcement officials and is taking steps to prevent further attacks. Meanwhile a urology group in Ohio is scrambling to assess the damage from a possible attack.
Taxpayers May Be On Hook For $1.8M Over State’s Planned Parenthood Fight
After a Wisconsin measure related to admitting privileges for doctors who perform abortions was deemed unconstitutional, Planned Parenthood is seeking attorney fees from the state. In other news, the Texas Department of State Health Services is holding a public hearing on a new law regulating fetal remains.
Antisocial Personality Disorder Put On Chopping Block For States Tightening Insanity Pleas
NPR’s Shots continues its report on the use of the “not guilty by reason of insanity” plea.
Fentanyl Use Increasingly To Blame In Opioid Overdose Deaths
Massachusetts, one of the few states to report overdose estimates, has had more deaths in the first half of 2016, and fentanyl was detected in two-thirds of the cases.
Microbes In Farm Dust May Provide Clue To Why Amish Children Have Fewer Cases Of Asthma
A study in The New England Journal of Medicine finds that close contact with animals may help protect against asthma.
Outdated Treatments Could Fill Gaps Where Cutting-Edge Immunotherapy Stumbles
Immunotherapy works by preventing tumors from disabling the immune system’s killer T cells. But if no T cells are swarming the tumor in the first place, the drugs don’t help. That’s where chemotherapy or radiation can come in. Also in the news are studies on sickle cell, sleep, heart disease, UTIs and more.
Gilead Strikes Back At Complaints That Its Drug Pricing Is Straining Payers’ Budgets
Meanwhile, news outlets also report on how the pharmaceutical industry is facing a strong challenge with a California ballot initiative while the Biogen buyout buzz is causing ripples in the Massachusetts biotech community.
A Look At Presidential Candidates’ Plans For Medicare, Social Security
NewsHour examines what could be in store for two key benefits programs. Also, the new Medicare rule for hospital payments again targets high readmissions rates.
Rush For Louisiana’s Medicaid Expansion Signals Broad Health Care Needs
The outpouring of sign-ups after the state expanded its Medicaid program in June have surprised even the staunchest supporters. Experts say the flood of new, low-income patients shows just how great the need is in Republican-run states that have fought the health law.
Humana Scales Back From Obamacare Exchanges
The health insurer announced it will pull out of nearly 1,200 counties around the country. Meanwhile, despite this news, the company announced better-than-expected earnings.
Pentagon Confirms 33 Zika Infections Among Active-Duty Service Members Since January
The number includes one pregnant woman. Meanwhile, New York’s attorney general cracks down on Zika scams, chastising anyone who is exploiting people’s fears “just to make a buck.”
Zika Vaccine Now Being Tested On Humans
Officials previously thought it would be at this stage in September, but researchers beat that prediction.
Funds For Zika Could Be Depleted By End Of August, Administration Warns
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell sends a letter to lawmakers detailing how the money has been spent, while calling for additional resources. Meanwhile, Republicans and Democrats continue to point fingers over who is to blame for the funding impasse.
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Can I Afford To Keep My Doctor?
Covered California says most consumers can avoid double-digit premium hikes next year if they shop around. But will enrollees be willing to switch plans if it means having to change doctors?
Campaign For Universal Health Care In Colorado Seeks Bernie Sanders’ Help
An initiative on the state’s November ballot would establish a single-payer health plan. Supporters hope to lure Sanders to help get out the vote.