Latest KFF Health News Stories
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Experimental Marijuana Treatments; Assisted Dying; The Burden On Patients
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Outlets report on health news from Tennessee, Florida, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Oregon.
Florida Changes Medicaid Policy To Provide Costly Hepatitis Drugs To Patients Earlier
The change comes after three groups filed suit alleging that the old policy violated patient rights. Also in the news, North Carolina sends its proposal for revamping its Medicaid program to federal officials for review and a shortfall in Kansas tax receipts raises fears of more cuts to Medicaid.
Smartphone App Empowers ‘Citizen Responders’ To Report Cardiac Emergencies In Seattle
Local medical and fire department officials want 15,000 to download the PulsePoint CPR app that allows bystanders to report a cardiac arrest happening nearby. In other information technology news, Politico interviews Karen DeSalvo, the White House’s point person on digitizing health care.
Med Student Finds Strength In Not Hiding Her Mental Illness
Medical schools often struggle with finding the balance when it comes to mental health. One woman, when applying, was advised not to show “any kind of weakness,” but instead she chose to be upfront about her struggles.
Teen Pregnancy Rate Drops To Historic Low
Experts cite a range of factors, including less sex, positive peer influence and more consistent use of birth control. In other public health news, NPR-Truven Health Analytics Health poll, 1 in 4 Americans reports having had a concussion.
Why 2016 Has Anti-Abortion Advocates Celebrating For Fifth Year In A Row
This year, 14 states have passed about 30 laws adding limitations to women trying to obtain abortions. But this success isn’t new. In total, the past five years account for a quarter of all abortion restrictions enacted since the Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973.
Bon Secours Launches Richmond Insurance Network; Georgia Network In Dispute With UnitedHealthcare
News outlets also report on the progress health insurance mega-mergers are having with state and federal regulators, what human resources executives think about the future of employer-sponsored insurance and a move by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield to expand the reach of its Omnia plans.
Will One Nonprofit Hospital’s Move To Stop Suing Poor Patients For Unpaid Bills Start A Trend?
In other news, The Wall Street Journal reports National Institutes of Health doctors are protesting a shake-up at the agency’s renowned hospital and the Los Angeles Times reports on scope-related deaths at a Pasadena hospital.
From $4.5 Billion To $0: Theranos Founder’s Net Worth Bottoms Out, Forbes Estimates
Forbes magazine estimates that Elizabeth Holmes’ stake in her own company is “essentially worth nothing.” The blood-testing startup has been plagued with difficulties in the past year, which have caused the value to drop.
Jawbone Rot And Snapping Thighbones: Rare Side Effects Scare Women Away From Beneficial Drugs
Patients have been abandoning traditional osteoporosis drugs because they are terrified of the side effects associated with them. Doctors and researchers, however, say those are extremely rare and are frustrated that many bone fractures could be avoided if the fear factor surrounding the drugs wasn’t so pervasive.
An Expedia.com For Prescription Drugs?
New apps and services offer consumers a way to compare prescription drug prices to find the best value, something most people just aren’t doing, even with skyrocketing costs. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies have found a new way to tap into a lucrative demographic through comic books.
Senators Push HHS To Allow Doctors To Treat More Patients With Addiction Treatment Medication
The group of lawmakers urges the Department of Health and Human Services to raise the number of patients a doctor can treat for opioid addiction with buprenorphine from 200 to 500. Meanwhile, New Hampshire Public Radio profiles a former addict who is now helping others struggling with substance abuse.
FDA Unveils New Sodium Guidelines: ‘The Deck Has Been Stacked Against’ Consumers
“The majority of sodium intake comes from processed and prepared foods, not the saltshaker,” the agency says in new voluntary guidelines, which set targets for a gradual reduction in sodium across a range of food categories for both manufactured and restaurant products.
La. Hospitals, Fearing Budget Cuts, Welcome Medicaid Expansion
Thousands of people are expected to sign up for Medicaid under the expansion, which is part of the federal health law. Hospitals, especially those that serve low-income residents, are hoping that will help cut their costs for providing uncompensated care.
Insurers Request 2017 Obamacare Rate Hikes
Meanwhile, House Republicans and the Obama administration are at odds over subpoenas.
Medicaid Can Pay For Mosquito Repellent, Condoms In Effort To Curb Zika
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sent the guidance to states to clarify how money could be used to fight the virus. In other news, underlying issues with Texas women’s access to health care could complicate its efforts against Zika, and Florida’s governor wrote a letter to President Barack Obama warning of a “disaster” if funding isn’t approved.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Death Talk Is Cool At This Festival
How to make thinking about death less somber? Hold a festival! Indianapolis did. Through art, film and book talks, residents explored everything from bucket lists to advance directives and cremation.