Latest KFF Health News Stories
How A Democrat Who’s Against Abortion Became Clinton’s VP Pick
Tim Kaine’s personal beliefs on abortion are in contrast with Hillary Clinton’s and the Democratic platform. But it’s his actions that have assuaged any fears from abortion rights groups. “He’s been not only a solid vote but really an ally,” Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards says.
Clinton Veep Pick Tim Kaine Bolstered Mental Health System After Va. Tech Shooting
As a Democratic senator and governor, Tim Kaine has backed the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid expansion and better access to mental health treatment for people in crisis.
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Congressman Decries Olympus’ Failure To Warn U.S. Hospitals About Tainted Scopes
U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) renews his call for tightened laws that would force manufacturers to notify the Food and Drug Administration when they issue safety warnings in other countries related to the design and cleaning of their devices.
Some Seniors Surprised To Be Automatically Enrolled In Medicare Advantage Plans
Concerns raised as health insurers automatically move members of their marketplace or individual plans who are eligible for Medicare.
Warning: Government Listing Of Clinical Trials Doesn’t Disclose Costs To Patients
Some clinics on NIH’s website charge people to participate in testing of unproven treatments — and it can come as a surprise to unsuspecting patients.
Kentucky And Feds Near Possible Collision On Altering Medicaid Expansion
By Aug. 1, Republican Gov. Matt Bevin is expected to ask the Obama administration to approve significant changes on many Medicaid enrollees, including monthly premiums and a work requirement.
Gov’t Task Force Finds Evidence Lacking to Support Visual Skin Cancer Screenings
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concluded that insufficient evidence exists regarding the benefits and harms of visual skin cancer exams.
Para muchos en la creciente comunidad latina de Baltimore, el cuidado de salud es un desafío
Los latinos, con o sin seguro, enfrentan muchos desafíos cuando se trata de encontrar cuidado médico.
Viewpoints: Trials Of Pro-Life Democrats; ‘Wake-Up Call’ On Drug-Resistant Superbug
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Texas, Colorado, Minnesota, California and Georgia.
Colorado ERs, Poison Control See Spike In Cases Of Kids Exposed Marijuana: Report
Medical personnel had expected more such cases when the state legalized recreational use of the drug, but “we were not prepared for the dramatic increase,” according Dr. Genie E. Roosevelt, a the senior author of the study published in JAMA Pediatrics.
Children With Disabilities Or Serious Illness Are Moving Into Limelight To Be Advocates
With better care often extending lives, many children can speak out as they grow older. Also, a study explores how patients’ observations about their health is frequently right.
Bystander Effect Of The Modern Age: Cries For Help Falling Into Social Media Abyss
Options are limited when a social media contact posts a message that sounds a lot like someone with a mental illness asking for help. But often, it’s simply ignored. In other public health news, sometimes cancer is genetic and sometimes it all just comes down to chance.
Silent Epidemic: Older Americans With Addiction Forsaken As Opioid Crisis Grips Nation
The many ramifications of the opioid epidemic on older adults range from a lack of beds in treatment facilities to a generational reluctance to seek help. In other news, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is setting up a program as an alternative to jail for those convicted of nonviolent crimes related to an opioid addiction, and advocates call for jails and prisons to offer more comprehensive treatment options.
Trendy Knee Surgery May Be Fixing A Ligament That Doesn’t Even Exist
After researchers discovered a new knee ligament, a procedure to fix it gained popularity. But now experts say it’s a “leap of faith” to think the procedure does anything to help the knee — and are even questioning if the ligament exists.
Gilead’s Hep C Revenue Slips As Competition Increases And Pricing Pressure Mounts
In other news, many children who have hepatitis C are not getting treatment because they don’t realize they have the disease, and inmates file a lawsuit alleging the Tennessee Department of Correction is denying them hep C treatment because the best available medication is too expensive.
CDC: Doctors Should Screen All Pregnant Women For Zika At Every Checkup
Previously, Zika testing was only recommended for pregnant women if they or their sexual partner had traveled to an area where the virus was actively spreading, and if they showed symptoms.
Zenefits Settles With Tennessee In First Of Multiple Investigations Into Its Practices
Officials in several states are looking into the San Francisco-based company after it failed to get the necessary licenses for its sales staff to broker health insurance benefits. “Under the company’s past leadership, compliance with insurance laws and regulations was almost an afterthought,” said Julie Mix McPeak, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Arizona’s Proposal To Restart Children’s Health Program Wins Federal Approval
The state froze its participation in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in the midst of the recession in 2009. Officials say as many as 40,000 children from low- and middle-income families may gain coverage. Also, Kansas Health Institute examines Medicaid payment problems for nursing homes.