Latest KFF Health News Stories
Lure Of Incentives Draws Pharma Into Previously Neglected Realm Of Antibiotic Drugs
Until the past few years, big pharmaceutical companies had largely given up on new antibiotics because development can cost billions of dollars yet deliver little profit. But the U.S. is now dumping millions into helping companies develop new drugs. In other news, drugmakers see a potential new vaccine market in expectant mothers, promising ovarian cancer drugs might not help all, the new and cheaper hepatitis C drug may not be a signal of dropping prices and more from the pharmaceutical industry.
High Court To Hear Discrimination Case Over State’s Responsibility To Deaf People
The case, out of Texas, centers around a requirement that new drivers take classes. A group of people who are deaf sued the state saying it should make sure the classes have interpreters. Advocates hope a court decision will help define when a state agency is responsible for discrimination against people with disabilities.
Panel Blasts Revised Proposal Protecting Medical Research Volunteers
The National Academies of Sciences says the Obama administration’s proposed overhaul to the so-called Common Rule is “marred by omissions.” The panel says a national commission should be created and it should start from scratch on a new plan.
Hand Sanitizer Efficacy And Safety Data Gaps Concern FDA
The Food and Drug Administration wants more information about repeated exposure and use by children and pregnant women, but the agency made clear it is not saying the product is harmful yet. It is just seeking information about ingredients.
Ky. Governor’s Plan To Revamp Medicaid Expansion Panned In Second Public Hearing
Gov. Matt Bevin has argued changes are needed so that people in Medicaid have “skin in the game,” but advocates again crowded into a public hearing, where one critic of the plan said, “it will scrape a pound of flesh from Kentuckians.” Meanwhile, Florida officials settle a suit brought by pediatricians and pediatric dentists over reimbursements.
Congressional Republicans Ask Administration To Reject Calif. Request On Immigrants’ Insurance
California is asking for a federal waiver so that the state’s online insurance marketplace can sell policies to people who are in the country without proper authority. Also in the news, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., says after the presidential election, he would be happy to strike a deal with Democrats on the health law.
Officials: Studying Zika’s Sexual Transmission Risk Can’t Wait For Congress
Public health officials are borrowing money from other programs so researchers can delve into how Zika is transmitted sexually, a study that could impact millions of Americans and take years to complete. “We are going out on a limb, but we have to,” says Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Meanwhile, a new poll shows that a large majority of Americans want federal money to go toward fighting the virus.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Ga., Calif. Hospitals Sue Blue Cross Plan For Sending ER Reimbursements To Patients
The lawsuits allege that the practice costs the hospitals money because the patients often spend the funds.
As Marijuana Legalization Initiative Heads For Calif. Ballot, Health Groups Weigh In
Health experts remain divided on legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
Most Americans Want More Federal Money To Stop Zika: Poll
Almost two-thirds say federal funds should help women in Zika-affected areas get access to abortion, family planning and contraception services, a new Kaiser Family Foundation survey finds.
Viewpoints: The Price Tag Of Hospital Stays; The Politics Of Zika Are Spreading
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On The High Court’s Texas Abortion Decision
Editorial and opinion writers examine the Supreme Court ruling as well as some of the dynamics on the court.
Perspectives On Drug Costs: The Price Of Surviving Cancer
Editorial and opinion writers offer their takes on drug-cost issues.
How New Drugs Are Creating A Class Of Millionaire Doctors And Scientists
News outlets report on the pharmaceutical drug industry.
Analysis: For Drugmakers Looking To Cozy Up To Doctors, Hospital Location And Owner Matters
ProPublica found that those in the industry looking to use the “food, friendship and flattery” method on doctors have more success in the South and at for-profit hospitals. Meanwhile, FiercePharma looks at the other side of the coin — when it’s the patients who receive gifts.
Outlets report on health news from Wisconsin, Texas, Georgia, Ohio and Missouri.
Ga. Company Wins Approval To Open Mental Hospital
News outlets also report on other hospital-related developments in Georgia as well as Texas.
Marijuana Initiative Officially On Ballot In California
The initiative would allow adults ages 21 and older to possess, transport and use up to an ounce of cannabis for recreational purposes and would allow individuals to grow as many as six plants. In other news, a judge in Illinois rules that the state must add PTSD to the list of diseases eligible for medical marijuana treatment, arrest rates for young Latinos and African-Americans has risen in Colorado despite marijuana being legal for adults and a group of doctors in Maryland want to study its benefits further.
Advocates Slam Governor’s Plan To Overhaul Kentucky’s Medicaid Expansion
About 150 people came out to complain at the first hearing on Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposal to scale back Kentucky’s Medicaid expansion, which helped drop the state’s uninsured rate to 7.5 percent from 20 percent. Bevin, a Republican who took office in December, says the state can’t afford the costs. Another Southern state, Georgia, is also wrestling with the issue of expansion.