Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Viewpoints: Congress’ Dithering On Zika; Fixing Medicare Drug Spending; Doctor Pay
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On Drug Costs: Are Prices Actually Too Low?
Editorial and opinion writers offer their take on drug-cost issues.
Former Valeant CEO Gets $9M In Severance, Will Stay On As $83K-A-Month Consultant
News outlets report on the pharmaceutical drug industry.
State Highlights: La. Budget Woes Endanger Doctor Training Programs; Kansas Passes Major Health Laws
Outlets report on health news from Louisiana, Kansas, Colorado, Tennessee, Florida, New York, Texas and New Hampshire.
Contract Expires Between Minnesota Nurses And Twin Cities’ Largest Health System, Allina
In its final offer during renewal negotiations, Allina Health says the Minnesota Nurses Association must give up its union-backed health plans and accept the less expensive ones offered to other employees. The nurses are scheduled to vote on June 6 whether to accept the deal or strike.
St. Louis Establishes Drug Monitoring Program
The program creates a database where pharmacies and other drug providers report prescriptions on a daily basis. In other news, a woman pleads guilty to fraud charges over dislocating her shoulder to obtain painkillers, and KHN explains the best way to get rid of unused prescription drugs.
Arizona Measles Outbreak: Health Officials Predict Uptick In Cases
There have been 11 confirmed so far, but officials say, “there has been significant [potential] exposure at public places.”
N.J. Counties Due $37 Million From State Because Of Medicaid Overpayments, Congressman Says
Rep. Bill Pascrell says federal officials have informed the state about the overpayments, which came during the recent recession. Gov. Chris Christie’s administration plans to appeal. Outlets also report on concerns about rising Medicaid costs for hepatitis C treatments and other developments in North Carolina and Ohio.
No Smoking Gun In Rare Rise In Americans’ Death Rate, Researchers Say
CDC’s report shows the an increase in U.S. deaths for the first time in a decade. Although scientists say it could be a fluke, they say they are surprised by the trend. “We are not accustomed to seeing death rates increase on a national scale,” said Andrew Fenelon, a researcher at the CDC.
Conspiracy Theories, Myths And Rumors: How Misinformation Can Sabotage Fight Against Zika
Researchers worry that misinformation — or as one scientist calls it, “the lifeblood of epidemics” — about the virus, especially as it is amplified via social media, can undermine efforts to curb an outbreak. Meanwhile, a woman from Honduras has given birth to the first baby in the continental U.S. to have Zika-linked birth defects.
How To Pay For Long-Term Care? Most Americans Surveyed Not Confident They Can
Confusion over what Medicare covers and beliefs that such services will not be needed have led many to forgo setting aside money for long-term care, an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll finds.