Latest KFF Health News Stories
Scientists Call For DNA From Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer
The request is part of an expansive project to shine a spotlight on the type of cancer that activists say has not been studied enough. Meanwhile, cancer researchers are flocking to an Ohio database which holds detailed information on cancer patients from around the country, and a new questionnaire might help determine if cancer patients are feeling extreme financial stress from their treatments.
Special Report: Baltimore’s Other Divide
Reporters from Kaiser Health News and the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism spent much of the fall in and around Sandtown-Winchester, a Baltimore neighborhood where violence flared last year after Freddie Gray was fatally injured in police custody. Residents say they have little more confidence in the medical system intended to heal them than in the criminal justice system intended to protect them.
Despite Payment Cuts, Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollments Rise More Than 50 Percent
The trend bucks experts who predicted that the private plans would be gutted by the health law measure that cut payments to the private insurance programs. In other Obamacare news, 2016 sign-ups fall short of estimates made in 2010 and delayed tax forms are confusing consumers.
After Scalia’s Death, Health Care Cases Hang In Balance
The Supreme Court is set to hear several health care cases, including ones on abortion, insurers, and the health care law. If the court is split 4-4, the decision of the lower court is upheld.
Personal Attacks Ramp Up At Rowdy GOP Debate
At the contentious Republican debate on Saturday night, Gov. John Kasich defended his Medicaid expansion, which is a common theme for his campaign. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton says Bernie Sanders’ health care plan — the cost of which left-leaning economists are questioning — would lead to consumers having to give up their insurance.
First Edition: February 16, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
In Freddie Gray’s Neighborhood, The Best Medical Care Is Close But Elusive
Last year’s Baltimore unrest highlighted deep distrust between police and poor African-Americans. Dozens of interviews and little-seen data show a similar gap between that community and the city’s renowned health system.
Video: Baltimore Hospitals Work To Repair Frayed Trust In Black Communities
The neighborhoods where people live and work often determine their health. Nowhere is that more true than in West Baltimore.
Quest For Blood Pressure Cuff Highlights Inequality
For a West Baltimore woman, buying a blood pressure cuff means hours on the road.
At Clinic, Poverty Magnifies Health Problems
Staff see high rates of chronic illness and mental health issues related to trauma.
Hospital Trying To Win Community’s Trust
Bon Secours is dealing with patients who are sicker than those in other Baltimore hospitals.
Delay Of New Health Law Forms May Confuse Some Taxpayers
Employers, insurers and government health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid are required to send taxpayers a form showing whether they provided health care but the government has pushed back the deadline for the forms.
Map: In Poor Baltimore Neighborhoods, Life Expectancy Similar to Developing Countries
In Sandtown, where Freddie Gray lived and the median household income is less than a quarter of Roland Park’s, the life expectancy is 70 years. That matches the average life expectancy in North Korea, an impoverished dictatorship where millions suffer from chronic undernourishment, according to the United Nations.
Viewpoints: For Sanders And Clinton, More Sparring Over Health Care; Autism As A Campaign Issue
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Vaccines For Children Program; Employer Health Plan Differences
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health issues Wisconsin, Kansas, Kentucky, California, Ohio, Nebraska, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Montana.
Baptist Health, Memorial Sloan Kettering Announce Miami Cancer Center Partnership
In more state hospital news, Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis will test patient care in its new, 21-bed neurological wing; and the recently installed New Carolinas CEO Eugene “Gene” Woods offers his thoughts on the future of health care.
Iowa Senate Approves Bill That Would Stop The Transfer Of Medicaid To Managed Care Plans
The measure, however, is not expected to get any traction in the Iowa House.
VA Stands By Limited Agent Orange Benefits Policy
Compensation has been turned down again for Navy veterans who served off the coast of Vietnam, who advocates say were exposed because their ships sucked in potentially contaminated water.
Why Eliminating Zika Mosquito Species Is ‘Guerrilla Warfare’
Because of its habits — such as hiding at night — the species of mosquito that carries Zika and other viruses is particularly hard to kill. Meanwhile, a research hospital in Texas has signed an agreement with Brazil to develop a vaccine, NIH officials say a vaccine might be ready to test by summer, and the CDC reports that two women who were infected while traveling have had miscarriages.