Latest KFF Health News Stories
Politically Charged Air Travel Ban Becomes Latest Tool In Public Health Officials’ War On Measles
Though less restrictive than isolation or quarantine, the public health measure to keep people who are infected with measles off airplanes “is seen as a government using its power over the people and the states, which is kind of toxic in America right now,” said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health policy at Georgetown University. But as cases continue to climb across the country, public health officials are using the options they have to combat the outbreak.
Surveys have found that most common reason the women gave for wanting an abortion was they couldn’t afford to support a child. Women are speaking out across the country about their own reasons as states move to restrict abortion rights. And the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is imposing a travel ban on Alabama as a response to its restrictive legislation.
The legislation was held up over conflicts with the White House over money for the border and Puerto Rico. Although the House has left for a one-week recess, the legislation could theoretically be approved on a voice vote as soon as Friday.
Reps. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) and Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) both talked on the campaign trail about giving Medicare negotiating powers as a way to curb high drug prices. Now, in Congress, they appear to have backpedaled their positions. Meanwhile, the spat between President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi jeopardizes a potential deal on drug pricing. And Colorado caps the costs of insulin.
Connecticut Poised To Consider Public Option That Supporters Say Will Cut Premiums By 20%
Under the legislation, the state would form an advisory committee with experts, consumer advocates and state officials, and the group to develop network criteria and provider reimbursement rates to guarantee a 20% premium savings compared to plan rates in 2020. Washington state passed a similar proposal earlier this month, and several other states are considering public options.
The highly anticipated health care package from Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) contained more than 30 specific ideas on how to drive down health care costs including measures on surprise medical bills, pharmacy benefits managers, hospitals’ “gag clauses,” and other consumer protections. The surprise medical bills, in particular, have garnered much attention in recent months, as a rare bipartisan issue Republicans and Democrats both see as a win.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages feature opinions on “Medicare for All,” vaccines, prejudice in medicine, the opioid epidemic, depression and more.
Opinion writers examine the complexities of abortion rights and other women’s health issues.
Research Roundup: Employer Insurance; Child Abuse; And Health Workers
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
The Trump administration struggles to make headway against the fentanyl-driven opioid epidemic, with public health experts pointing to the need for more resources and an investment that matches the sheer scale of the crisis. President Donald Trump inherited the thorny issue from President Barack Obama who had missteps, as well.
Following last year’s shooting at Santa Fe High School, Texas lawmakers have focused on increasing school security rather than adding restrictions to gun ownership. Gun safety news comes out of Ohio as well.
Bill Targets Hospital ‘Gag Clauses’ Designed To Keep People From Opting For Less Expensive Treatment
The legislation from Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) is part of a larger congressional push to chip away at practices that increase health care costs across the industry. Meanwhile, KHN offers a look at what Congress may be doing about surprise medical bills over the next few months.
Potential Wearable Device Could Discern Others’ Emotions Based On The Sound Of Their Voice
It’s unclear how far along the project is, or if it will ever become a commercial device, but the concept is likely to add fuel to the debate about the amount and type of personal data scooped up by technology giants. In other health and technology news: electronic health records, information blocking and patient privacy, and a behind-the-scenes look at artificial intelligence that can detect cancer.
The legislation would give the final deciding authority to a state public health official instead. State Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) proposed the bill after seeing ads for doctors who were willing to write exemptions. Meanwhile, Maine has become the 25th state to report a confirmed case of measles.
As Room Temperature Rises, So Do Women’s Math And Verbal Scores
The study looks at the difference in women’s productivity while working in environments that have been calibrated to men’s bodies. In other public health news, concussions, transgender athletes, sunscreen, mental health, parenting, and more.
Verma: There Need To Be ‘Serious Discussions’ On How To Pay Sky-High Costs Of Innovative Drugs
CMS Administrator Seema Verma says that the extremely expensive treatments are unlike anything the agency’s dealt with in the past, and there needs to be a way to handle such high costs. But she vehemently shot down the idea that Medicare should have negotiating power over drug prices. In other pharmaceutical news: insulin prices, FDA approvals, microbiome drugs, and more.
A report from Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Rep. Hal Rogers (R.-Ky.) points to evidence that pharmaceutical companies who profited from the increased prescribing of opioids influenced the World Health Organization into endorsing use of the drugs across the globe. “The web of influence we uncovered, combined with the WHO’s recommendations, paints a picture of a public health organization that has been manipulated by the opioid industry,” the congressional report claims.
HUD Proposal Would Roll Back Protections For Transgender Homeless People
Shelters would be allowed to consider a person’s sex or gender identification in the decision over whether they are admitted. HUD said the proposal would give more leeway to shelter providers on the admission of people who “may misrepresent their sex.”
The House Budget Committee hearing tried to focus on the potential costs of popular “Medicare for All” type proposals. Congressional Budget Office experts erred more toward caveats and broad predictions than definitive answers though.
