Latest KFF Health News Stories
“The industry is positioning tobacco 21 as the only thing that needs to be done on tobacco prevention,” but “tobacco 21 needs to be a complement” to other measures, said John Schachter, director of state communications for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Tobacco and e-cigarette giants, who have lobbied against raising taxes on tobacco and banning flavored products popular with teens, enthusiastically back the idea of raising the smoking age. Meanwhile, Juul deploys a lobbying force at state Capitols across the country.
Public health advocates had criticized President Donald Trump’s silence in the midst of one of the country’s worst measles outbreaks in decades. Others worried that if he did speak out he’d recommend against vaccinations. Trump on Friday, however, came down adamantly in favor of kids getting their shots. In other news: hundreds of students at Los Angeles universities are quarantined over exposure fears; religious leaders urge their followers to get vaccinations; outbreaks raise questions about adult immunity; and more.
President Donald Trump at a rally this weekend once again brought up the accusation that doctors are “executing babies” following failed abortion procedures. The talk comes amid a push among conservative states to introduce legislation to stop the practice. But not only is it extremely rare for a baby to be born alive after a failed abortion, there are already laws in place that keep doctors from then killing them if they do survive. Meanwhile, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that the state’s constitution protects a woman’s right to an abortion.
When It Comes To Health Care, Americans Trust Democrats More Than Republicans, Poll Finds
A new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll finds that respondents trust Democrats over Republicans on health care, 40 percent to 23 percent. On other issues, the response is more evenly divided.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health topics and others.
Editorial pages focus on the measles outbreak.
Media outlets report on news from California, New York, Florida, Connecticut, Georgia, Washington, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Longer Looks: Addicted Physicians; Where ICE Keeps Pregnant Women; And The History Of Anti-Vaxxers
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
861,000 Fewer Children Were Covered By Medicaid In 2018, Report Finds
While Trump administration officials say that employment gains play a large role, others attribute the declines to onerous state eligibility redetermination processes and cuts in funding for enrollment education and outreach.
EPA Significantly Weakens Proposal For Cleaning Up Groundwater Pollution Caused By Toxic Chemicals
The proposed guidelines that deal with cleaning up toxic chemicals in water could have the largest effect on the Defense Department. The Pentagon has used PFAS-related chemicals extensively as a firefighting tool, and it has confirmed the release or the possible release of the chemicals at 401 locations nationwide, in some cases contaminating known drinking water supplies.
Experts say that the market fluctuations aren’t going anywhere any time soon. In other health industry news: executives’ pay, refinancing, the dental care industry, and more.
USC Medical Program Is Stripped Of National Accreditation Following Sexual Assault Scandal
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education gave no reason for its decision. USC’s medical school dean, Dr. Laura Mosqueda, said the decision was based on concerns about “resident safety and wellness processes.” The school and county were sued in 2017 by a former resident, alleging she was groped by a fellow in the program and that the incident was never properly investigated. Two other women later came forward with similar assault allegations.
FBI Raids Office, Homes Of Baltimore Mayor Amid ‘Healthy Holly’ Book Scandal
After the Thursday raids, pressure mounted for Mayor Catherine Pugh to resign as an investigation continues into her business relationship with a health care system that has financial ties to the city. She’s denied wrongdoing.
As Myths About Fatherhood In Old-Age Are Debunked, Men Are Beginning To Freeze Their Sperm
It used to be thought that people could father healthy children into their 70s and 80s, but that’s no longer accepted as the case. Now companies are swooping in to capitalize on those fears. In other public health news: food poisoning, stress, cancer, cavities, psychedelics, and more.
Patents Taking A Leading Role In War Against High Drug Prices
There’s been more and more scrutiny over how pharma companies use patents to find loopholes in anti-competition laws. Now Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) is going after a practice where companies make minor formula adjustments to prevent generic substitutions. In other pharmaceutical news: more kickback settlements, pharma-funded charities, first-quarter profits, copays and more.
“At this point, 127 staff employees and 71 student employees have been sent home under quarantine orders,” the university said in an emailed statement on Thursday evening.
Public Blame Toward Those Who Abuse Opioids Persists In Tandem With Anger At Drugmakers
According to a new poll, 63% of Americans think pharmaceutical companies are quite a bit or a great deal to blame for the problem of opioid addiction, while 58% say the same about people abusing opioids. Slightly less than half — 46% — think doctors and dentists are significantly to blame. The survey comes amid a push to hold drugmakers responsible for the epidemic through the court system.
Government Given Six Month Deadline To Locate Thousands Of Children Who Were Separated At Border
The government had asked for two years to complete the task, but U.S. Judge Dana Sabraw that it must be done quicker. “The court once again made clear that it was not prepared to put up with any delays, and that these families must be found,” said Lee Gelernt, the lead attorney in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union.
Former Vice President Joe Biden formally confirmed speculation that he would be entering the 2020 race. He hasn’t yet spoken out about “Medicare for All,” but many are left wondering which path he’ll take–go with the progressives or stick to the legislation he famously called a big deal? Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office will release a new report on single-payer health care next week.
