Latest KFF Health News Stories
“When we beat President Trump and Mitch McConnell walks into the Oval Office to do negotiations, who do you want when that door closes to fight for women’s rights?” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) asked during the second night of the Democratic debate. While she didn’t name former Vice President Joe Biden, her rival has gotten flak in recent weeks over his position on the Hyde amendment.
On the second night of the 2020 Democratic debates only Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) raised their hands when asked if they would get rid of private insurance in favor of “Medicare for All.” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said she supported Sanders’ plan, but added the stipulation that there would need to be a transition period built in. Others on stage, including former Vice President Joe Biden, championed universal care, but wouldn’t abolish the private insurance industry to get there.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Media outlets report on news from New York, Michigan, North Carolina, California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Delaware, Arizona, Virginia, Missouri, Massachusetts and Maine.
Researchers worry that hate speech spread on social media is having an impact. “We count on the narrative that young people are more progressive and tolerant,” John Gerzema, CEO of The Harris Poll, told USA Today. “These numbers are very alarming and signal a looming social crisis in discrimination.” Also in public health news today: the sober movement, stem cells, and the growing phenomenon of retired people still taking care of their parents.
The decision comes several weeks after the company recalled 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play inclined sleepers because that product was associated with more than 30 baby deaths. No deaths or injuries have been attributed to the product recalled Thursday, but the company cited “safety concerns raised about inclined sleep products.” Consumer advocates and pediatricians have called for a ban on inclined sleep products.
Abortion Rates Spike 40% In Parts Of Africa When U.S. ‘Global Gag Rule’ Is In Effect
From Donald Trump to Ronald Reagan, recent Republican presidents have all prohibited U.S. financial aid from going to overseas organizations unless they promise not to “perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning.” Comparing data in 26 sub-Saharan African nations during those presidencies against the Clinton and Obama administrations — when the so-called “Mexico City Policy” was not in effect — researchers founds that the rule led to more abortions and pregnancies as well as lower contraceptive use. Abortion news also comes from Missouri, Kentucky and other states.
Editorial pages weigh in on these health care topics and others.
Research Roundup: Home Care; Opioids; And Medicare Data
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from Michigan, Mississippi, Virginia, Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Minnesota,
With the emotional testimony from Oklahoma mental health Commissioner Terri White, Oklahoma for the most part wrapped up its case against Johnson & Johnson. Other news on the opioid epidemic is on the legitimacy of Insys’ bankruptcy filing, the effectiveness of Kratom, and a potential vaccine for addiction, as well.
Eli Baden-Lasar talks about his discovery that he has 32 half-siblings that he knows about. Meanwhile, thanks to do-it-yourself genetic testing, the era of anonymity in sperm donation is passing by.
Louisiana will pay a flat fee for unlimited access to very expensive hepatitis C medication for five years, and will be able to treat as many people as it can, rather than pay a per-patient drug price. The deal allows the state to potentially eradicate the disease in a short time while maintaining a stable budget by spreading the cost over several years.
If nothing is done before tomorrow, the state could, for at least a short amount of time, become the first in the nation without a clinic performing abortions. A judge tossed the case over to an administrative panel, which decides cases related to state agencies on more than 100 issues, including professional licensing. Abortion news also comes out of Texas, Arkansas and Kentucky.
The bill, which Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) worked on with Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), addresses a sweeping array of health care topics from prescription drugs to surprise medical bills. The package also includes a bill from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to raise the age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21.
The topic of gun violence dominated a decent amount of time during the first night of the debates, a sign that it could play a major role in the race. It shows the shifting tides of the gun control movement that was invigorated after the Parkland shooting. While Sen. Elizabeth Warren played it cautiously, Sen. Cory Booker took a firmer stance.
Once-Hidden Database Reveals Millions Of Injuries, Deaths Caused By Medical Device Malfunctions
After two decades of keeping it hidden, the FDA published a database online, revealing 5.7 million medical device malfunctions and injuries publicly for the first time. KHN dives into the newly public reports. In other Trump administration news: EPA’s air pollution chief resigns; challenges with setting air quality measures; and how new China tariffs would impact the medical-supply industry.
Ex-USC Gynecologist George Tyndall Arrested On Sexual Assault Charges Against Student Patients
For over a year the Los Angeles police investigated allegations from hundreds of women who say that Dr. George Tyndall sexually abused or harassed them while treating them at the University of Southern California’s student health center between 2009 and 2016. Tyndall resigned in 2017 after the university’s internal investigation.
Unconventional ‘Therapy’: Mental Health Pros Use Pithy Instagram Posts To Reach Young Adults
Mental health professionals are speaking to the “therapy generation” through social media platforms. And it’s bringing in business, The New York Times reports. And while less intentional, anonymous customer service reps are increasingly finding themselves conducting listening sessions.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would force hospitals and insurers to be more transparent about their prices. But a look at New Hampshire, which has the oldest and most comprehensive transparency laws in the country, reveals a more complicated outcome. In other hospital news: how systems profit from the poor they’re supposed to serve, drug shortages, and the struggles of rural hospitals.
