Latest KFF Health News Stories
How A Group Of Small-Town Locals In Colorado Banded Together To Successfully Fight High Premiums
Residents of Summit County, Colorado, were fed-up with high health care costs, so they formed an alliance that might actually lower their premiums 20 percent for next year. The Colorado Sun has their story. Other news from the health industry focuses on who will take a hit from automation in the industry.
Despite billions spent on research, Alzheimer’s remains a stubbornly prevalent disease with no effective prevention or treatment. But documents obtained by The Washington Post reveal a discovery by Pfizer researchers that its blockbuster arthritis drug may have potential against dementia. The company never shared the data, nor did it launch a trial to test the results.
The ethical question received attention in recent months following the announcement that a Chinese scientist had gene-edited human embryos. A study this week found that the work he did would have a chance of shortening the twins’ life-span.
The health hub format includes an employee with the title of “care concierge” who directs customers to health services such as a nutritionist or nurse practitioner. Other services include screenings for sleep apnea and opthalmology issues related to diabetes. In other news, CVS is facing the skeptical U.S. District Judge Richard Leon for a hearing over its deal with Aetna.
Veterans Are Warned That ‘A Few Hiccups’ Are Expected As VA Implements Expanded Privatized Care
The VA rolls out changes this week from the MISSION Act, which expands the number of veterans who qualify for private care that is eligible for reimbursement. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie promises that, while there might be some glitches, his team is ready for the challenges of implementing the expansion.
Media outlets report on congressional moves on issues as wide-ranging as community health centers and doctor training programs and pandemics.
Only three Republican delegates who supported Medicaid expansion will face challengers in upcoming primaries, despite a fierce campaign by a conservative group to oust them. Other Medicaid news comes out of Iowa and Wisconsin, as well.
Former CDC Chief Pleads Guilty To Disorderly Conduct Violation
The charge against Dr. Thomas Frieden stems from accusations that he grabbed an acquaintance’s buttocks in his Brooklyn home. The violation to which he pleaded guilty is not considered a crime. He did not admit guilt in the groping allegation.
There was little action expected out of a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing, but lawmakers debated recent abortion laws in both red and blue states.
Doctors From Missouri’s Last-Remaining Abortion Clinic Won’t Have To Testify At Trial, Judge Rules
On Saturday, the state served subpoenas to four doctors and physician trainees who worked at the Planned Parenthood clinic, compelling their testimony in court. In his ruling, Judge Michael Stelzer said because of the limited scope of the hearing the testimony of the four doctors would not be relevant to the issues before the court. The hearing starts this morning.
House’s ‘Medicare For All’ Plan Picks Up Its Highest-Ranking Democrat Yet
Assistant House Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) is the No. 4 House Democrat and a close ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). “Despite the incredible progress we’ve made because of the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion, we continue to see Americans crushed by the health insurance industry, and health care remains a right that far too many New Mexicans and far too many Americans struggle to gain,” Luján said in support of the “Medicare for All” plan. Meanwhile, the House Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing on the proposal next week.
Perspectives: Novartis Fell Victim To Human Nature When Putting A $2.1M Price Tag On New Treatment
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health issues and others health issues.
Media outlets report on news from Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maine, California, North Carolina, Connecticut, Texas, Kentucky, Missouri, Arizona, Louisiana, Ohio and Minnesota.
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment concluded there was no significant risk from acrylamide, a potentially carcinogenic chemical created during roasting.
While no one is keeping an exact count on how often the mix up takes place, more people are reporting their donor had a medical history they never would have chosen. Health officials question if better regulation of an industry that supports thousands of artificial inseminations a year is necessary. Public health news focuses on sleep’s healing powers, parents’ social media photos, online monitoring, antibiotic prescriptions, new NAS code of conduct, mothers’ health, animal studies and nurses’ PTSD.
Health officials say a loss in the prized status gained in 2000 could mean larger outbreaks in the future that could overwhelm health departments. Other news on the measles epidemic is on new cases and religious exemptions.
The mutation protects people from HIV infections but leaves them susceptible to other negative health effects. “This is a lesson in humility,” says George Daley, the dean of the Harvard Medical School.
