Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Indiana School Superintendent Who Allegedly Used Own Insurance To Cover Sick Student Facing Felony Fraud Charges

Morning Briefing

Elwood Community Schools Superintendent Casey Smitherman grew concerned about a student who didn’t show up for school. When she found him ill, she took him to a clinic to get an antibiotics prescription. The total bill for the treatment was $233. “From the beginning, my ultimate goal has been to provide the best environment for Elwood students’ growth physically, mentally and academically, and I remain focused on that purpose,” Smitherman said. She is being put on a pretrial diversion program, and the charges may be expunged from her record.

Getting Creative During Shutdown: FDA Could Keep Reviewing Drugs If Agency Argues It’s Essential To Saving Lives

Morning Briefing

During a government shutdown, agencies that don’t have federal funding can only do work that’s necessary to protect lives or property. Experts suggest that even if the FDA’s reserves run dry, the agency can continue to review drugs because certain medical treatments are necessary to people’s health. In other shutdown news: food insecurity, wildfires, and a possible light at the end of the tunnel.

Eating Fried Foods Linked To Heart Disease, Earlier Deaths In Women Over 50

Morning Briefing

Increased risk of premature death was 12 percent higher for once-a-week consumption. Because more than a third of adults reportedly eat at fast food restaurants where fried foods take center stage, nutritionists suggest lowering intake. Nutrition news also looks at problems with popular diets and hypertension when you’re younger.

There Were Horrified Researchers Who Knew About Scientist’s Embryo Gene-Editing Plans, But They Had Nowhere To Turn

Morning Briefing

The gene-editing work conducted on human embryos by one person sent shockwaves through the field. Although researchers don’t agree what the next steps forward should be, most say there needs to be something done to stop rogue scientists. In other public health news: the flu, medical tourism, spinal fractures, blood pressure medication, climate change, and more.

As Families Scramble To Find Good Treatment Programs During Opioid Epidemic, Addiction Specialists Offer Guidelines

Morning Briefing

Families often don’t know where to get help for addictions that killed 130 people a day in 2017. Two groups hoping to change that are piloting a national certification program. News on the national drug epidemic looks at recovery high schools and the “death certificate program,” as well.

Trump Administration Rules Foster Program That Only Works With Heterosexual Couples Can Receive Federal Funding

Morning Briefing

“The government should not be in the business of forcing foster care providers to close their doors because of their faith,” said Lynn Johnson, HHS’s assistant secretary for children and families. Under the Obama administration, the program had been found to violate an anti-discrimination regulation.

Abortion-Rights Movement Sets Sights On State-Level Gains: ‘2019 Holds Real Promise For Progress’

Morning Briefing

While anti-abortion advocates are pivoting to focus on Senate confirmations of judicial nominees and federal rules, abortion-rights groups like NARAL Pro-Choice America and Planned Parenthood see their opening on the state level.

Trade Secrets Lawsuit Hints At How Health Industry Is Braced For New Initiative Launched By Billionaires

Morning Briefing

Optum, one of the nation’s largest health insurers, wants the courts to block one of its former executives from sharing confidential corporate information with the health venture that was launched by Amazon, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Berkshire Hathaway.

Impact Of Drug Prices In TV Ads Mitigated If Consumers Think They Could Be Eligible For Free Treatment

Morning Briefing

A new study looked at the effectiveness of the Trump administration’s proposal to require drugmakers to state prices in TV commercials. While putting the costs in did affect consumers, the impact was muted if the ad’s language suggests that some people could get the treatment for free. In other pharmaceutical news: foreign drug pricing, the controversial 340B program, negotiating powers for Medicaid, and more.

36-Year-Old Nurse Charged With Sexual Assault Of Incapacitated Woman Who Gave Birth

Morning Briefing

“From the minute we first became aware of the crime, we have virtually worked nonstop seven days a week to resolve this case,” Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said in announcing the arrest Wednesday morning. The case is just one of several high-profile assaults that have brought attention to the quality of care and protection that nursing facilities are providing.

The Heavy Toll Of Fighting The Health Law

Morning Briefing

Texas is leading the charge against the health law in courts, but it could cost the state billions. And, as of now, there doesn’t seem to be a plan in place if the Republicans win. Meanwhile, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers had to reverse course after saying he directed the state’s attorney general to withdraw from the suit.

The Ripple Effects Of The Shutdown: ACA Marketplace Instability, Native American Heath Care, And Premiums For Furloughed Workers

Morning Briefing

Media outlets look at how the continued partial government shutdown is felt across the health care industry. Insurers say rule-making delays have left them scrambling to make key decisions about future participation in the ACA’s health-insurance exchanges; funding for Native American health services dwindles; and more consequences.

Trump Targets Surprise Medical Billing As Administration Pushes For More Transparency In Health Care Pricing

Morning Briefing

“We’re going to stop all of it, and it’s very important to me,” President Donald Trump said during a health care roundtable. Surprise billing — the practice of charging patients for care that is more expensive than anticipated or not covered by their insurance — has been regarded as a possible bipartisan issue a divided Congress might tackle.