Latest KFF Health News Stories
Recently released court documents have revealed the strategy behind Purdue Pharma’s strategy to flood the marketplace with its painkiller, including the decision to partner with Massachusetts General Hospital, Tufts University, and other academic institutions. The decision by the facilities to take money from the company raised eyebrows among ethics experts in the field. “My first reaction was kind of ‘yikes,’” said Genevieve Kanter, as assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania. News on the opioid crisis comes out of Ohio, D.C., and Massachusetts, as well.
Both Sides Of The Abortion Battle Are Taking Their Fight To The States This Year
The Associated Press offers a look at some of the notable bills across the country. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood asks a judge to repeal Wisconsin laws that make it harder for women, especially in rural areas, to get an abortion.
Drug Pricing Firmly At Center Stage On Capitol Hill As Divided Congress Kicks Off New Session
There’s been a flurry of movement and discussions this week about the issue, which many say will be one of the few bipartisan issues that the divided Congress can tackle in the next two years.
Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), the new chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce health subcommittee, said she wasn’t ready to make a value judgment on whether “Medicare for All” is a good idea, but that she wants to learn more about the different plans that are out there.
“The FDA made it really clear that the responsibility for food safety lies with the companies,” said Catherine Donnelly, a professor at the University of Vermont. “They just have responsibility for oversight and determining whether there are violations.” But other experts say that especially pregnant women or children with an immune deficiency might want to avoid taking any risks.
A Whopper Of A Report: Only One Burger A Week Is Best For Your Health And The Planet
The study in Lancet recommending a plant-based diet comes from nutrition, agriculture and environmental experts recommending a “Great Food Transformation” by 2050. But is it really best for us, some nutritionists ask. Other nutrition news focuses on upping protein intake by seniors.
First Edition: January 17, 2019
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers focus on these health care topics and others.
Media outlets offer news from Washington, Iowa, Florida, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Georgia, California, Ohio, Massachusetts and Wisconsin.
Maryland’s New Red Flag Law Is Saving Lives In Fight Against Gun Violence, Police Say
At least nine states have adopted a law allowing family members and friends to request court orders preventing people from having guns. In Maryland, police say it’s already working.
New Legislation About Drug Trials Offers Hope For Children With Incurable Cancers
The U.S. is set to begin testing drugs on children, a step researchers say many drugmakers skipped because it was risky and costly. “It is an incredibly exciting time,” said Crystal Mackall, a pediatric-cancer researcher. “We have lots of drug companies who want to speak with us suddenly.” Other public health news focuses on a new breast cancer treatment; hemp-derived product regulations; access to dental treatments; killings of transgender people; LGBTQ communities facing bias; exercise’s role during dementia and more.
UnitedHealth, Largest U.S. Health Insurer, Beats Expectations For Fourth-Quarter Profits
UnitedHealth says higher-than-expected medical costs in the fourth quarter of 2018 were limited to states for which it manages their Medicaid benefits.
Walmart Expected To Drop CVS Prescription Drug Coverage Due To Reimbursements Dispute
CVS said that Walmart is seeking an increase in what the retailer gets paid for prescriptions, which would “ultimately result in higher costs for our clients and consumers.” But a person familiar with Walmart’s position said Walmart didn’t ask CVS to increase the amount it pays the retailer when shoppers fill a prescription, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Long Battle Over Burn Pits’ Negative Health Effects To Veterans Ends As Supreme Court Passes On Case
The giant military contractor responsible for the burn pits successfully argued in lower courts that it was acting under Pentagon supervision and is immune from liability. The veterans, however, claimed that KBR was negligent and violated its contract with the military by exposing troops to toxins.
“We are headed for the same goals, but not necessarily the exact same legislation, so I’ve got to tell you I came out of the meeting feeling hopeful that this is something that we can do on a bipartisan basis,” said House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) after meeting with HHS Secretary Alex Azar.
While much abortion litigation has centered on abortion bans, the legal campaign against physician-only statutes is targeting laws that are often decades-old and have previously faced little judicial scrutiny. Meanwhile, House Democrats are vowing to repeal a ban on use of federal funds for abortions.
Kentucky’s Tweaked Medicaid Work Requirement Rules Face Fresh Court Challenge
Republican Gov. Matt Bevin’s first attempt to add work requirements to Kentucky’s Medicaid program were blocked by a federal judge. Bevin reworked the rules and was re-approved by the Trump administration to move forward with the changes. Now, residents are trying to thwart this second attempt at implementing the requirements.
Maryland Lawmakers Seek ‘I’m Alive Today’ App For Parents Who Abuse Opioids, Can’t Care For Babies
In Maryland, when an infant is confirmed as drug-exposed, the mother is referred to a social worker. The app would would help social workers reach out to parents with automated prompts asking, “Are you able to care for your child?” News on the opioid epidemic comes out of Michigan, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Ohio, also.
Documents Reveal Just How Involved Sackler Family Was In Aggressive OxyContin Marketing Techniques
Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, has drawn blame for its role in igniting the opioid crisis in the country. Now new documents show how the family that owns the company was involved with the decisions to aggressively push opioids on to patients in the years leading up to the epidemic, even though Purdue seeks to portray the family members as removed from day-to-day operations.
Native American tribes are facing food and drug shortages as the shutdown stretches on. The tribes are hit harder than others because they rely on federal funding for many of their basic services. In other news, the FDA has restarted some food inspections, and lettuce farmers are anxious to have the agency back on the job for growing season.
