Latest KFF Health News Stories
Gonorrhea Is On The Verge Of Becoming Unstoppable By Antibiotics. But A Vaccine May Offer Hope.
Cases of gonorrhea jumped 19 percent in the U.S. last year, with similar trends noted around the world, and it’s becoming resistant to all the measures doctors use to fight it. A vaccine already on the market may offer some partial protection though. In other news: fish oil and vitamin D, heart health, genetics, gut bacterium, HIV infections and more.
Suicide Rates For American Workers Rose 34% From 2000 To 2016, CDC Report Finds
The CDC broke down the numbers into which fields were the most vulnerable for men and women. “Because many adults spend a substantial amount of their time at work, the workplace is an important but underutilized location for suicide prevention,” the authors say.
“If they have to decide if they’re going to pay their rent or the rest of our bill, they’re definitely paying their rent,” said Gerald “Ray” Callas, president of the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists. “We try to work with the patient, but on the other hand, we can’t do it for free because we still maintain a small business.”
Pharma’s Public Image Has A Bruised Eye. This Man Wants To Restore Its Reputation.
Patrick O’Connor wants his group — the Alliance to Protect Medical Innovation — to be able to shine a light on pharmaceutical companies that he contends are taking big risks and developing innovative treatments to help patients. But he’s facing a lot of skepticism. Meanwhile, cutting edge therapies are setting the health industry on fire, but their costs temper that excitement. In other pharmaceutical news: medication adherence, generics safety and more.
The Battle Quietly Brewing Over Privatization Of Veterans’ Health Care
President Donald Trump is an enthusiastic supporter of moving veterans into private care. But many experts, veterans groups and lawmakers have warned that it will cost the taxpayers a lot of money and veterans will get worse care. Meanwhile, technological failures are leaving some veterans without GI Bill money.
Beyond the current fires burning in California, doctors, scientists and public health officials are concerned that the changing face of wildfires will pose a much broader health hazard than just bothersome smoke. In other news, the death toll continues to climb from the Camp Fire, and the number of unaccounted people soars to over 600. Meanwhile, a norovirus outbreak threatens the health of those who have been evacuated, and residents gets mixed messages about mask safety.
Since the 1970s, NRA has been a big player in politics, pouring millions into lawmakers’ campaigns. But the organization may finally have a formidable foe. More news on gun violence comes out of Florida, California and Virginia, as well.
20.1 Million Fewer Americans Are Uninsured Post-Health Law, But Coverage Remains Uneven
Americans in states that expanded Medicaid coverage were more likely to have health care plans. For states that expanded coverage, the uninsured rate was 9.1 percent compared to 18.1 percent in the states that did not. Meanwhile, Democrats are planning a vote on a bill that would protect preexisting conditions.
The agency is allowing sales of flavored products in stores as long as their in an age-restricted section or areas inside stores that are not accessible to people under 18. Earlier versions of the proposal had contained a ban on the sales completely. But, in one of its most aggressive actions to date, the FDA did announce it would implement a ban on menthol products.
Calif. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom ran in part on his support for a single-payer system in his state, but no matter how he moves forward he’s bound to anger a section of his base. His situation is emblematic of the dilemma the rest of the party faces as the 2020 campaign starts up.
In October, an additional 3,815 beneficiaries lost their coverage and joined thousands of others who have failed to report their work requirements. There are also 6,002 people with two strikes against them who are at risk for losing coverage next month.
Research Roundup: Patient Safety; Opioid Use; And Marketplace Premiums
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
First Edition: November 16, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers express views on these public health issues and others.
Editorial writers express views on these health topics and others.
Longer Looks: San Francisco’s Smoke; The Havana Syndrome; And Willpowering Through Colds
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on news from Michigan, Ohio, Connecticut, Maryland, Louisiana, Tennessee, California, Florida, Texas and Missouri.
After UConn Health explained it couldn’t sustain the health care needs of 14,000 prisoners in the face of budget cuts, the state took it over and announced it could save $8 million in costs. Now, officials are presenting a different picture, saying older inmates require better care and startup costs are high. News on care of prisoners comes out of California, Ohio and New Hampshire, also.
Medicare Advantage Plans Have Beneficial Aspects To Them, But There Are Lots Of Red Lights To Heed
Signing up for a new Medicare plan can be confusing. Here are some things to watch out for.
Research suggests that heat stress appears to be associated with transgenerational fertility problems, as well. That means that organisms may bear the effects of elevated temperatures long after the initial exposure — in the form of reduced lifespans, reproductive challenges and other types of defects passed to offspring.
