Latest KFF Health News Stories
Investigators Uncover Trove Of Photos Of Unclothed Women In Former USC Gynecologist’s Storage Unit
The police have been investigating Dr. George Tyndall as part of what is believed to be the largest sex crimes investigation involving an individual in LAPD history. Hundreds of current and former USC students have made allegations against Tyndall’s behavior while performing medical examinations. In October, USC agreed to settle a federal class-action suit on behalf of Tyndall’s patients for $215 million.
“We’ve heard frequent reports of patients rationing insulin, and in some cases dying because they can’t afford the injections they need to survive,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. “These tragic stories aren’t isolated occurrences. And they’re not acceptable for a drug that’s nearly a century old.”
One trend that’s emerged in the opioid epidemic is both the public and police departments releasing footage or photos of people who are experiencing some of the bleakest moments in their lives. The views on such videos can total in the millions, and some argue it’s beneficial, but for those in the videos it can change their lives forever–not necessarily for the better. Meanwhile, experts wonder if fentanyl could become a weapon of mass destruction to be used against the United States, and the maker of an anti-overdose drug overs a generic of a fraction of the price.
Hundreds of thousands of public opinions poured in about the policy during the open comment period, which closed Monday. The “public charge” rule would allow federal immigration officials to consider legal immigrants’ use of Medicaid, nutrition, housing and other programs as a strongly negative factor in their applications for legal permanent residency. Many health groups wrote in to say the policy would take both a financial and public health toll on vulnerable populations.
On Capitol Hill: Medicare For All; Lowering Health Care Costs; Maternal Mortality Rates; And More
Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.), the expected incoming House Ways and Means chairman, signaled his willingness to hold hearings on “Medicare for all,” a popular priority for many progressive lawmakers in the party. Elsewhere on Capitol Hill, health care costs are in the spotlight, as well as a bill aimed at reversing the country’s maternal mortality rates.
Millions Of Americans Are Eligible For Free Coverage Through Health Law Plans, Study Finds
Part of the reason so many people are eligible for plans under which they would pay $0 in premiums is because President Donald Trump eliminated key health law payments last year. This had the unintended effect of increasing financial assistance to many Americans. Meanwhile, although the enrollment numbers have been dragging this year, the federal health law site did experience a surge after former President Barack Obama encouraged people to sign up.
Researchers have found that loneliness takes a physical toll, and is as closely linked to early mortality as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day or consuming more than six alcoholic drinks a day. Loneliness is even worse for longevity than being obese or physically inactive. In other aging news: exercise, strengthening your brain, and poverty.
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
First Edition: December 12, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these health care topics and others.
Media outlets report on news from Massachusetts, California, Ohio, Texas, Iowa, Maryland, Illinois, Virginia, Connecticut and Louisiana.
What’s more, CDC officials say many children have lasting paralysis, and close to half the kids diagnosed with it this year were admitted to hospital intensive care units. In other public health news: CRISPR and gene editing ethics; screen time for kids; telemedicine; suicide; and more.
Under a court order, Connecticut State Police released hundreds of pages of documents that shed light on gunman Adam Lanza’s anger and fascination with mass shootings. While some in the criminology field say it could spur copy cat killer or glorify mass shooters, others see it as helpful insights about his isolation and odd behaviors.
Abortion Services Halted At Only Nashville Clinic That Offers Procedure
Another one of the city’s abortion providers was closed in August, following several significant abortion restrictions in Tennessee in recent years. In other women’s health news, Ohio lawmakers examine two abortion bans.
Experts say that women should not worry overall, though, and that the risk is small. Meanwhile, a study found that the current guidelines for genetic testing of breast cancer patients is out of date.
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) wants to know how insurers determine if an applicant is prescribed naloxone because they are at risk for an overdose, or to save others; how often have applicants been denied life insurance for carrying naloxone; and whether there are guidelines to prevent wrongful denials. Other news on the national drug epidemic comes from Oregon and Texas.
NIH Interested In Investing Up To $20M To Develop Alternatives To Using Fetal Tissue In Research
The notice comes in the wake of news reports that in September the Trump administration ordered NIH scientists, including one team researching a treatment for HIV, to stop buying new human fetal tissue.
The city is the latest to take a stand against the Trump administration’s proposed policy that would penalize legal immigrants who are seeking green cards for accepting government aid such as Medicaid. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers at the national level are coming out against the proposal.
Obama Strikes Serious Tone As He Implores People To Sign Up For Health Law Coverage Before Deadline
“No jump shots. No ferns. No memes. Not this time. I’m going to give it to you straight: If you need health insurance for 2019, the deadline to get covered is December 15,” tweeted former President Barack Obama, who in the past has taken more light-hearted approaches. “Pass this on — you just might save a life.” Enrollment news comes out of Maryland and Georgia, as well.
