Latest KFF Health News Stories
Columnists take a look at women’s health issues.
Research Roundup: Sexual Harassment; The Health Law And Small Businesses; Childhood Language
Editorial pages focus on these and other health issues.
Media outlets report on news from Colorado, Hawaii, Kentucky, Montana, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Connecticut, Ohio, California, Utah, Minnesota, Georgia, Arizona, Louisiana, Florida and Massachusetts.
The program’s goal is to use gene-editing technology to get insects to infect plants with viruses that protect against such dangers.
Flu season is about to ramp up, and officials are trying to get out the word. But a look at how the flu virus hits different population centers highlights that cities should focus on reducing spread while rural areas should focus on reducing harm. In other public health news: special education, cognitive behavior therapy, DNA, HIV organ donations, mental health and dirty air.
Since 1981, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has granted over 1,000 “no-strings-attached” grants to a mix of artists, scientists, writers and social justice advocates. Meet a few of the 2018 fellows.
The Wisconsin money involved 1,654 “capitation payments,” which are monthly fixed payments to managed care organizations on behalf of enrolled individuals who are low-income or who have disabilities. Medicaid news comes out of California, as well.
Women Taking Daily Baby Aspirin Have Reduced Risk Of Ovarian Cancer
But researchers found no risk reduction for those women taking a full dose of aspirin.
It’s possible Missouri’s abortion restrictions are headed for the Supreme Court. But for now, take a look at what’s happening in the state. Meanwhile, a federal judge knocks down part of a St. Louis ordinance banning employers from hiring or firing workers based on whether they have had an abortion, been pregnant outside marriage, or used contraceptives or artificial insemination.
The move comes on the heels of the FDA’s surprise raid of the Juul headquarters in an investigation seeking information on the company’s marketing practices.
CMS To Bolster Oversight Of Commission That Inspects Hospitals For Safety Violations
The move comes following a Wall Street Journal investigation that found that the commission that inspects hospitals typically took no action to revoke or modify its accreditation when state inspectors find serious safety violations. Other hospital news comes out of Massachusetts and Virginia, as well.
MiMedx’s Limit On Range Of Products It Sold To VA Forced Government To Buy More Expensive Treatments
At Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense hospitals, The MiMedx Group — which manufactures skin grafts and injectable products from donated placental tissues — didn’t offer the small sizes of two popular products it offered elsewhere. As a result, the government agencies had to buy bigger, more expensive offerings for smaller treatments, former employees said.
Opioid Package Is ‘A Glimmer Of Hope At The End Of A Dark Tunnel,’ Senators Say
Over the past few weeks, Congress pulled off a rare bipartisan effort by getting a massive package aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic through both chambers with overwhelming support. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the legislation. Check out what’s in the bills.
Businessman Mike Braun is challenging incumbent Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) in a tight U.S. Senate race. With health care on the front of many voters’ minds, Braun points to his own company’s health care model. Some workers, however, said it isn’t like real insurance. “If I did ever have to go to the hospital, I’d have been screwed,” said Heath Kluemper, a former employee at Meyer Distributing.
The plans sold through Iowa’s Farm Bureau were made legal under a law signed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R), which allows the agency to collaborate with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield on self-funded “health benefit plans.” They don’t have to follow the strict regulations laid out by the federal health law, such as not charging more for people with preexisting conditions. Meanwhile, rankled over CBO’s health care projections during repeal-replace efforts, Republicans ask the budget office for a do-over.
An Unusual Strategy: This PAC On Drug Prices Is Sinking Millions Into Races It Knows It Can’t Impact
The Patients for Affordable Drugs says that where its money can’t help decide a race, it can still send a message: that politicians running campaigns funded by drug companies will face retribution. But some experts are dubious. In other pharmaceutical news: Stat reveals the lobbying firm behind a shadowy drug pricing organization, pharma gets a boost after a New Jersey court dismisses hundreds of lawsuits, and patent laws are getting attention in the fight over prices.
First Edition: October 5, 2018
THE CANCER DIVIDE: Tune in to our next Facebook Live on Friday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. PST/2 p.m. EST, as we discuss disparities in cancer care and outcomes. Kaiser Health News senior correspondent Anna Gorman and UC Davis professor Kenneth Kizer will explain that people overall are living longer with cancer, but some communities are faring better than others. Join the discussion here, and please bring your questions.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and other health issues.
Media outlets report on news from New York, Massachusetts, Kansas, Florida, Illinois, Montana, Louisiana, Virginia, Georgia, New Hampshire, Alabama, Minnesota and Utah.
