Latest KFF Health News Stories
If Congress Can Assure Her Safety, Kavanaugh Accuser Says She’s Open To Testifying
Christine Blasey Ford originally said she wouldn’t testify about her allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh without an FBI investigation. While that’s still her preference, she said that she’s willing to come in next week “on terms that are fair.” Meanwhile, psychological experts dig into the complexities of memory.
First Edition: September 21, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these health issues and others.
Longer Looks: Deaths In Maria; The Apple Watch; And A Fake Town For Dementia
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on news from New York, Connecticut, Tennessee, Delaware, South Dakota, Michigan, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, California, Florida, Oregon, Texas, Arizona, New Hampshire and Missouri.
Here Comes Flu Season: Health Law Requires Free Vaccines, If You Know Where To Get One
It’s no surprise the CDC wants more people to get the flu shot — only 40 percent of adults do. But what many people might not know is where to get the vaccine for free and that it’s your best bet to prevent the flu. Meanwhile, Delaware is reporting its first cases of the season, a month earlier than last year.
If states address the issue at all, the panels usually end up blaming the mothers’ health conditions and lifestyle choices rather than looking at hospitals and the quality of care delivered by providers. For example, In Louisiana — the deadliest state in America for pregnant women and new mothers — the state’s 2012 report on maternal deaths emphasized suicide, domestic violence and car crashes.
Drug Companies Back New California Bill To Protect Integrity Of Research Data From Consumers
The legislation comes in reaction to a law that was geared toward protecting consumer privacy. Drug companies say, though, that it could inadvertently invalidate research, make it difficult to obtain funding and ultimately drive scientists from the state. In other industry news, companies in Massachusetts are being wooed by Maryland, and Europe signs off on another Humira copy.
CRISPR’s International Patchwork Of Patents
There’s been a bitter and fierce battle between the Broad Institute and the University of California over patents for the technology. In the U.S., courts have come down firmly on the side of the Broad Institute, but internationally it’s a different story.
The initiative, created by Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase, is geared toward cutting health care costs, and recent moves signal where officials are looking to improve spending.
Due to a court order, Gov. Paul LePage requested approval last month to expand Medicaid in Maine. But the governor also wrote a letter to the administration urging officials to reject his application. Meanwhile, support for a program that helps people with disabilities move out of nursing homes gains support. Medicaid news comes out of Iowa, as well.
Despite Potential Political Backlash, Republicans Continue To Push Forward With Kavanaugh Nomination
Christine Blasey Ford has said she won’t testify without an FBI investigation first, but Republicans say that if she wants to be heard, Monday is her chance. The impasse has swayed some moderate Republicans back to Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s camp, and a committee meeting, and possible vote, has been scheduled for Wednesday. Those watching the contentious play-by-play, though, say it’s a real risk to push the nomination through in the current #MeToo landscape.
Hurricane Maria’s Death Toll: Storm Left A Slow-Moving Medical Catastrophe In Its Wake
Hurricane Maria’s effects lasted long after the rains and winds disappeared. From sepsis to lack of medical oxygen to dialysis appointments cut short, patients had to navigate a medical system ravaged by the storm.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is looking into the drowning deaths of two women who voluntarily committed themselves. Family members and others want to know why the women were being transported from the relative safety of a hospital during the aftermath of a hurricane. In other news from the Carolinas: hospitals are starting to recover from the storm, a look at whether hurricanes really do trigger births, the story of helping patients survive such a natural disaster, and more.
Experts Knock Down Trump’s Attempt To Claim Credit For Modest Premium Increases Under Health Law
The Associated Press fact checks President Donald Trump’s statements that his administration is “holding the rates down.”
Preexisting Conditions Protections Becoming Achilles’ Heel For Republicans On The Trail
Candidates are struggling to make their promises to protect coverage for people with preexisting conditions believable to voters. “What you have to do at this point is duck and cover,” said one Republican strategist. Midterm news comes out of Illinois and Georgia, as well.
States ‘On Front Lines’ Of Opioid Crisis Get $1 Billion In Grants From Trump Administration
The vast majority of the funding was approved by Congress earlier this year as part of a budget bill. “Addressing the opioid crisis with all the resources possible and the best science we have is a top priority for President Trump and for everyone at HHS,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar.
First Edition: September 20, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages express views on these health topics and others.
Opinion writers weigh in on the importance of properly vetting sexual violence claims, in this case allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
