Latest KFF Health News Stories
Many see race as a crucial factor in how Congress and health officials have focused on prevention and education rather than punishment. White victims make up almost 80 percent of the deaths from opioid overdoses, while, in contrast, in 2000, 84 percent of crack cocaine offenders were black. In other news on the crisis: a 25-year-old pill for nerve pain raises some red flags; the DEA issues an immediate suspension of opioid sales by a wholesale distributor; drug distributors head to Capitol Hill; and more.
‘We’ve Been Planning For It’: FDA Braced For Tsunami Of Retirements From Its Senior Level Staff
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb emphasized the need to cut hiring time when it comes to rank-and-file staff positions. At the annual meeting of the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA, Gottlieb also countered criticism of the agency’s “breakthrough” designation for certain drugs.
“I’ve never known the enthusiastic mass exodus of an organization’s most knowledgeable and experienced personnel to be an indication that all is well,” said John Hoellwarth, a spokesman for Amvets. The VA has been struggling with its leadership at the same time there’s been a push to move toward privatization, and the officials on the ground are overwhelmed and understaffed.
IRS Aggressively Enforcing Employer Mandate Despite Trump’s Promise That Health Law Is All But Dead
Business groups want relief from the mandate, but lawmakers have little appetite to take up any more changes in this politically charged election year. Meanwhile, Idaho officials are still trying to figure out ways to sell plans that don’t comply with health law regulations.
‘Pharma Folks Are Nervous’ As Trump Gears Up For Major Speech On Curbing Drug Prices
This week’s planned speech is expected to offer a “comprehensive strategy” that administration officials say will result in a “profound modernization” of how the government pays for some drugs. But the pharma industry is watching anxiously in case President Donald Trump goes off script.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these and other health topics.
Research Roundup: Disparities For Gender Nonconforming Adolescents; U.S. Health System Performance
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from Iowa, New Hampshire, California, New York, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, Arizona and Minnesota.
In Search Of Migraine Treatments, Genetic Researchers Trace Variations Through Families
Scientists studying families with migraines find evidence that hundreds of genetic variants can determine the symptoms and severity of the debilitating disease. In other public health news today: brain implants, the CDC’s disease detective program, brain trauma, breast cancer and menopause.
FDA Wants Electronic Health Records System Dedicated To Tracking Safety Of Regulated Products
Specifically, researchers want to analyze Veterans Affairs data to look for adverse side effects from medications. Meanwhile, the Mayo Clinic is launching its new electronic medical records system.
Lawyers For Louisiana Ask Federal Appeals Court To Uphold Admitting-Privileges Abortion Law
U.S. District Judge John deGravelles “exaggerated the burden” and “minimized the benefits” of the law when he ruled against it, said Elizabeth Murill of the state attorney general’s office.
The state’s House of Representatives voted to extend New Hampshire’s Medicaid expansion program with an added work requirement.
Administration Urged To Use Workaround To Slash Cost Of Pricey Anti-Overdose Drug
Baltimore’s health department and a national advocacy group wrote to the Trump administration asking officials to take action. Meanwhile, Mayor Bill de Blasio wants to make New York City a pioneer in creating supervised safe injection sites.
Congressional Oversight Lags Far Behind Fast-Growing Commercial DNA Testing
Despite consumer unease about their DNA privacy, especially on the heels of the Golden State Killer case, Congress has made no moves to update the 2008 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, the lone law in this field.
There’s A Gap In Treatment For Sickle Cell Disease. This Small Biotech Company Might Fill It.
There are very few treatments for the disease and a cure through gene-editing is years off. But Global Blood Therapeutics has created a drug that could offer hope to those with sickle cell.
Government May Reexamine Safe Harbor That Drug Rebates Have Under Antikickback Laws
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb suggested the approach days ahead of an anticipated speech by President Donald Trump on lowering drug prices.
Trump Says He’ll Sign Legislation Revamping VA Choice Program As Soon As Congress Passes It
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) on Thursday reintroduced a bill that would overhaul private-care options for veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs health-care system.
Health Insurers On ‘Hot Streak’ Despite Worries Over Nasty Flu Season
One big reason for the Q1 windfall is the tax cuts passed by Congress last year, which in some cases more than halved what the insurers owe the government. Meanwhile, conservative groups are drawing up a new “repeal” plan, but Republicans aren’t sold.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
