Latest KFF Health News Stories
CVS Making ‘Good Progress’ On Getting Regulatory Approval For Aetna Deal
CVS’s proposed takeover of Aetna, which would bring together around 10,000 CVS stores and the health insurer’s 22 million customers, is undergoing antitrust scrutiny.
First-Of-Its-Kind Lawsuit Claims Pharma’s Role In Opioid Crisis Led To Higher Premiums For Everyone
The industry is already defending itself against hundreds of lawsuits filed by cities and states, but this challenge takes a different route. “Insurance companies factored in the unwarranted and exorbitant healthcare costs of opioid-related coverage caused by defendants and charged that back to insureds in the form of higher premiums, deductibles, and co-payments,” the complaints allege. Meanwhile, experts weigh in on the opioid package moving through Congress.
Trump’s Former Doctor Claims His Office Was ‘Raided’ — Is That Even Legal?
The Associated Press takes a look at the laws surrounding medical records and patients’ rights to obtain them.
HHS Secretary Says Trump Wants To ‘Go Further’ Than Previous Plans To Tackle High Drug Costs
President Donald Trump is expected to give a speech on drug pricing next week, but there have been few hints on any concrete ideas to lower the cost of pharmaceuticals.
Iowa House Passes 6-Week Abortion Ban Teeing Up An Aggressive Challenge To Roe V. Wade
With the so-called “heartbeat” bill, Republicans in the state shift away from the strategy of more incremental changes recently embraced by the anti-abortion movement. Instead, they have their eye on the Supreme Court and midterm elections.
Trump Administration Sued Over Shift Toward Abstinence-Focused Programs For Family Planning Funding
The lawsuit centers around recently released HHS guidelines for the next round of Title X grant applications, projected to total about $260 million. The agency said it would favor programs that promote “natural family planning” and ones “that do not normalize sexual risk behaviors, but instead clearly communicate the research-informed benefits of delaying sex or returning to a sexually risk-free status.”
Former Chair Of House Veterans’ Committee Rises To Top Of Short List For VA Nominee
A senior administration official confirmed President Donald Trump’s interest in former Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) but said a decision is not expected before next week. Acting Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie is also being considered for the role. Meanwhile, the leadership turmoil exacerbates ongoing staffing and morale issues at the agency.
A Year Later, Democrats See House Republicans’ Gleeful Repeal Victory As Political Gift
Republicans in the House shoved through a repeal bill a year ago, capping the day with a Rose Garden celebration. The measure ultimately failed in the Senate. While Republican lawmakers say they don’t regret their vote, some Democrats plan on using the issue as a talking point in the coming midterm elections. Meanwhile, former HHS Secretary Tom Price walks back his remarks on the individual mandate.
Longer Looks: ER Bills; Opioid Fortunes; And The Golden State Killer
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers express their views on these and other health topics.
Editorial pages focus on these and other health care topics.
Perspectives: States Should Be Able To Demand Fair Price On What They Pay For Drugs
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Massachusetts, Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, New Hampshire, Arizona, Minnesota, Tennessee, Connecticut, Oregon, California, Wisconsin, New York and Iowa.
Deadline To Bid On Contract To Run Nation’s Organ Transplant System Extended
UNOS, the nonprofit organization that holds the contract now, has faced little competition over the last few decades. A shakeup could mean big changes for organ donations in the country. In other public health news: damaged lungs, exercise, mental health services and E. coli.
Text With Primary Care Doctors: No Need To Trek To The Office For Basic Care
98point6 has developed an app that lets patients connect via chat to a licensed primary care doctor. It is currently live in 10 states, with plans to reach all 50 by the end of the year. “Our mission is to make primary care more accessible and more affordable, inspiring early and frequent use,” said co-founder Robbie Cape.
Veterans With Chronic PTSD See Dramatic Decrease In Symptoms After Taking Ecstasy
After being treated with the street drug, 68 percent of the patients no longer met the clinical criteria for PTSD. “I was finally able to process all the dark stuff that happened,” said Nicholas Blackston, 32, a study participant.
A device called the Bridge is supposed to ease symptoms of withdrawal, but specialists are doubtful that the electronic nerve stimulator works. In other news on the drug crisis: Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he would have tough questions for drugmakers if he was still in Congress; Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) speaks about her family’s experience dealing with addiction; a look at babies who are born exposed to hepatitis C; and more.
Many expect Cecile Richards, who lead the organization for 12 years, to shift to politics next. In other women’s health news: anti-abortion groups urge President Donald Trump to cut Planned Parenthood off from family grants; Iowa lawmakers move forward with 6-week abortion ban; a brochure on abortion stirs controversy; and more.
