Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Stock Market Slides, Health Systems And Insurers Are Pulled Along
During a difficult day on Wall Street, health systems saw mixed results with no real explanation for why some fared better than others. Morningstar analyst Michael Waterhouse said to “expect to see a corollary drop in health care stock prices.”
Bipartisan ‘Right-To-Try’ Bill Would Keep FDA In The Loop Which May Ease Pharma Worries
The advocates behind the “right-to-try” movement are likely to be upset about the Food and Drug Administration still playing any role, because they think the agency makes the process more cumbersome.
What Might Be Next After Medicaid Work Mandates? Lifetime Limits On Adults Access To Coverage
At least five states — Arizona, Kansas, Utah, Maine and Wisconsin — are seeking waivers from the Trump administration to impose lifetime Medicaid coverage limits. Meanwhile, CMS Administrator Seema Verma calls the work requirements “true compassion.”
States Forced To Ensure ACA Plans Have Enough In-Network Physicians To Make Them Usable
The Trump administration weakened federal oversight as of the beginning of this year. The rule shifts the responsibility for monitoring and enforcing network adequacy to states. Meanwhile, a pro-Affordable Care Act group is launching an ad against Idaho’s recent move to accept health plans that don’t meet the patient protection standards of the ACA.
Trump Points To Britain’s Protest Over Health System As Proof Universal Coverage Doesn’t Work
President Donald Trump’s tweet drew immediate backfire from British officials who prize their health system that offers free coverage to millions of citizens. The push for universal coverage in America has been gaining momentum, with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) as one of the leading voices in the movement.
House’s Stopgap Measure Includes Funding For Community Health Centers To Woo Democrats
The short-term measure would fund community health centers for two years. The facilities help provide health-care for lower-income families, and their funding has been caught in limbo since the program expired in the fall. The House Rules Committee is expected to meet Tuesday to consider the proposal which is scheduled to be considered on the House floor later in the day.
First Edition: February 6, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers express views on health care issues.
Editorials focus on the Trump administration’s changes to the program designed to help the poor.
Media outlets report from Iowa, Connecticut, Maryland, Arizona, Minnesota, the U.S. Virgin Islands, California, New Orleans, New Jersey and Hawaii.
Worried About Brain Impact Of Tech? So Are Some Early Facebook, Google Employees Who Are Teaming Up
Concerned technologists are creating a coalition to address the potential health issues that social media and smartphones may cause. In other public health news: Alzheimer’s, migraines, learning disabilities, the latest research on dietary benefits, medical pot, sleep in women and a bionic hand.
Two Big Studies On Cellphone Safety Show Cancer Risk Is Probably Small
While results from the animal research were mixed, John Bucher, a scientist involved in one of the studies, said “I have not changed the way I use a cellphone.”
Number Of Teens Identifying As Transgender, Gender Nonconforming Higher Than Expected
Some experts say that an increase in the issue’s visibility is making kids feel safer to come out and talk about it openly.
As Flu Hospitalization Rates Reach Record Highs, Experts Warn Peak Of Illness Hasn’t Arrived Yet
The rates have already surpassed those of the 2014-15 season, when 710,000 Americans were hospitalized and 56,000 died. “Overall hospitalizations are now the highest we’ve seen” in nearly a decade, said Anne Schuchat, the CDC’s acting director.
Early Weeks Of 2018 Show Flurry Of Activity Over Abortion In State Legislatures
A look at a wide-range of abortion legislation that’s moving in the states, from Mississippi to California.
On Heels Of CDC Chief’s Resignation, Two High-Ranking Lawmakers Disclose Links To Tobacco Stocks
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) report that they or their family members have traded in tobacco stocks. While executive branch employees are forbidden to work on issues in which they have a financial interest, such rules do not apply to members of Congress.
Senators Hope To Hammer Out A Deal With White House On VA Choice Program
Lawmakers are working off a bill Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced last year that aligns somewhat with the House’s version.
Health Industry Had Been Long-Stagnant But High Costs Plus Mediocre Access Have Triggered Shake-Ups
Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan’s new initiative to disrupt the health landscape is just the latest in a string of recent moves that have sought innovative and outside-the-box partnerships to try to do something about high costs in the industry.
States are supposed to keep track of cases involving the abuse, neglect, exploitation or unexplained death of Medicaid beneficiaries in assisted living facilities. But a report from the Government Accountability Office said more than half of the states were unable to provide information on the number or nature of such cases.
Those on the front line of the war against opioids in a state that’s been hard hit by the crisis say President Donald Trump and the government need to provide funding and not just lip-service over the epidemic. In other news: lawmakers ask OMB to block changes to the anti-drug office, colleges are stocking anti-overdose medication, Pfizer encounters manufacturing issues with its opioid product, and more.
