Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: January 31, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers from around the country express views on a range of health issues.
Parsing Policies: Pros And Cons Of Medicaid Changes; The Toll Of Rising Medicare Out-Of-Pocket Costs
Editorial pages feature thoughts on health policy topics.
Media outlets report on news from Minnesota, Kansas, Maryland, Wisconsin, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia and Oregon.
Judge Rules Texas’ Fetal Tissue Burial Law ‘Lacks Merit,’ Issues Temporary Block On Legislation
U.S. District Judge David Ezra said the state did not show how the measure has a public health purpose.
Fitness App Might Be Unfit For Use: Sensitive Military Sites In Iraq And Syria Are Exposed
The U.S. military is reviewing its policies for the use of wireless trackers, like the popular Strava fitness app, after maps were posted online showing where service members and aid workers run and bike. In other health and technology news: online forums are flagging suspicious research and a messaging system for young teens gets a red light.
It’s Not Too Late: You Should Still Get The Flu Shot, Health Officials Urge
While the season is expected to start to wane soon, experts still say you should get vaccinated.
Fault Lines Emerge Between Oncologists Over Necessity Of Chemotherapy
There has been a trend toward using chemotherapy less in the early stages of breast cancer, but some doctors worry that means patients are not getting the treatment they need. In other public health news: heart disease, freezing eggs, the human genome, e-cigarettes, sleep and more.
Criminals Selling Opioids Anonymously Online Are In For ‘Rude Awakening,’ Attorney General Vows
A new team comprised of dozens of agents is part of a new Justice Department effort to target cybercriminals involved with illicit online drug markets. Meanwhile, just how many painkillers do you need after a surgery?
Virginia Speaker Relaxes Stance Against Medicaid Expansion With Possibility Of Work Requirements
Virginia House Speaker M. Kirkland Cox says the path forward hinges on Gov. Ralph Northam and other Democrats’ willingness to back legislation that imposes work requirements on existing Medicaid recipients. Northam is against the work mandate, but he has said he could get behind a “work search” program.
20-Week Abortion Ban Struck Down By Senate In Largely Symbolic Vote Ahead Of Midterms
The legislation is the top agenda for many in the anti-abortion movement. The vote forced Democrats in swing states to go on record against it in a politically volatile year.
2017 Was A Record Year For Hospital Deals And Mergers, But Are They Good For The Patient?
In an ever-evolving health industry landscape, companies are trending toward pairing up to increase their chance at survival. But what does that mean for those in the health system?
Have Recent Big-Name Departures Taken The Power Out Of AHIP’s Punch?
Some wonder what will become of the insurance lobbying group’s influence on Capitol Hill. UnitedHealth left AHIP in June 2015, followed by Aetna a little over six months later. Then earlier this month, Humana also announced it was leaving the group, followed by CareFirst.
Amazon Partners With Berkshire Hathaway, JPMorgan To Tackle ‘Ballooning’ Employee Health Care Costs
The three corporate giants will create an independent company that will focus on technology to provide simplified, high-quality health care for their employees at a reasonable cost, the companies say. The health care industry has been nervously anticipating Amazon’s entry as a competitor.
Trump Promises Azar Will Get Drug Prices ‘Way Down’ At New HHS Chief’s Swearing-In
President Donald Trump says it will be one of new HHS Secretary Alex Azar’s main priorities as he takes up the reins of the agency.
Health care barely made an appearance in talking points the White House distributed to surrogates over the weekend. Some say it’s because focusing on the topic would unnecessarily spotlight Republicans’ failure over the past year to replace the Affordable Care Act.
First Edition: January 30, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers express opinions on a range of healthcare issues.
Editorial writers express views about a pending bill to ban abortion at 20 weeks and how doctors can now discriminate against women seeking an abortion.
Media outlets report on news from Illinois, Georgia, Minnesota and Arizona.
