Latest KFF Health News Stories
Funding For Vulnerable Health Programs Getting Tangled Up In Immigration Fight
Although lawmakers took care of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, there are still other health programs — like funding for community centers — that have been in limbo since the end of September.
Medicaid Work Mandate Offers Conservative Bent That May Push Red States Toward Expansion
Some key Republican lawmakers who opposed the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion are rethinking the option now that they can stamp it with the requirement for non-disabled adults to work. Liberal groups remain opposed to the new requirement, however. In other news, a study finds Oregon’s efforts to revamp its Medicaid program have been successful.
Attorneys general from New York and Minnesota allege the Department of Health and Human Services made its decision to stop money that went to insurers to help pay for low-income patients without proper justification.
First Edition: January 29, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers from around the country look at these topics and other health care issues.
Research Roundup: Diabetes And Breast Feeding; Hospital Closures; And Diagnostics
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from Massachusetts, Kansas, Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin and New Hampshire.
Large New England Health Systems Take Definitive Steps Toward Merger
Partners HealthCare of Boston and Care New England Health System of Providence said an “important milestone has been reached” in talks that started last year.
What Happens In The Body When We Gain Weight, And Why Is It So Hard To Lose?
In a small study, researchers found that 318 genes worked differently after most subjects had gained even a little weight. In other public health news: hope for fixing brain damage caused by strokes, a look at the mitochondria, and the spread of aid-in-dying laws.
Mosquitoes Love How We Smell, But Even Just Swatting At Them Can Deter Them From Snacking On You
Scientists found that mosquitoes may learn to associate vibrations from swatting with a person’s smell, which can turn them off from trying to feed in that environment if there is a friendlier one nearby.
Philadelphia is looking into the idea of creating a facility to allow people to safely use their drugs in the hopes of preventing fatal overdoses. Research suggests opening just one site in the city could save nearly 80 people a year. “We have an obligation to do everything we can to prevent those people from dying,” Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley says.
This Year’s Flu Is Particularly Scary. Here’s What You Need To Know About It.
The Washington Post talks with health officials to get the low down on this year’s flu, which has been the most widespread in more than a decade. Meanwhile, outlets look at flu deaths in Florida and New Hampshire.
Advocates’ Plea Over NAFTA Trade Talks: Don’t Favor Drugmakers Over Patients
The groups argued against expanding monopolies that would thwart generic competition; rules that would restrict government rights to control prices; and maintaining so-called investor-state disputes which, under international trade treaties, allow companies to initiate claims against foreign governments.
Special Counsel Report Slams VA’s Slow Response To Whistle-Blower Complaints About Manchester Clinic
The Office of Special Counsel says the Department of Veterans Affairs dismissed complaints and only reacted once the media started reporting on the state of care at the clinic.
In States That Are ‘Toss Ups’ In 2018, Voters Care More About Economy, North Korea Than Health Care
Immigration also ranks higher, according to a new poll. Nationwide, however, health care still dominates as the top concern for voters.
The panel was voting on marketing language for the product, which heats sticks of tobacco but doesn’t burn them. The members said that the company’s studies did not show that the device reduces deadly diseases tied to smoking.
Va. Senate Panel Again Rejects Medicaid Expansion — But Issue Is Far From Dead
Republicans have fought such measures for more than four years, but both Republicans and Democrats say attitudes have changed and consideration of the matter is just beginning in the legislative session. State Sen. Steve Newman, a Republican who chairs the Education and Health Committee, says, “We are entering round one.”
At least nine other states, mostly Republican-led, have proposed changes to Medicaid similar to Kentucky’s: Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah and Wisconsin.
Blue states are taking steps to protect certain guarantees created under the health law to protect patients, while Idaho just told insurers they don’t need to follow some of the regulations stipulated through the Affordable Care Act.
First Edition: January 26, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
