Latest KFF Health News Stories
Lawmakers, Unfazed By White House Memo, Work On Finishing Touches To Market Stabilization Deal
A leaked memo from the Trump administration includes new demands in return for the president’s support, but lawmakers are marching forward with their efforts and are optimistic for a deal soon. Meanwhile, a group of attorneys general is speaking out against a rule to allow states to work around certain health law requirements.
Three Veterans Affairs programs under now-VA Secretary David Shulkin’s management from 2015 to 2016 knew of “serious, persistent deficiencies,” a VA internal watchdog report finds. Meanwhile, Shulkin announced an overhaul of the senior leadership overseeing almost two dozen troubled hospitals across the country.
In Search Of The Next Bill Gates: Hospitals Gamble On Health-Tech Startups In Hopes Of Striking Big
“We view this as a strategic investment. It will be important to the care of patients and we also can presumably make money,” says Thomas Thornton, senior vice president of Northwell Ventures, the for-profit arm of a health system in New York.
Cigna Move To Buy Express Scripts Is Latest Acquisition In Rapidly Evolving Health Industry
Cigna would acquire Express Scripts in a cash-and-stock deal worth about $52 billion, excluding debt, the companies say.
To qualify for the discounted $5.99 monthly Prime membership, customers must have a valid Electronic Benefits Transfer or Medicaid card.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages highlight these health issues and others.
Perspectives: Pharma’s Slick PR Slogans, Lobbyists Aren’t Succeeding In Shifting Blame Over Prices
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Beyond The Politics And Finger-Pointing: The Day-To-Day Reality Of Living With High Drug Costs
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Ohio, California, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, Minnesota and Oregon.
Can Virginia Governor’s Friendly Bonds With Republicans Translate Into Medicaid Expansion Win?
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, is well-liked on both sides of the aisle. But will that make a difference as the expansion debate heats up in the Legislature?
Advocates Say Releasing Dying Prisoners Is Humane And Fiscally Smart. But It’s Rarely Done.
Despite support from both parties, the Bureau of Prisons rarely approves a compassionate release request intended to allow frail and sick patients to die outside of prison. In other public health news: ears, blood pressure, the flu, selfies and raw water.
First Breast Cancer Home-Screening DNA Test Cleared By FDA
While the FDA cautioned that regular checkups and screenings are still needed, the decision allows people to initiate testing on their own for three genetic mutations that put them at a substantially higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
After Shooting, Advocates Say What’s Really Needed To Improve Mental Health Services Is Money
Florida’s proposed gun legislation under consideration by the legislature would include a boost in funding for state mental health services, which advocates see as necessary before any problems can be fixed. Meanwhile, Aetna is donating $200,000 to the March for Our Lives rally.
Drugmaker ‘Stonewalling’ Of Opioid Probe ‘Suggests They Have Something To Hide,’ Sen. McCaskill Says
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) has been trying to get information from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries to determine its role in the opioid crisis.
‘Astounding’ Study Finds Opioids Work No Better At Managing Chronic Pain Than Over-The-Counter Drugs
The opioids were also slightly inferior at controlling pain intensity, and patients on them reported many more side effects. The study could change the way doctors help patients manage pain in the midst of the opioid crisis.
Sharp Increase In Opioid Overdoses In ERs Paints Grim Picture Of An Ever-Worsening Epidemic
New data shows that overdoses spiked 30 percent last summer, compared to the same period in 2016. “This is a very difficult and fast-moving epidemic and there are no easy solutions,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Preparation Of Its Acquisition Of Aetna, CVS Sells $40B Of Bonds
Regulators aren’t expected to pass judgment on the $69 billion Aetna purchase until late this year, but CVS issued the debt this week to avoid the risk that interest rates continue to rise.
The systems currently are clunky to navigate and don’t communicate well with each other.
In prior years a group of officials made the call on distributing Title X funding. But this year it will fall to Valerie Huber, the acting deputy assistant secretary for population affairs at HHS. Women’s health advocates are concerned about the “dangerous implications” of the “unprecedented” decision. Meanwhile, CMS Administrator Seema Verma is looking to overhaul the Trump administration’s meaningful-use requirements after years of complaints.
