Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial pages feature thoughts on these topics as well as other health care issues.
Perspectives: ‘Wisdom’ Needed For Treating Opioid Epidemic; The Other ‘Pressing Problem’: Tobacco
Opinion writers express views on the opioid crisis, how to help those who are addicted and what lessons can be applied to another dangerous substance: tobacco.
Longer Looks: Flu Season; Income Inequality; And Orlando’s Air Quality
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on news from Minnesota, Maryland, California, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Texas, Ohio, Georgia and Arizona.
Hospitals Just Don’t Seem To Want To Budge From Those Standard Uncomfortable Gowns
Lots of other options exist, but the standard gown doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. In other public health news: lessons learned from the latest Alzheimer’s drug failure, exercise, stem cell research, cancer warnings on coffee, anti-seizure medication and getting healthy before surgery.
First Cloned Monkeys Offer Hope For Medical Breakthroughs In Humans
Scientists recently cleared the hurdle of cloning primates, and because monkey clones can be genetically altered, one gene at a time, with techniques such as CRISPR. Researchers will be able to better study the effects of diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s, metabolic disorders and more. Some worry, however, that it takes us one step closer to cloning humans.
It’s Not Just Aches And A Fever You Have To Worry About — The Flu Can Also Trigger A Heart Attack
Although doctors have long-noticed a trend of an increase in heart attacks during flu season, a new study links an increased rick of a cardiac event with the virus. Updates on the flu come out of Illinois, Kansas and Oregon, as well.
Research Upends Long-Held Belief That There’s A Narrow Time Window To Remove Stroke Patients’ Clots
Before doctors thought that anything after six hours was too late to do any good. But a new study found that’s not the case.
Agencies Cracking Down On ‘Unscrupulous Vendors’ Selling Treatments To ‘Cure’ Opioid Addiction
Eleven companies were sent warning letters for the language they used to market their products, including “break the killer pain habit” and “relieve your symptoms . . . addiction, withdrawal, cravings.” Meanwhile, senators say they expect to funnel more money into fighting the opioid crisis, but it’s not clear yet on how much that will be.
Apple Adding Feature To Allow Users To Store Medical Records On iPhones
It’s the latest move that shows Apple has its eye on the profitable health care landscape.
Cecile Richards, The Face Of Planned Parenthood For More Than 10 Years, Expected To Step Down
In her role as president of Planned Parenthood, Cecile Richards saw the organization through some tumultuous years, including guiding it through a scandal involving activist videos that purported to show organization officials discussing sales of fetal tissue.
Under Idaho’s guidelines, insurers can offer plans that deny coverage for pre-existing conditions for up to 12 months unless the customer had continuous prior coverage. And insurers would no longer be required to cover pediatric dental or vision care, and though they would have to offer at least one plan with maternity and newborn coverage, other plans could exclude those benefits.
Young Adults More Likely To Move Off Medicaid Than Older People
The report by Avalere suggests the exits could be the result of these young people gaining employer-sponsored insurance or their incomes increasing, making them ineligible. In other Medicaid news, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback says his managed care program is being scrapped, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott asks for federal funding for family planning services to be restored and a vendor in Connecticut fails to show up for a state hearing on transportation issues.
Kentucky Medicaid Enrollees Sue To Stop First-In-Nation Work Requirements
Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has already issued the ultimatum that if the court touches the requirements, he’ll roll back the Medicaid expansion entirely.
Senate Approves Trump’s HHS Pick Despite Critics’ Qualms About Azar’s Ties To Pharma Industry
Alex Azar will take the helm of the Department of Health and Human Services after the Senate confirmed his nomination 53-43. Azar, who is replacing former Secretary Tom Price who resigned over ethical questions about his travel, is expected to make lowering drug prices one of his top priorities.
First Edition: January 25, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Funding CHIP Is ‘Only Half The Job’; Scientists And The Fear Of Crispr
A selection of opinions on health care issues from around the country.
Perspectives: Price Controls Cripple Our Chances At Creating Innovative Drugs
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Georgia, California, Missouri, Wisconsin, California, New York, Texas, Florida and Minnesota.
