Latest KFF Health News Stories
An Exercise Pill? Scientists Trying To ‘Game The System’ For Those With Limited Physical Options
Researchers are working to create a pill that could trigger the body into mimicking the positive effects of working out to help benefit post-op patients, those with muscle-related diseases and others.
Home Care Industry Worried About Immigration Policies Even For Workers In Country Legally
About a quarter of the nearly three million people who work in the home health care industry are immigrants. And some of the administration’s stances could negatively effect the pipeline for that workforce.
In Largest-Ever Midterm Campaign, Planned Parenthood To Sink $20M Into Races
The Planned Parenthood Action Fund will initially target races in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, though that roster could change as the election cycle evolves. Meanwhile, in other women’s health news, the Washington state Legislature has voted to require insurers to cover abortions and birth control.
Modern Healthcare takes a deep dive into artificial intelligence’s role in the health care landscape and what the future holds.
Vets With PTSD Face Bias From Navy Board That Oversees Discharge Upgrade Requests, Lawsuit Claims
The case is the latest in a series of lawsuits by the university’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic, seeking recognition that vast numbers of veterans have been improperly discharged and denied the benefits that were meant to help them re-enter society.
Virginia Governor Issues Gentle Ultimatum As Medicaid Expansion Debate Continues To Roil Legislature
Gov. Ralph Northam (D) said that if he gets a budget that doesn’t include expansion of Medicaid, he’ll be forced to add an amendment, which may not include some of the compromises he’s already worked out with lawmakers. Media outlets report on Medicaid news out of New Hampshire, Iowa and Louisiana.
Without Threat Of Tax Penalty, Nearly 20 Percent Of Californians Will Drop Coverage, Study Projects
California would continue to have a stable market partly because so many people in the exchange have their premiums paid or partly paid through subsidies, or premium tax credits, said Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee. But premiums will most likely go up.
Self-Neglect Accounts For More Calls To Social Services Than Any Other Form Of Elder Abuse
But intervening in those cases can be tricky for a nation that values independence. “If someone has decision-making capacity, do they have the right to live in squalor?” asked Dr. XinQi Dong, a researcher at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging in Chicago. In other public health news, seat belts, sexting, stress, kidney disease and uterine transplants.
“What was really striking to me is just how sick these kids are and that almost half of them end up in the ICU,” said Dr. Jason Kane, a lead author on the new study. Meanwhile, NPR takes a look at the paradox of heightened pain sensitivity with opioid use. And media outlets report on news of the crisis out of Tennessee, Connecticut, Florida, Oklahoma and New Hampshire.
Researchers Throw Cold Water On Optimism Over Universal Flu Vaccine
Despite a recent push for a more effective vaccine, scientists say we’re not really there yet. In fact, we’re not even close. Meanwhile, the CDC has declared that this nasty season has peaked, but public health officials warn that flu activity is still high and widespread.
The damage the type of weapons inflict on the human body is “ghastly,” trauma surgeons say. Meanwhile, following the Parkland, Fla. shooting and more focus on the country’s mental health services, Congress mulls a bill to create a three-digit suicide hotline.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers focus on these health issues and others.
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from Utah, Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas, New York, Missouri, Maryland and Georgia.
Governor Renews Effort To Expand MinnesotaCare Program
Gov. Mark Dayton unsuccessfully fought for the plan last year, but said he hopes the November election will pressure the GOP-controlled Legislature to change its mind on a measure that would help many farmers and other people living in rural areas who can’t afford coverage. Opponents fear the plan could end up costing taxpayers.
Proton Therapy Allows For Radiation To Be Delivered Almost Exclusively To Tumors
The Washington Post offers a look at this state-of-the-art therapy that spares healthy tissue in the fight against tumors.
The Business Of Selling Dubious Elixirs To Aging People Desperate For A Fountain Of Youth
Promoters are urging people to pay to participate in a soon-to-launch clinical trial of blood transfusions of younger people to older patients. But critics say the idea reeks of “snake oil.” In other public health news: the flu, tumors, depression in kids, surgery centers, parasitic worms, IV bags and aging parents.
As Medicaid Fight Brews In Virginia’s Capitol, Hundreds Rally To Support Expansion
While the Virginia House shifted its stance on expanding the program after years of fighting it, the Senate hasn’t budged. Media outlets report on Medicaid news out of Massachusetts, Ohio, Alabama and California, as well.
Grassley Wades Into Hotly Contested 340B Drug Debate With Transparency Legislation
The 340B program requires pharmaceutical companies to give steep discounts to hospitals and clinics that serve high volumes of low-income patients. Through Medicare, the federal government then reimburses the facilities for the drugs at a higher rate. A bill from Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) would require hospitals to disclose how much they pay for drugs under the program.
