Latest KFF Health News Stories
N.J. Governor Eases Regulations On Medical Marijuana
Gov. Philip D. Murphy criticized predecessor Chris Christie’s tight restrictions before signing an executive order to expand access to the drug. “The system we have inherited can best be described as medical marijuana in name only,” said Murphy, who campaigned on the issue. News on marijuana comes out of Vermont, California, Texas and Wyoming as well.
Comprehensive Study On E-Cigarettes Touts Benefits To Smokers, Warns Of Dangers To Teens
The topic of whether e-cigarettes are a stepping stone to cigarettes has been hotly debated over recent years. In other public health news: PTSD, obesity, smartphones, and mental health.
‘It’s Time For Big Pharma To Pay For What They’ve Done’: NYC Mayor Sues Companies Over Opioid Crisis
Mayor Bill de Blasio is just the latest state official to try to fight the epidemic through the court system.
Drugmakers Have ‘Tremendous Potential’ In War Against Superbugs, But They’re Not Doing Enough
A new report finds that those in the pharmaceutical industry are making progress in the fight against superbugs, but “every company can do more.”
Hospital, Physician Groups Wary But Curious About CMS’ Bundled-Pay Model
Under the initiative, organizations enter into payment arrangements that include financial and performance accountability for episodes of care.
Activist Shareholders Granted More Power As Tenet Changes Its Bylaws
The county’s third-largest investor-owned hospital company is allowing its shareholders to call meetings. The move is part of a broader trend in the industry to give more control to shareholders.
Working Americans Are Using Less Health Care And Yet Paying Significantly More, Report Finds
In many other businesses, declining demand would cause prices to drop, but that “common sense” doesn’t always apply to health care, says Niall Brennan, president of Health Care Cost Institute, which released the report.
Families Who Depend On Health Law Look Back At Roller Coaster Of A Year
For some, 2017 meant constantly having the news turned on in different parts of the house just to make sure they didn’t miss any developments on the health care debate. “It was a stressful time. It was, is this going to be bill that kills the ACA, and what will that mean for the people who live and work here in Kansas City?” said Jerry Jones, executive director of the Community Health Council of Wyandotte County.
In Oregon, Voter Referendum Backs Taxes To Pay For State’s Medicaid Program
In an unusual special election, Oregon voters have approved health care taxes on Oregon’s largest hospitals and many health insurance policies that will raise between $210 million and $320 million in revenue over two years.
Some GOP Officials May Move Toward Medicaid Expansion Now That Work Requirements Are Allowed
The decision by the Trump administration to allow states to implement work requirements for non-disabled adults enrolled in Medicaid may help some conservatives agree to expand the program. In other Medicaid news, a top federal official is leaving the government, New York plans to allow Dreamers to stay in the program, Democratic lawmakers in Virginia back down from a confrontation, a report finds problems in oversight in Illinois and Kansas considers a rule change.
Seven Democratic Senators Buck Party Lines To Help Advance HHS Nominee Alex Azar
The Senate is poised to take up Alex Azar’s nomination this week. Democrats have aired their concerns about the nominee’s ties to the pharmaceutical industry, but it is likely that he’ll easily secure the needed votes to take up the reins of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Public Health Agencies Left ‘Treading Water’ With Each Short-Term Spending Plan From Congress
At all levels of the government — local, state and federal — agencies are left “in suspended animation” as Congress prolongs the funding debate. Meanwhile, as advocates of the Children’s Health Insurance Program breathe a sigh of relief over their extension, community health clinics are still on edge.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) noted that the current flu situation, while harsher than in some previous years, “doesn’t come close to pandemic.” Media outlets report on the virus out of the Washington, D.C. area, North Carolina, Ohio and California.
First Edition: January 24, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: A Path To Treating Opioid Abuse; The Hazards Of Right-To-Try Laws
Opinion writers from around the country weigh in on a range of health care issues.
Editorial pages feature thoughts on these topics as well as perspectives on state developments regarding Medicaid eligibility and expansion.
Media outlets report on news from Vermont, Florida, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Georgia, Maryland and Michigan.
Ultrasounds Are Next Up On Minn. Anti-Abortion Group’s Agenda
Abortion rights groups, however, say any legislation requiring centers to ask if women want to see their ultrasounds would be redundant. “Doctors ought to be giving their patients all the information they can to make an informed decision, and we assume that’s happening,” said Andrea Ledger, the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota.
New Day, New Take: Epic Gets Thumbs Up In Minneapolis for Innovation
After adding to a barrage of criticism levied at the electronic health record company, Fairview Health Services alters its stance and says “they are uniquely positioned to support collaboration for innovation in healthcare.”
You’re More Likely To Die In The Hospital Over The Weekend, And Doctors Don’t Really Know Why
There is speculation, though, that people who come in during off-hours are inherently sicker than those who come in during business hours. In other public health news: the psychological damage from sexual harassment, trees and depression, the Tide Pod challenge, screen time, asthma and more.
