Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
No-Show Patients Are A Huge Problem In Health Care. Uber Sees Itself As The Solution.
Uber has announced it’s launching a new branch called Uber Health, which will ferry patients to nonemergency medical appointments. It will be set up so that the medical provider would be billed for the service and not the patient.
Sen. Hatch Slams Anyone Who Supports Health Law, As Poll Finds Its Favorability Is At All-Time High
Separately, the poll found that health care costs are the top health care issue that voters want to hear candidates talk about ahead of this year’s midterm elections. Meanwhile, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) had some choice words for both the legislation and the “dumbass” people who support it.
The Troubled Indian Health Services Agency Has Been Without Permanent Leader Since 2015
President Donald Trump’s latest nominee withdrew from consideration following allegations he exaggerated his work experience. Senators are calling on the administration to move quickly on a replacement.
Day After Embracing Comprehensive Gun Control, Trump Has ‘Great’ Meeting With NRA Lobbyist
The tone of tweets from both President Donald Trump and the lobbyist suggest that the president is walking back from the support he voiced the previous day for tighter gun restrictions. Meanwhile Democrats are calling for gun research funding at the same time a report finds that gun policy science is lacking overall.
Sessions Tells DEA To Study Opioid Production Quotas, Consider Cuts
The DEA annually sets the production and manufacturing quotas for Schedule I and II controlled substances. Between 1993 and 2015, the DEA approved a 39-fold increase of oxycodone, 12-fold increase of hydrocodone and a 25-fold increase of fentanyl.
Trump Broaches Idea Of Death Penalty For Dealers To Help Curb Opioid Epidemic
At an opioid summit at the White House, President Donald Trump focused on criminal penalties, alarming advocates who want leaders to concentrate on treatment rather than punishment.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers focus on these health issues and others.
Longer Looks: Treating Parkland Victims; Fraudulent Food Science; And Russia’s HIV Epidemic
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on news from Florida, Minnesota, Illinois, Georgia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Missouri, Virginia, California, Ohio, Arizona, Wisconsin and Texas.
The restructuring of MassHealth is among the most significant health care initiatives to come from the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican who has been focused on containing the costs of the massive program. In other Medicaid news: work requirements, premiums, and opioids.
As Rural Hospitals Close, Communities May Be Forced To Make Tough Decisions
Hospitals tend to be cornerstone institutions in rural communities, but many of them, under financial stress, are closing. Meanwhile, Community Health Systems’ stock dropped amid reports of a $2 billion net loss in the fourth quarter.
