Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump Administration Policies Have Chilling Effect On Hispanics Seeking Medical Care, Advocates Say
The trend applies to those who are in the country legally. Advocates say they fear their family and friends could be tracked through them and sent home. Meanwhile, an entire population forgoing health care will have ripple effects across the entire country, experts say.
‘We Are With You All The Way’: Trump Renews Anti-Abortion Support During March For Life
The president also delivered yet another victory to the anti-abortion movement to coincide with the march: pulling back an Obama-era policy that posed a legal roadblock to conservative states trying to cut Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood.
Evangelicals Inside HHS Have Critics Worrying About Blurred Lines Between Church And State
The agency’s evangelical leaders have set in motion changes with short-term symbolism and long-term significance, on issues such as abortion and transgender care.
About Half Of HHS Staff To Be Furloughed As Shutdown Slips Into First Work Week
Senators failed to reach an agreement over the weekend to re-open the government before the work week started, but some lawmakers are hopeful Monday will bring compromise. Meanwhile, an administration official says that, in contrast to the official contingency plan, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention will continue flu season monitoring.
First Edition: January 22, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers and medical experts from around the country express views on a number of health care issues.
Research Roundup: CHIP, Medicaid And High-Needs Patients
Here is a selection of news coverage of other recent research:
Media outlets report on news from Massachusetts, Arizona, Maryland, Ohio, Texas, Oregon, Louisiana and California.
N.H. Bill Introduced To Address School Nurse Shortage By Easing Certification Requirements
Meanwhile, in the news from other capitols around the country, the California Nurses Association stormed the state house Thursday to demonstrate in support of single-payer health care and Iowa’s senate approves a measure to lighten the penalty for first-time possession of small amounts of marijuana.
A $500 Non-Invasive Blood Test Could Detect 8 Types Of Cancers — But It’s A Long Way Off
But scientists are excited about the possibilities offered by the test, which could offer a diagnosis even before symptoms start showing.
With Older Women Having Babies, Scientists See Glimmer Of Hope Amid Distressing Fertility Rates
The country’s fertility rates are at a record low, which has serious consequences for the U.S.’s future, but more women in their 40s are now mothers. In other public health news: the brain and exercise, tobacco, ADHD drugs, medical research, liquid biopsies and more.
The Facts Beneath The Hyperbole: Flu Strain Is Definitely Vicious But Not Uniquely Lethal Or New
The New York Times offers some answers about this season’s flu virus. Media outlets report on related news out of New York, Missouri, Kansas, California and Arizona, as well.
Letter From Democratic Senators Warns That Work Requirements For Medicaid May Not Be Legal
The letter, drafted by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said work requirements “contradict the plain text and purpose” of the Medicaid statute. In other Medicaid news, Colorado makes no progress on getting people with developmental disabilities off the waiting list for services, Rhode Island’s governor proposes cuts that includes a freeze in reimbursement rates for hospitals and other news from Arizona and Alaska.
“While it is an intriguing business opportunity, it is not without risks since it isn’t cheap to become a manufacturer and generic competition is harsh,” says Scott Knoer, Cleveland Clinic’s chief pharmacy officer.
How Once ‘Pro-Choice’ Trump Has Given Anti-Abortion Movement Most Optimism In A Decade
President Donald Trump will on Friday address the March for Life activists, in a sign of how much he’s moved on the issue. Before running for office, Trump once described himself as pro-choice, and often seems uncomfortable discussing the issue. Yet in his first year Trump secured major victories for the movement, including the latest in which his administration created a religious freedom division at the Department of Health and Human Services.
CDC’s Director Cancels Another Meeting With Congress Because Of Conflicts Of Interests
Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald is one of the top public health officials in the nation, but she is unable to speak before Congress about important health issues, including cancer and opioid addiction. This week, she missed meetings on the nation’s readiness to deal with public health emergencies.
Following Creation Of Religious Freedom Division, Advocates Worry LGBT Patients May Forgo Care
Research shows people who identify as LGBT already face significant health care disparities due to stigma and lack of provider awareness and sensitivity. The Department of Health and Human Services did not introduce any rules with the creation of the office, but the division will focus on reviewing complaints from medical professionals under existing laws.
In Midst Of Epidemic, Trump To Gut Drug Office’s Budget By 95 Percent
The Office of National Drug Control Policy is the top office leading the federal effort against the crisis. The plan would shift much of its grants to the Justice and Health and Human Services departments. Meanwhile, governors are urging Washington to do more to combat the epidemic, offering a series of recommendations.
Senate’s ‘Right To Try’ Legislation Needs Tweaks, House Energy And Commerce Chairman Says
“There’s a way to work through this that will work for patients and patient safety, will work for terminally ill patients and not give false hope,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.).
With Health Care For 9 Million Children On The Line, Congress Barrels Toward Shutdown
The House passed the short-term funding bill after threats from the Freedom Caucus died down, but it appears unlikely it will get through the Senate. The legislation, which includes a six-year extension for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, would fund the government through Feb. 16. Media outlets take a look at what will happen if the lawmakers can’t pass it.
