Latest KFF Health News Stories
Two Big Studies On Cellphone Safety Show Cancer Risk Is Probably Small
While results from the animal research were mixed, John Bucher, a scientist involved in one of the studies, said “I have not changed the way I use a cellphone.”
Number Of Teens Identifying As Transgender, Gender Nonconforming Higher Than Expected
Some experts say that an increase in the issue’s visibility is making kids feel safer to come out and talk about it openly.
As Flu Hospitalization Rates Reach Record Highs, Experts Warn Peak Of Illness Hasn’t Arrived Yet
The rates have already surpassed those of the 2014-15 season, when 710,000 Americans were hospitalized and 56,000 died. “Overall hospitalizations are now the highest we’ve seen” in nearly a decade, said Anne Schuchat, the CDC’s acting director.
Early Weeks Of 2018 Show Flurry Of Activity Over Abortion In State Legislatures
A look at a wide-range of abortion legislation that’s moving in the states, from Mississippi to California.
On Heels Of CDC Chief’s Resignation, Two High-Ranking Lawmakers Disclose Links To Tobacco Stocks
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) report that they or their family members have traded in tobacco stocks. While executive branch employees are forbidden to work on issues in which they have a financial interest, such rules do not apply to members of Congress.
Senators Hope To Hammer Out A Deal With White House On VA Choice Program
Lawmakers are working off a bill Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced last year that aligns somewhat with the House’s version.
Health Industry Had Been Long-Stagnant But High Costs Plus Mediocre Access Have Triggered Shake-Ups
Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan’s new initiative to disrupt the health landscape is just the latest in a string of recent moves that have sought innovative and outside-the-box partnerships to try to do something about high costs in the industry.
States are supposed to keep track of cases involving the abuse, neglect, exploitation or unexplained death of Medicaid beneficiaries in assisted living facilities. But a report from the Government Accountability Office said more than half of the states were unable to provide information on the number or nature of such cases.
Those on the front line of the war against opioids in a state that’s been hard hit by the crisis say President Donald Trump and the government need to provide funding and not just lip-service over the epidemic. In other news: lawmakers ask OMB to block changes to the anti-drug office, colleges are stocking anti-overdose medication, Pfizer encounters manufacturing issues with its opioid product, and more.
Indiana Becomes Second State To Win Approval For Medicaid Work Requirements
The decision comes just weeks after the Trump administration issued guidelines allowing states to impose the first-ever employment-based restrictions in the Medicaid program’s 53-year history. Kentucky was the first state to receive approval for a work mandate. That plan is already under legal challenge.
Republicans’ Attacks On Health Law Ignites Surge Of Activity In States To Protect It
There are now at least nine states publicly considering their own version of the individual mandate. The movement is part of a bigger trend of some states taking matters into their own hands to shield the health law’s protections as the federal government tries to chip away at it.
First Edition: February 5, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages highlight these important health care issues.
Research Roundup: Microcephaly; Insurance Coverage; And Child Mortality
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from California, Oregon, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Washington, Illinois, Texas, Maryland and Florida.
Texas Lawmakers Aim To Reduce Maternity Mortality; Nurse Practitioner Bill Makes Headway In Va.
State legislatures also focus on telemedicine practices and medical marijuana.
‘It’s Just So Scary’: Brett Favre Cringes Over Physical Toll Football Takes On Little Kids
The veteran National Football League star says that with all the new information out about brain damage and concussions that can result from the sport, it’s hard to watch kids play it. In other public health news: gut microbes, seizures, tainted baby formula, Alzheimer’s and heart failure.
Judge Overseeing 200 Suits Against Painkiller Makers Holds Summit To Get To Root Of Crisis
Taking Purdue Pharma’s most powerful pill off the market was one suggestion at the gathering held by U.S. District Judge Dan Polster. Meanwhile, those on the front lines of the epidemic are struggling to deal with the crisis without extra funding from the federal government.
Effectiveness Of Flu Vaccine Looks Like It Will Be Even Lower Than CDC Experts Expected
Canadian researchers offer the first study on the vaccination’s effectiveness in North America this year. Their midseason estimate suggested that the H3N2 component of the vaccine is 17 percent effective at preventing infection.
Bickering In Congress Created Vacuum That Tech Billionaires Decided To Fill With Health Initiative
The idea of businesses stepping in where they see government failing is nothing new. But will the initiative from Amazon, Berkshkire Hathaway and JPMorgan actually succeed with the odds stacked against it?
