Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
First Edition: January 19, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care issues from around the country.
Opinion writers weigh in on the nation’s opioid epidemic.
Longer Looks: The Presidential Physical; The Opioid Crisis; And A Junk Food Tax
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on news from California, Connecticut, Maryland, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota and Massachusetts.
Trauma Experts See ‘Glimmer Of Hope’ In Abused Calif. Children’s Road To Mental, Physical Recovery
Police found the 13 siblings malnourished and chained to furniture, held captive by their parents. Experts say there is definitely hope for them to fully recover psychologically from the abuse, but they do have hurdles to overcome.
Doctors worry that people will dismiss the severity of the flu, but this year is not the year to write it off.
In A World Where Workplace Suicide Is Increasing, Colleagues Are Being Taught To Spot Warning Signs
Bringing in mental health counselors to help workers recognize when one of their colleagues may need help is just one of the steps that employers are taking to prevent, prepare for and react to their employees’ suicide. In other public health news: loneliness, obesity, a late-in-life career change, and gum disease.
Could Product That Helps Customers Dispose Of Unused Opioids Help Curb Crisis? Walmart Thinks So.
The company will distribute the powder product — which turns into a gel that fuses the unused pill together inside the prescription bottle — to customers filling opioid prescriptions. In other news on the epidemic: Republicans say Medicaid expansion is fueling the crisis, but Democrats say that has no basis in facts; a study suggests a counterintuitive way to get patients off painkillers faster; and more.
