Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: The Toll Of Gun Violence On Public Health; Gene Mapping Moves Closer To Reality
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Different Takes On Trump’s Executive Order On Health Insurance: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
Opinion writers across the nation express outrage and concern about Thursday’s White House directive loosening some of the rules regarding health coverage, but some also defend it and even see it as progress. The opinions also touch on other health policy topics including Medicaid.
Research Roundup: Medicaid Reduces Payday Loans; Diabetes Management; Chronic ER Use
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from Michigan, Georgia, Florida, Ohio and Texas.
‘This Thing Could Get Worse’: Calif. Wildfires Force Hospital Evacuations And Hit Medical Personnel
Medical services in California are under pressure from the wildfire crisis as doctors and nurses are impacted personally and professionally at a time when they are needed by residents coping with the air quality. Asthmatics and the elderly are particularly at risk.
Medicare Cuts Off Payments To Florida Nursing Home Where Residents Died After The Hurricane
Fourteen residents died after the facility lost air conditioning. Florida’s two senators have called for a congressional investigation. The nursing home had previously announced it would close permanently.
Obesity Rates Continue To Climb: Nearly 40% Of Adult Americans, 20% Of Kids Qualify
The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that adult obesity rates have spiked from 30.5 percent in 1999-2000 to 39.8 percent in 2015-2016. Also in public health news today: condom sizes and NFL concussion research.
‘There’s No Simple Solution’ To Ending Opioid Crisis, But Here Are Steps Experts Recommend
Two experts on the opioid epidemic weigh in on moves the government could make to help alleviate the crisis, including a ban on ultra-high dosage painkillers. Meanwhile, lawmakers wonder why there’s been a delay in officially declaring the epidemic a national emergency.
NIH Partners With Pharma As Part Of Next Step In Cancer Moonshot
Each of the industry partners will contribute $1 million a year to the initiative, for a total of $55 million, while the National Institutes of Health will provide $160 million in support over the next five years.
Chronically Late Payments From VA Jeopardizing Virginia’s Veterans, Lawmakers Say
The Virginia delegation is concerned about payments coming from the Veterans Choice program, which allows vets to receive care from private providers if they cannot book an appointment at their local VA facility within 30 days or access a facility within 40 miles of their home.
Mich., N.H. Governors Dispute Sen. Johnson’s View Of ‘Soaring’ Medicaid Costs
Both Republican governors say the analysis by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) of their states’ Medicaid spending is faulty. Johnson sent letters to eight states asking for explanations about Medicaid expansion costs that “go far beyond initial projections.”
Seniors Face Important Insurance Decisions As Medicare Enrollment Begins Sunday
Although many beneficiaries opt to stay in the same plans, experts say it is important to check out the options.
‘Holy Cow!’: FDA Approves Record Number Of Generics This Year
By moving more generic drugs into the marketplace, the Trump administration hopes to create more competition and lower-cost alternatives.
Conn. Lawmakers Behind Much Of Legislation Pushing For Tighter Gun Control Regulations
The latest proposed bill comes from Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.) who wants to prohibit the transfer, import or possession of magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
Ethics Office Finds ‘Substantial Reason’ To Review Rep. Collins’ Dealings With Pharma Company
A new report from the nonpartisan Office of Congressional Ethics finds that there is enough reason to review the actions of Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) and how he may have used his office to benefit a private biotechnology company.
Soaring Premiums May Cause Some Sticker Shock, But Effect Might Not Be As Scary As It First Seems
Outlets take a look at premium increases in the states.
It’s unclear exactly how much the executive order will affect the marketplaces, but analysts see it further destabilizing an already shaky landscape.
Trump Touts Executive Order As First Step Toward ACA Repeal, But Move Was Largely Ceremonial
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order to allow for “association” plans and to relax other Affordable Care Act regulations. The New York Times and other outlets take a look at what’s actually in the order.
Following Through On Months Of Threats, Trump Vows To ‘Immediately’ End Insurer Subsidies
The move to end the subsidies, which help low-income consumers afford coverage, is likely to cause upheaval in the health law’s marketplace. Democrats are blasting the decision as “spiteful” and another way that the president is trying to sabotage the Affordable Care Act.
First Edition: October 13, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
