Latest KFF Health News Stories
In Search Of Genetic Marker For Suicide: Scientists Envision Medication That Could Save Lives
It will be a long and complicated path even if it’s successful, but researchers think searching DNA for links to suicide will eventually lead to them being able to create a pill to stop it. In other public health news: melanoma, doctors and Yelp, breast milk, chemotherapy, tick saliva and more.
Urgent Talk On Opioid Epidemic Runs Into Reality Of Getting Things Done In Washington
It’s been a month since President Donald Trump declared the crisis a national emergency. That hasn’t even been made official yet. Meanwhile, Purdue Pharma says Ohio’s lawsuit against the company should be tossed, dental schools are teaching students ways to combat the crisis, a look at the president’s claim that a wall will stop the flood of drugs into the country and more.
Many Florida Hospitals Show ‘Tremendous Spirit’ In Face Of Hurricane And Remain Open
At least 35 hospitals in the states that are or have been affected by the storm had to be closed or partially evacuated though. Meanwhile, clinicians evaluate the theory that hurricanes induce labor, Georgia faces Irma, and mental health professionals prepare for the strain a natural disaster puts on children.
As Single-Payer Gains Momentum, Sanders To Release ‘Medicare For All’ Plan
The move may force Democrats on Capitol Hill to take a stance on the issue, which is becoming a test for 2020.
The Long Months Of Uncertainty Are Wearing On Insurers
And insurance providers aren’t banking on a lifeline being tossed from Congress anytime soon.
Trump Looking Ready To Put Repeal And Replace Efforts Behind Him To Focus On Tax Reform
President Donald Trump tweets: “Republicans, sorry, but I’ve been hearing about Repeal & Replace for 7 years, didn’t happen!” Meanwhile, a closer look at the deteriorating relationship between the president and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).
Freedom Caucus Leader Offers Tepid Support For Graham And Cassidy’s Obamacare Replacement
Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), who leads the conservative caucus of lawmakers, said the bill being promoted by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) is the “most promising” option for replacing the federal health law. But the effort faces uphill odds.
Democrats Worry Compromising For Short-Term Wins Will Lead To Long-Term Evisceration Of Law
Democratic lawmakers want the insurer subsidies to be paid. But to get that, they have to give up on something important to them — state waivers. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking for them to reach a deal.
First Edition: September 11, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Evidence, Spending And How The U.S. Health System Ranks; The GOP’s ‘Efficiency Paradox’
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Hospital Antitrust Concerns; ACA Narrowed Racial Disparities in Health Care
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from Ohio, Iowa, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon, Louisiana, Maryland and Virginia.
As Doctors Continue To Work Later In Life, Some Hospitals Are Screening For Age-Related Decline
Some doctors say it’s age discrimination while other acknowledge it’s a safety issue for patients. In other public health news: fats and carbs, acid reflux, squid ink and the dentist, sex education programs and the children who lived through 9/11.
New Mexico Joins Growing Cadre Of States Suing Drugmakers Over Opioid Crisis
However, while many states are focusing on pharmaceutical companies alone, New Mexico is also going after distributors. Media outlets report on news about the epidemic out of Arizona, Florida and Ohio, as well.
Medicare Weighs Opening Website To Include Consumers’ Comments On Doctors
Medical groups oppose the move because it could unfairly damage a doctor’s reputation. In other Medicare news, beneficiaries are warned about protecting the new cards coming out next year, and federal officials relax some rules for people in Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Eli Lilly, Facing Stiff Competition On Diabetes Products, Will Cut 3,500 Jobs
The company says the move will save about $500 million annually that it will use partly to support new drug development.
FDA Blasts EpiPen Maker For Not Investigating Complaints About Life-Threatening Device Flaws
The FDA cites troubling incidents where the failure to properly investigate and take action over defective products had led to patient deaths.
In Mostly Symbolic Gesture, Senate Panel Votes To Overturn Trump’s Mexico City Policy
The rule prevents federal family planning assistance from going to foreign nongovernmental organizations that promote or provide abortions. But it’s unlikely the measure will make it into the final funding bill.
Lawmakers Agree CHIP Needs To Be Funded, But Do Little To Work Through Partisan Differences
Delays from any partisan bickering could force many states, which soon will exhaust their federal allotments, to start winding down the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program over the next few weeks or months.
As Left-Wing Chases ‘Medicare For All’ Dream, This Senator Is Taking More Pragmatic Approach
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) is giving Democratic lawmakers who don’t want to attach themselves to Sen. Bernie Sanders’ plan an alternative that gets them a step closer to universal health care coverage.
