Latest KFF Health News Stories
Male Reproductive Health On The Decline
The decline in quality and concentration of men’s sperm has been a matter of hot debate, but one comprehensive study hopes to put any doubts to rest. In other public health news: flesh-eating bacteria, medical ethics, boosting resilience in midlife, injuries in young athletes and stem cell clinics.
Comprehensive Brain Injury Study Finds Extreme Prevalence Of Brain Injury In NFL Players
The study showed that 110 out of 111 brains had signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which causes myriad symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, depression and dementia.
Centene Corp. Bets On Obamacare, And Says It’s Paying Off
One of the biggest insurers participating in the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces urged the federal government to preserve cost-sharing payments for its low-income consumers and reported a better-than-expected, second-quarter performance.
Under Repeal, One Out Of Twenty Health Care Jobs Would Possibly Be Eliminated In Next 10 Years
Repealing the law would dramatically scale back federal funding for health care, which translates into job losses as hospitals, retirement homes and other health facilities get fewer dollars.
How Growing Public Support For Obamacare Tripped Up The Republicans
The Affordable Care Act should have been easy to get rid of, considering how many Americans held a low opinion of it when Republicans came into office. But a shifting tide of support has been one of the things that has complicated matters.
If All Else Fails, Republicans May Turn To ‘Skinny Plan’ As Last Resort
The plan would leave most of the law intact but would roll back the individual and employer mandates and its tax on medical devices.
Media outlets offer looks at what’s coming up this week as the Senate debates proposed health care legislation.
Trump Celebrates Symbolic Win: ‘We’re Now One Step Closer To Liberating Our Citizens’
President Donald Trump spoke to supporters on Tuesday about Republicans’ efforts to free them from the “Obamacare nightmare.” The president also spoke with The Wall Street Journal about his health care plans.
Despite Previous Misgivings, Some Hesitant Republicans Still Voted To Allow Health Care Debate
A look at where individual lawmakers came down on the vote.
McCain Swoops In To Save Party From Embarrassing Loss; Calls For Return Of Courage And Decorum
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who was diagnosed with brain cancer last week, flew back to D.C. to help Republicans pass the vote to begin the health care debate. The senator then took to the floor to lambaste his colleagues on the current state of politics in Congress.
Senate Votes To Open Debate On Health Care After Unusual Push To Floor By Leadership
Vice President Mike Pence cast the tie-breaking vote for the Senate to begin debate on health care legislation. Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were the two Republican hold outs.
Revised GOP Plan Including Cruz Amendment Becomes First Casualty Of Health Debate
Nine senators joined Democrats to easily defeat the legislation that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has been working to get passed the last few weeks.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Senate Votes To Move Ahead With Debate On Obamacare Replacement Bill
Republican leadership secure the needed 50 votes — with Vice President Mike Pence casting the tie-breaking vote to reach 51 — to bring health care legislation to the floor.
Viewpoints: Talking About Suicide; Military Life’s Toll On Women; Listening To Patients
Here’s a review of editorials and opinions on a range of public health issues.
Columnists offer thoughts on these issues as well as who has gained ground with Obamacare, how self-employed people are bracing for change and the future of single-payer concepts.
Tough Takes On The GOP’s Health Legislation Strategy: A New Level Of Cynicism; ‘A Tattered Band-Aid’
Opinion writers offer critiques of the GOP health plans, their strategies and how it could all play out for them in the next election.
Media outlets report on news from Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, California, Tennessee, Florida, Maryland and Kansas.
Prominent Psychiatry Group Relaxes Stance On Speaking About Mental Health Of Public Figures
The rule against psychiatrists offering their analysis of behaviors, such as ones exhibited by the president, robs the public “of our professional judgment and prevents us from communicating our understanding” of the president’s mental state, one psychiatrist said. In other public health news: the next revolution in HIV treatment, Zika testing, ticks and disease, dental services, pollution and more.
Physicians, Often In Fear Of Losing License, Know How To Hide Signs Of Addiction To Escape Notice
“Somehow they believe their knowledge is going to be more powerful than addiction,” said Dr. Marvin Seppala, an addiction expert. Meanwhile, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is looking to tap unlikely sources as allies in the battle against opioids: benefit payers and insurance administrators.
