Latest KFF Health News Stories
Slight Mutations To Bird Flu Virus Would Make It Easier To Spread Between Humans
Right now, it’s not easy for humans to pass the virus to each other. And scientists aren’t bracing themselves for the next pandemic quite yet. “[W]e’ve got to be careful that we separate the elegance of the science and the likelihood” of it happening, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
In Arms Race Against Superbugs, Returning To Tried-And-True Technique May Be Key To Winning
Although it’s been said that soil has been “over-mined” for antibiotics, some think that new technology could rejuvenate the old practice. In other public health news: Lyme disease, wounds to the hip, elder abuse, IVF and sepsis.
Beyond Paint And Pipes: Lead Found In 20 Percent Of Baby Food Samples
Though it was at low levels, scientists say that even a small amount can be detrimental to a child’s development.
Advocates Cheer Drop In Teen Tobacco Use As Potential Turning Point In War Against Smoking
“This is unimaginable, extraordinary progress,” said Matthew Myers, president of the nonprofit Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
With Hundreds Dying Each Week, A Panel To Study Opioid Crisis Is Just Waste Of Time, Experts Say
President Donald Trump’s special commission will hold its first meeting Friday, but experts say it’s not necessary. “What we need is an enormous federal investment in expanding access to addiction treatment, and for the different federal agencies that have a piece of this problem to be working in a coordinated fashion,” said Dr. Andrew Kolodny, of Brandeis University.
Core VA Services Neglected In Trump’s Budget, Democrats Say
Lawmakers say the president’s proposed budget increases money for private services, but does little to help Veterans Affairs clinics, hospitals and other veteran care.
Trump Expected To Issue Executive Order Aimed At High Drug Prices
President Donald Trump will meet Friday with health and budget officials to discuss the proposals, according to news reports. The White House may issue one order soon and then another, longer one down the road.
With Medicaid A Chopping-Block Favorite, Advocates Look To Humanize Program
Patients who have benefited from Medicaid speak out and put a human face to what some might see as just a budget line.
Lines Between Payer, Provider Blur With New Alliance Between Cleveland Clinic, Oscar
The prestigious hospital is joining forces with the insurer to sell plans on the Affordable Care Act exchanges.
Spiking Premiums In Volatile Marketplace Give Ammunition To Both Democrats, Republicans
Insurers all over the country are seeking increases averaging about 20 percent. While the GOP says rates have been trending this way for years, Democrats counter that the prices are high because Republican lawmakers and the Trump White House have destabilized the marketplace.
Price Dodges When Asked If GOP’s Health Plan Is ‘Mean’
“It’s not a yes or no answer,” Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price says. Meanwhile, Republicans on Capitol Hill downplay the reports that the president called the House-passed bill just that.
It’s Looking Less Likely That Republicans Will Hit Ambitious End-Of-June Deadline For Health Bill
Even if they resolve their biggest policy disagreements, senators still have to write the rest of the bill, send the full text to the Congressional Budget Office, await the agency’s score and keep 50 Republicans together through a lengthy series of procedural votes.
Democrats, as to be expected, are on the attack over the way Republicans are crafting the health law replacement legislation in secrecy, but even some GOP lawmakers are voicing concerns. Meanwhile, conservatives start to raise red flags about the measure’s failure to curb spending.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Hearing About Hearing Aid Costs; The FDA’s Fear And Loathing Of Off-Label Communications
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Opinion writers take a hard look at ongoing issues to undo the Affordable Care Act and make system changes regarding Medicaid, Medicare and the individual health insurance market.
Longer Looks: Prescription Heroin; Smartphone Psychiatry; And Obamacare Repeal
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on health-related news from New Hampshire, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Florida, California, Texas, Kentucky, Georgia and Colorado.
Missouri Senate OKs Abortion Bill Amidst Dueling Rallies By Supporters And Opponents
The state legislation would nullify a city ordinance in St. Louis that prohibits housing and employment discrimination based on “reproductive health decisions,” such as abortion or pregnancy. The bill now goes to the Missouri House. Elsewhere, a Iowa council considers a controversial measure to bar abortion providers from state-financed family planning efforts.
Public Health Roundup: Conjoined Twins; A Shot For Incontinence; And Home Health Care For Seniors
Also in the news: a tool to detect Parkinson’s, transgender talk and salt caves as the new health trend.
