Latest KFF Health News Stories
Drug, Opioid Thefts A Stubborn Problem At VA Hospitals
In February the agency announced it was putting safeguards in place to combat the problem, but criminal investigators say it’s hard to tell if they’re working.
Former Theranos Directors Did Not Follow Up On Public Allegations, Court Documents Reveal
“It didn’t occur to me,” one said when asked if he probed into whether the company’s much-hyped proprietary technology was working.
Cuts To Biosecurity In Trump Budget Leaves ‘The American People Very Vulnerable,’ Experts Say
The Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, which tracks outbreaks of disease, would be cut by $136 million, or 9.7 percent, while the branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that fights threats like anthrax and Ebola would be cut by $65 million, or 11 percent. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump tweeted that he wanted to allocate more money toward health care, which is in direct contrast to both his proposed budget and the House GOP health bill.
Administration Takes Steps To Relax Health Law’s Birth Control Mandate
The decision all but ensures a court challenge from women’s groups.
As GOP Senators Ponder Health Plan, Republican Governors Split On Future Of Medicaid
The divide over how to handle the Medicaid expansion is reflected in the ranks of Republican governors. Also in Medicaid news are articles about how cuts could have a major impact on women, on Sen. Pat Toomey’s (R-Pa.) efforts on the GOP bill, California legislators weighing adding benefits for people in the state illegally and cuts in services in Texas and Louisiana.
Newly Insured Worry About Going ‘Back To The Old Way Of Doing Things’
With the federal health law in peril, some of the more than 20 million people who gained coverage are concerned about the future. Among them are older Americans, who could see their premiums increase dramatically. Some of them are beginning to organize to fight for the law.
Health Care Groups At A Crossroads Over Trying To Kill GOP Bill Or Help Shape It
Senators have hinted at a willingness to work with health care industry stakeholders, which were shut out of House negotiations. Those businesses now must decide what course of action to take. Meanwhile, The Associated Press looks at some of the sticking points of getting to 50 votes. And meet the Senate parliamentarian who will be the chamber’s referee in the debate.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Taking Stock Of Genetic Privacy; What About Those Medical Misfits?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Opinion writers take on a variety of fiscal issues advanced by President Donald Trump’s budget proposal, including how it treats Medicaid and Social Security’s disability program.
Different Takes: The Politics Of Repeal, Replace And Reform
Editorial pages across the country include thoughts about the political risks in play as Congress and states confront efforts to dismantle Obamacare.
Research Roundup: Early Hospital Discharges; Missed Vaccinations; Growth In Spending
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, Kansas, Minnesota, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Maryland, Arizona and Florida.
Many Adults Don’t Know That Secondhand E-Cigarette Vapor Poses Health Risk To Kids
In a survey, nearly one-third say they don’t know if such aerosol causes harm to children. In other public health news, groups worried about superbugs press In-N-Out Burger to make good on its pledge to phase out beef raised with antibiotics. And researchers investigate the impact of Facebook on mental health.
Mapping Zika’s Family Tree With Genome Sequencing Shows The Origins Of An Epidemic
Using the technique could help researchers predict how the next pandemic will move across the globe.
Setting Sights On High Drug Prices, Gottlieb Steers FDA Into Waters Previous Chiefs Dared Not Tread
In previous administrations, the heads of the Food and Drug Administration said the agency’s focus is efficacy and safety. But Dr. Scott Gottlieb is launching a concerted effort, hinged on increasing competition with generic drugs, to address skyrocketing costs.
Wis. Committee Approves Gov. Walker’s Plan To Test Some Medicaid Enrollees For Drugs
The plan, if it wins full legislative approval and is endorsed by federal officials, would be the first of its kind in the country.
House Panel Broadens Investigation Of NIH Safety And Compliance Issues
House Energy and Commerce Committee requests more documents in its probe of contaminated research samples reported at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. In other administration news, former Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) starts her new job as director for the Department of Health and Human Service’s regional office in Atlanta.
Budget Cuts Affecting Opioid Treatment Leave Families Feeling Betrayed By Trump
President Donald Trump “promised me, in honor of my son, that he was going to combat the ongoing heroin epidemic,” one man who lost his son said of meeting the president. “He got me hook, line and sinker.” Media outlets report on the epidemic in Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina and Ohio, as well.
Mulvaney Defends Budget Cuts But Gets Some Tough Questions About Medicaid From Senators
The head of the Office of Management and Budget says the reductions won’t affect current enrollees and dismisses health care scoring from the Congressional Budget Office.
