Latest KFF Health News Stories
Device Promises Relief From ‘Suicide Headaches,’ But Is It All Hype?
The gammaCore device did show benefits in a small group of people, but experts are skeptical. In other public health news: Parkinson’s drugs, the March for Science, measles in Minnesota and marijuana for epilepsy.
Addiction Hijacks The Brain, Creating Vicious Cycle Of Relapse For Those Trying To Recover
“We have to realize they are unable to maintain abstinence not for lack of desire but because their brain is damaged,” said Eric Nestler, a professor of neuroscience. Meanwhile, in the race to combat the raging opioid epidemic, some people are looking at possible security measures for the containers holding the pills.
CMS Considers Making Confidential Reports On Hospital Safety Public
The inspection information offers detailed descriptions of hospitals’ errors and mistakes. Meanwhile, a study finds that a simple post-surgery checklist can save lives.
Financially Troubled Kansas Hospital Faces Closure And Cites Lack Of Medicaid Expansion
St. Francis Hospital in Topeka is not far from the state capitol where the Republican governor has been a staunch opponent of Medicaid expansion. The owners say they will keep it open for a couple of months, but it’s not clear if another company will come in to take over the beleaguered facility. In other news, a look at how the Trump administration might change Medicaid rules and federal officials announce they will evaluate Montana’s program.
Federal Officials To Adjust Hospitals’ Penalties For High Readmissions Of Some Patients
The new formula will provide some relief to hospitals that have large numbers of “dual eligible” patients, or those that are covered by both Medicare and Medicaid, because they tend to be poorer and sicker than the general population. Also, Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley is pushing federal officials to get tougher with Medicare Advantage plans.
Cardinal Health Lays Out $6.1B To Acquire Medtronic Supplies Business
The health services company plans to acquire Medtronic’s patient care, deep vein thrombosis and nutritional insufficiency medical-supply units.
Theranos Agrees To Full Refunds For All Of Its Arizona Customers
The settlement, the second in two days to hit the troubled blood-testing startup, will cost the company about $4.65 million.
Pioneer Or ‘Embarrassment’: Psychiatrist Eyed For Top Mental Health Post Gets Mixed Reviews
Michael Welner is the leading contender for a position at the Department of Health and Human Services that was created as part of the 21st Century Cures Act in response to the shooting in Newtown, Conn.
The insurer saw rapid growth in its Medicare business, according to its earnings statement for the first quarter of 2017.
Trump Continues To Ring Optimistic Bell Over Republican Health Care Plans
President Donald Trump called on supporters at an event in Wisconsin to urge their representatives to support the GOP’s efforts. Meanwhile, over in Iowa, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley fields single-payer questions during a town hall, and a pro-Trump group targets a Colorado lawmaker with TV ads in his district.
Insurers Press CMS For Reassurance On Subsidies But Leave Meeting Empty-Handed
The “insurer bailouts” have been a Republican target for years, but their future has become even more uncertain after President Donald Trump said he may use them as a bargaining chip to get Democrats to the table to negotiate over health care.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on news from Minnesota, California, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Kansas and Texas.
Movement To Protect Those With Severe Mental Illness From Death Penalty Gains Traction
Legislators in at least seven states — Arkansas, Indiana, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia — have proposed bills this year to address the issue.
Veterans’ Lawsuit: Army Doesn’t Take PTSD Into Account When Issuing Discharges
If a soldier is dishonorably discharged they’re unable to receive benefits, including tax exemptions and scholarships, that are open only to honorably discharged veterans.
Out-Of-This-World Technology Co-Opted For Breast Cancer Research
Scientists see the potential for medical breakthroughs with the help of tools originally designed to monitor space and protect planets. In other public health news: vaccinations, Zika-related epilepsy, dragon’s blood, third-hand smoke and more.
Fishermen, In A Job That Takes A Toll On The Body, Hit Hard By Opioid Crisis
Ships have begun carrying anti-overdose medication as the industry tries to combat the problem. Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, those seeking clean needles will now be able to get them out of vending machines, and the Ohio dealer who caused more than two dozen overdoses in West Virginia is sentenced.
Documents Reveal Details Of Prince’s Addiction But Don’t Answer How He Got Opioids
A year after the musician died of a fentanyl overdose, shining a spotlight on the national crisis, many questions remain.
In Pact With Federal Health Officials, Theranos Says It Will Not Operate Blood Labs For 2 Years
The company still faces probes by the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission over its blood testing business.
