Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Spring Cleaning Rolls Around, Experts Warn Of Deadly Virus That Could Be Lurking
The severe respiratory illness is contracted through mouse droppings. In other public health news: lead in hair products, mother and baby bonding, infertility awareness, and violence in media.
Fate Of Man Who Unleashed Wave Of Opioid Overdoses A Microcosm Of National Debate
The case demonstrates why many of the nation’s top justice officials have said that arrests and seizures alone cannot pull the country out of its spiraling epidemic. In other news, experts criticize the man expected to be tapped for the White House drug czar position.
The Downstream Result Of Drug Shortages: Price Hikes For Similar Medications
In other drug-industry news, the Mayo Clinic’s CEO joined Merck’s board this week — a role that he will have to navigate very carefully.
Lawmakers Introduce Draft Bill That Would Be First To Regulate Diagnostic Tests
For years the Food and Drug Administration has been raising questions about the accuracy of tests for diagnosing serious illnesses. In other news from Capitol Hill, senators tackle the needs of rural doctors. And Tennessee’s senators look ahead to the potential lack of insurance exchange options for their state’s residents in 2018.
As Medicare Moves To Implement New Payment System, Price Asks Doctors To Make Suggestions
The secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services says better payment options might help prevent doctor “burn-out.” Also, Medicare releases its data showing geographic differences in spending.
Obamacare Disconnect: La. Residents Support Medicaid Expansion But Not The Health Law
While a majority of Louisiana residents support the expansion of the federal-state health care program for low-income people, more than half have an unfavorable opinion of President Barack Obama’s signature health care law. News outlets also report on Medicaid news from North Carolina and Florida.
‘We’re Going To Get To Yes’: Freedom Caucus Member Sees Health Bill Passing In Matter Of Weeks
Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.) points to the bruising lawmakers have been receiving from their home crowds during recess as impetus to get it done.
Negotiator-In-Chief Eyes Subsidies As Bargaining Chip To Get Democrats To The Table
The abrupt disappearance of the so-called insurer bailouts could trigger a collapse of the health law’s marketplace. “Obamacare is dead next month if it doesn’t get that money,” President Donald Trump said. “What I think should happen and will happen is the Democrats will start calling me and negotiating.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Cutting The Potential For Cures; The Opioid Epidemic’s Real-Life Impact
A collection of opinions from around the country.
Perspectives: Government Is Giving Monopoly Protection To Essentially Generic Versions Of Drugs
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Putting A Price Tag On A Medical Miracle
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
Outlets report on news from Washington, Connecticut, New York, Louisiana, Arizona, Minnesota, Ohio, California, Michigan, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Lawmakers In Ohio, Nebraska, Iowa Consider Bills Affecting Children’s Health Issues
Ohio Republicans dismiss Gov. John Kasich’s call to raise the income requirements for families in a state program for medically fragile children, while legislators in Nebraska come in for criticism on plans to cut some state contracts with agencies helping foster families, and Iowa lawmakers weigh changes in the income tax forms that children’s advocates say could lead to more uninsured kids. Other legislative news from Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, Florida and Maryland.
Epidemic Of Dying Rural Hospitals Shattering Communities’ Health Security
Nearly 80 have closed since 2010, and many more are considered fragile.
Law Protecting People Who Call For Emergency Help In Overdose Situations Is Saving Lives
In Georgia, the legislature passed a bill that offers amnesty to “good Samaritans” who call for help, because many hesitate to do so fearing they’ll get in trouble as well. Media outlets also report on the opioid crisis out of California, West Virginia, Michigan and Florida.
One patient with abnormally high levels of a blood-clotting protein may help those who have been diagnosed with hemophilia B. In other public health news: prostate cancer screenings, running, gun control, alcohol abuse, asbestos, and back pain.
Small Army Of Health Professionals Try To Rebuild Trust With Minorities Over Clinical Trials
Minorities have been long-underrepresented in clinical trials. Drugmakers, health care researchers and community organizers nationwide are working to change that trend.
N.C. Medicaid Expansion Bill Seeks To Lend A Hand To ‘Working Adults’
The plan, advanced by four Republicans, faces a tough road in the legislature. Also in Medicaid news, troopers arrest protesters in the Tennessee governor’s office, Connecticut offers long-acting contraceptive options to enrollees after they give birth and enrollees in Oklahoma raise concerns about cutbacks.
VA Embracing Transparency, Welcoming Public Scrutiny With Launch Of New Website
The site will offer looks at the Department of Veterans Affairs process and will show if veterans are satisfied with wait times at clinics, a problem that has been plaguing the agency for years.
