Latest KFF Health News Stories
In Ambitious Health Data Project, Researchers Happily Trade ‘Moonshots’ For Day-To-Day Drudgery
Verily Life Sciences, formerly Google Life Sciences, is launching its initiative to collect information on 10,000 volunteers to create a baseline of health for the population. But, despite the scope of the project, those running it say they have their feet firmly planted on the ground and in reality.
Upset By Insurers’ Guidelines To Try Cheaper Drugs First, Doctors Issue Recommendations
The American Society of Clinical Oncology have one message to insurers: Put patients, not cost, first.
Oregon Lawmakers Seeking Budget Cuts Weigh Proposal To End Medicaid Expansion
The state is facing a $1.6 billion deficit and dropping the Medicaid expansion could save $256 million over two years. The hospital industry is fighting the proposal and the governor has called it “unacceptable.” News outlets also report on other Medicaid news in Alabama, Mississippi and Michigan.
Miners Who Helped Carry Trump To Victory Terrified As Threat Of Losing Benefits Looms
The president often spoke about miners during his campaign, but as the deadline to renew benefits for them nears, he’s remained quiet.
Pharma, Big Tobacco Opened Up Wallets For Trump’s Inauguration
The industries, which are often the focus of federal scrutiny, ponied up millions for the new president’s inauguration festivities.
Program Allowing Veterans To Seek Care Outside VA Health System Extended
President Donald Trump signed the extension of the Veterans Choice Act on Wednesday. There won’t be much noticeable change from the action, but a new bill dubbed “Choice 2.0” is slated to be introduced to Congress in the fall.
Preliminary Filings From Insurers Give Hint Of Things To Come For ACA Marketplaces
As deadlines loom for announcing 2018 plans, all eyes are on which insurers will stay in the exchanges. But, with the fate of some key subsidies still up in the air and possibly tied to the spending bill, the future is just as uncertain for the companies themselves.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Editorial writers across the country contemplate different aspects of how Republicans continue to mull repealing and replacing Obamacare and how some states are continuing to consider and act on the Medicaid expansion.
Perspectives: Pharma Desperately Needs Some Sunshine In Its Life
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
While Drugmakers Lick Wounds From Public Outrage Over Prices, One Company Remains Defiant
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Outlets report on news from Arizona, Florida, Michigan, New Hampshire, Louisiana, California, Georgia and Tennessee.
City In Minnesota May Become First In State To Raise Tobacco Age To 21
The Edina City Council may pass the ordinance in its May meeting. Media outlets report on tobacco regulations out of California, Kansas and Iowa, as well.
New Program At Penn State Focuses On Improving Health Of Abused Children
Abused children as a group tend to have more problems with a range of health issues, including obesity, sexually transmitted disease, teen pregnancy, depression and anxiety.
20-Week Abortion Ban Sent To Iowa Governor’s Desk
The legislation also includes a 72-hour waiting period for women seeking abortions. Meanwhile, in Texas, a fetal remains measure moves forward.
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.
