Latest KFF Health News Stories
Outlets report on health news from Missouri, Ohio, Maryland, Georgia, Iowa, Texas, New York and Minnesota.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from New Hampshire, Vermont, Iowa, Kansas, Texas, Georgia and Ohio.
Thousands Of Nurses Strike At 5 Twin Cities’ Allina Hospitals
A contract dispute drives nearly 5,000 members of the Minnesota Nurses Association to begin a seven-day walkout. Allina Health says its bringing in 1,450 replacement nurses, many from other states.
Due To Miscalculation, Kansas’ Medicaid Backlog Four Times What State Thought
“The state … is unhappy that we thought we were making so much progress,” Angela de Rocha, of the state health department, said. “And it turns out we weren’t making the degree of progress we had hoped.”
Cleaning Up Hydrogen Bomb Accident May Have Sickened These Airmen, But Proof Is Elusive
In 1966, the Air Force sent men in to clean up an accident site that may have been contaminated. Decades later, many of those men believe contamination led to a multitude of illnesses, but the Air Force continues to deny it. “They told us it was safe, and we were dumb enough, I guess, to believe them,” says Frank B. Thompson.
Birth Control Apps Dodging Political, Emotional Furor Often Surrounding Contraception
The new technology is allowing women to obtain birth control without going to the doctor, and it’s steadily gaining momentum. In other news, Florida taxpayers are footing the bill for the state’s failed attempt to fine four abortion clinics, and as the Supreme Court’s term winds down, many are watching out for the Texas clinic decision.
Cancer Experts Push Pediatricians To Help Boost Use Of HPV Vaccine
Meanwhile, news outlets report on a range of public health developments, including a trend among employers to cut down on some wellness benefits, the continuing shortage of psychiatrists for children and a new study highlighting the number of kids’ sports-related concussions.
Pediatricians Blast Lead Standards: ‘We Cannot Have Our Children Be Canaries In The Coal Mine’
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that lead standards have been driven by what is attainable rather than what’s best for public health, which creates an “illusion of safety.”
‘I Needed A Safer Environment’: Teens Fighting Addiction Aided By Recovery Schools
Demand is growing for recovery high schools that offer support groups, drug testing and a community of peers for students who struggle in traditional schools where drugs are easily available. In other news on the opioid crisis, stricter access laws are hitting chronic pain sufferers hard and the Obama administration presses Congress for funding.
Blood Tests Show Zika Is Spreading Easily Across Puerto Rico, Endangering Pregnancies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says tests at blood banks across the U.S. territory have shown a steady increase in donors with the Zika virus, which may signal large numbers of serious birth defects if pregnant women are infected. Also, The New York Times explores the lack of follow-up on health guidelines to check pregnant women who have traveled to Zika-infected areas.
Studying What Went Right And Wrong In Orlando May Improve Medical Responses
Many communities are ill-prepared to respond to a mass shooting — and looking at how law enforcement, hospitals and responders handled the massacre in Orlando could provide lessons for the next traumatic incident. Meanwhile, a study finds that 1 in 5 traumatic deaths could be prevented, experts continue to be frustrated by the lack of research on gun violence and KQED looks at internalized homophobia’s role in mental health problems.
Competition Concerns Over Anthem-Cigna Merger Still Driving Antitrust Regulators
The Wall Street Journal reports on discussions at a June meeting when Justice Department officials voiced skepticism to company representatives over Anthem’s $48 billion proposed acquisition of Cigna.
Public Option Could Let Clinton Tap Into Sanders Supporters’ Health Care Enthusiasm
Under the options, states would be able to set up their own insurance plans that compete against private industry. By embracing the idea, Hillary Clinton may be able to woo some of those who are enchanted by Bernie Sanders’ more ambitious “Medicare For All” plan. Meanwhile, The Washington Post checks Clinton’s facts on CHIP and analysts examine her health care policies.
Louisiana May Be First Deep South State To Expand Medicaid, But Other Health Issues Loom
Louisiana policymakers, providers and insurers face challenges in redesigning a largely out-of-date health care delivery system, Modern Healthcare reports. Also, medical organizations have taken up the fight to expand Medicaid in Virginia, and South Dakota’s governor is preparing to lobby lawmakers to accept his proposal.
How Oscar Health’s Struggles Became A Case Study In The Age Of Obamacare
Startup companies like Oscar were initially attracted by the potential of millions of new customers added to the individual market by the health law. But the reality has been messier.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Changing Doctors’ Practices; ACO Performance; Nursing Home Abuse
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
