Latest KFF Health News Stories
Heart Disease No. 1 Cause Of Death For Americans
Cancer comes in at No. 2, and combined they cause nearly 50 percent of all deaths in the country. Also in the news, church attendance is linked to lower suicide rates, the struggle of helping aging parents while living abroad, a hospital tackles “super-utilizers,” children with concussions may not get proper treatment and eating canned foods can lead to increased toxin exposure.
Biden Vows To Cut Off Cancer Funding For Research Facilities That Don’t Share Trial Results
The vice president’s remarks came at the start of a daylong cancer summit at Howard University.
New Wave Of Abortion Restrictions To Hit The Books On Friday
Laws across the country are going into effect on July 1, including ones that dictate what can be done to fetuses’ remains, cut off funding for Planned Parenthood and ban a common second trimester abortion method. Meanwhile, a Republican candidate for the New Hampshire governor seat shifts course and votes in favor of funding Planned Parenthood.
17 Insurers, 200 Physician Groups To Join Medicare’s Cancer Project To Improve Care
The model will last five years and is designed to test ways to improve quality of care while lowering costs.
Opponents Of The Aetna-Humana Merger Urge DOJ To Take Action
In other news, Politico Pro reports that enrollment in private exchanges is lagging behind consultants’ expectations and in Georgia and California, an insurer faces lawsuits for sending ER reimbursements directly to patients. Meanwhile, The Associated Press details the high stakes and challenges involved in picking a health plan not associated with the workplace.
Lure Of Incentives Draws Pharma Into Previously Neglected Realm Of Antibiotic Drugs
Until the past few years, big pharmaceutical companies had largely given up on new antibiotics because development can cost billions of dollars yet deliver little profit. But the U.S. is now dumping millions into helping companies develop new drugs. In other news, drugmakers see a potential new vaccine market in expectant mothers, promising ovarian cancer drugs might not help all, the new and cheaper hepatitis C drug may not be a signal of dropping prices and more from the pharmaceutical industry.
High Court To Hear Discrimination Case Over State’s Responsibility To Deaf People
The case, out of Texas, centers around a requirement that new drivers take classes. A group of people who are deaf sued the state saying it should make sure the classes have interpreters. Advocates hope a court decision will help define when a state agency is responsible for discrimination against people with disabilities.
Panel Blasts Revised Proposal Protecting Medical Research Volunteers
The National Academies of Sciences says the Obama administration’s proposed overhaul to the so-called Common Rule is “marred by omissions.” The panel says a national commission should be created and it should start from scratch on a new plan.
Hand Sanitizer Efficacy And Safety Data Gaps Concern FDA
The Food and Drug Administration wants more information about repeated exposure and use by children and pregnant women, but the agency made clear it is not saying the product is harmful yet. It is just seeking information about ingredients.
Ky. Governor’s Plan To Revamp Medicaid Expansion Panned In Second Public Hearing
Gov. Matt Bevin has argued changes are needed so that people in Medicaid have “skin in the game,” but advocates again crowded into a public hearing, where one critic of the plan said, “it will scrape a pound of flesh from Kentuckians.” Meanwhile, Florida officials settle a suit brought by pediatricians and pediatric dentists over reimbursements.
Congressional Republicans Ask Administration To Reject Calif. Request On Immigrants’ Insurance
California is asking for a federal waiver so that the state’s online insurance marketplace can sell policies to people who are in the country without proper authority. Also in the news, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., says after the presidential election, he would be happy to strike a deal with Democrats on the health law.
Officials: Studying Zika’s Sexual Transmission Risk Can’t Wait For Congress
Public health officials are borrowing money from other programs so researchers can delve into how Zika is transmitted sexually, a study that could impact millions of Americans and take years to complete. “We are going out on a limb, but we have to,” says Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Meanwhile, a new poll shows that a large majority of Americans want federal money to go toward fighting the virus.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Price Tag Of Hospital Stays; The Politics Of Zika Are Spreading
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On The High Court’s Texas Abortion Decision
Editorial and opinion writers examine the Supreme Court ruling as well as some of the dynamics on the court.
Perspectives On Drug Costs: The Price Of Surviving Cancer
Editorial and opinion writers offer their takes on drug-cost issues.
How New Drugs Are Creating A Class Of Millionaire Doctors And Scientists
News outlets report on the pharmaceutical drug industry.
Analysis: For Drugmakers Looking To Cozy Up To Doctors, Hospital Location And Owner Matters
ProPublica found that those in the industry looking to use the “food, friendship and flattery” method on doctors have more success in the South and at for-profit hospitals. Meanwhile, FiercePharma looks at the other side of the coin — when it’s the patients who receive gifts.
Outlets report on health news from Wisconsin, Texas, Georgia, Ohio and Missouri.
Ga. Company Wins Approval To Open Mental Hospital
News outlets also report on other hospital-related developments in Georgia as well as Texas.
