Latest KFF Health News Stories
Parents Of Disabled Children Press N.C. Officials To Reconsider Cuts To Medicaid Services
The state had recommended cutting a program that provides help to families with children who are medically fragile. Also, Colorado officials are challenged on their policy to provide Medicaid coverage for expensive hepatitis C medications only to the sickest patients.
Repercussions Of Hinckley’s Insanity Plea Reverberate To This Day
John Hinckley Jr., the man who tried to assassinate Ronald Reagan, was released this week, resurrecting the fierce debate over a defense tactic that is used much less frequently than the general population believes. NPR reports on the “not guilty for reasons of insanity” plea as well as the gun violence relationship to mental health.
3 Apollo Astronauts Have Died Of Heart Problems, And New Study Tries To Figure Out Why
While radiation is one of the big concerns when monitoring the health of those who have traveled in deep space, some researchers are questioning if there’s also a connection to cardiovascular problems.
Alzheimer Drug Failure Deals Crushing Blow To Scientists Who Rail Over 35 Years Of Missteps
Researchers have approached a cure with the mindset that it was the expectation that amyloid plaques and tau tangles kill brain synapses and neurons, and despite clues suggesting otherwise, the field has been stuck on that for decades. A promising drug’s failure has sparked anger and frustration by those who have been toiling for all that time.
‘Natural’ Painkiller Used To Wean An Opioid Addiction Causing Spike In Poison Control Calls
Kratom is a highly addictive plant that can be brewed into teas, and it’s causing serious side effects for patients. In other news, physicians are having to learn new skills to help deal with the opioid epidemic, and Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill that would require insurers to cover addiction treatment.
Digital Health Firm Targets Low-Income Patients For Diabetes Initiative
Omada offers an online tool to help those with diabetes — but it wants to take it a step further and specifically address a population that faces a higher risk of certain chronic health problems.
Report: VA Spent $20M On Decorative Artwork During Height Of Wait-Time Scandal
The report, which focuses on the agency’s expenditures from 2004-2014, has sparked fresh anger with lawmakers and advocates. In other news, Army Secretary Eric Fanning speaks about the importance of mental health treatment, and a veteran’s family seeks answers about his death at a VA facility’s inpatient drug rehabilitation unit.
Bristol-Myers’ Bet On Cancer Drugs Pays Off In Second Quarter
In other pharmaceutical news, Sanofi’s profits fall, Pfizer’s takeover of Bind Therapeutics is approved by a federal bankruptcy court and Gilead comes under fire once again for its pricey hepatitis C medication.
New Hospital Star Ratings Ignite Debate About Assessing Quality Of Care
Many hospitals say the new ratings are oversimplistic, but consumer advocates contend patients need markers to help them make wise choices about where to seek treatments.
Theranos CEO Set To Present Technology At Prestigious Scientific Conference
Elizabeth Holmes’ slated conference speech is drawing mixed reactions, with some willing to listen, but others outraged at the idea. “Would you have Al Capone come and talk about his novel accounting practices?” asked Geoff Baird, a clinical pathologist. “Is it acceptable to allow someone to talk about science if they’ve used that science so horribly inappropriately?”
Justice Department Opposes Anthem’s Request For A Quick Trial On Merger With Cigna
Federal lawyers say the case is too complex for a rushed trial. Also in the news, insurers in Minnesota weigh an increase in rate requests, a Texas insurer may cover sex change surgery and an insured California family struggles to care for a disabled child.
Legislation That Could Make Deductibles For Chronic Care More Affordable Has Bipartisan Support
The bill, introduced earlier this month, comes at a time when more people have high-deductible plans. The bill would allow plan members to get coverage of all services needed for costly chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, without having to meet the high deductible first. In other Capitol Hill news, House Democrats urge stronger regulations for nursing homes.
U.S. Forms Trans-Atlantic Partnership In Effort To Stem Tide Of Superbugs
The Department of Health and Human Services will invest $250 million into CARB-X, the initiative to foster development of drugs that will target antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Two Fla. Counties Asked To Stop Collecting Blood Due To Possible ‘Home-Grown’ Zika Cases
The Food and Drug Administration has asked blood centers in Miami and Fort Lauderdale to suspend blood donations during the investigation into the four cases that may not be linked to travel outside the country.
Despite Democrats’ Previous Pharma Criticism, Convention Is A Schoomze Extravaganza For Industry
Curbing high drug prices is a popular topic on the campaign trail, but industry lobbyists weren’t feeling the heat at the Democratic National Convention this week. Meanwhile, now that the general election is officially on, The Hill looks at what to expect out of the candidates’ health care policies.
Coming soon: We will be launching a Weekly Roundup that highlights original KHN articles from the past week. Adjust your settings here if you would like to receive it.
Viewpoints: Despite Good News, Anthem May Have Worries; Health Care And Partisanship
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Treating Addiction; An Ex-Con’s Biotech Venture; And Oscar Takes On Patient Choice
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Outlets report on health news from Massachusetts, Louisiana, Tennessee, Michigan and Maryland.
UPMC Pays $2.5M To Settle Overbilling Charges In Federal Whistleblower Lawsuit
In other news, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center moves forward in its plan to develop closer ties with two other hospitals, Pennsylvania’s Riddle Hospital receives a $16 million gift and a Florida malpractice case raises questions about the business of medicine.
