Latest KFF Health News Stories
Zika Threat Will Spur Urgent Contraception, Abortion Debates
Meanwhile, the federal response to the virus makes headlines as the Senate considers funding options and Florida Gov. Rick Scott pushes government officials to implement a plan to fight the spread of Zika.
Ky. Judge Unseals Secret Documents About Purdue’s OxyContin Marketing
STAT filed a motion to bring to light the documents that include the deposition of Dr. Richard Sackler, a former president of OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma. Purdue plans to appeal the ruling.
In Cradle Of Opioid Epidemic, A Clinic Strives To Ease Burden Of Pain Management For Its Doctors
In West Virginia, primary care physicians are being bombarded with pain medication requests — often from patients they grew up with whom they were reluctant to turn down. So, in an attempt to let its doctors and nurses focus on conditions they are more comfortable treating, the clinic tries a new approach: hiring an anesthesiologist to handle all pain management cases.
Mo. Judge Says State Revoked Abortion License Due To ‘Political Pressure,’ Rules In Favor Of Clinic
U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey says that the actions by the state’s Department of Health and Senior Services were partly based on its “perception that if it did not act in accordance with the legislature’s desires, its budget would be cut.” News outlets report on other Planned Parenthood news out of Ohio, Kansas and Mississippi.
Americans Have Doubts About Fast-Tracking FDA Drug Approvals: Poll
The public is also in support of banning prescription medicine ads from TV, according to the survey from STAT News and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
For Investors, Drug Pricing Anxiety Is Real
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration is proposing that drug makers pay fees to the agency for reviewing over-the-counter monographs. Also, a group of Harvard Medical School researchers finds another link between medical industry payments to physicians and prescribing behavior.
Amid Regulatory Investigations, Top Theranos Executive Departs Company
Sunny Balwani, Theranos’ president and chief operations officer, helped build the startup, which has announced it will replace his position and expand its board.
Federal Official Says New Medicare Payment System Will Not Hurt Small Physician Practices
CMS acting Administrator Andy Slavitt tells congressional lawmakers that changes mandated by a new law on payments are not expected to cause reporting hardships for doctors in solo or small practices and will be adaptable.
Trump’s Latest Moves Slightly Thaw Cold-War Relations With Anti-Abortion Groups
The presumptive Republican nominee for president recently pledged to appoint pro-life judges and brought a prominent opponent of abortion on to his staff.
Ryan Spotlights Opioid Package As Trump Meeting Looms
Although Washington’s eyes are focused on an upcoming meeting between the speaker and the presumptive GOP nominee, Paul Ryan wanted to bring attention to the House’s work this week at trying to pass 18 initiatives aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic. The White House, however, criticized the measures, saying they lack “substance.”
Task Force To Lay Out Draft ‘Replace’ Plan For GOP Leaders
The Obamacare replacement plan is part of House Speaker Paul Ryan’s promise to put together a conservative agenda ahead of the Republican convention this summer.
Aetna Says It Will Stay In Current Health Law Markets And May Expand To Other States
The announcement comes after UnitedHealth said it was withdrawing from most of the exchanges.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Hackers Increasingly Target Lucrative Market Of Medical Records
Experts say the problem will get worse before it gets better.
Viewpoints: Defining ‘Affordable’; Louisiana’s Innovative Medicaid Expansion Approach
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
CEO: Biotech Is About Innovation Not ‘Repricing Drugs From The 1950s To Make A Profit’
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals CEO John Maraganore and other executives and investors talk about their industry and the drug pricing debate.
Study: Physicians’ Failure To Recommend Generic Drugs Costs Americans $73 Billion
The new report shows reluctance of physicians to move away from brand-name drugs. Consumers paid nearly one-third of those additional costs through out-of-pocket payments.
Outlets report on health news in Iowa, Connecticut, Colorado, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland.
Judge’s Ruling Against FTC In Hospital Merger Case An ‘Unexpected Twist’
However, speculation now surrounds whether the Federal Trade Commission will take the unusual tact of continuing its challenge to the proposed merger despite the federal judge’s ruling. Meanwhile, in other hospital news, an Illinois state review board has approved the University of Chicago Medical Center’s expansion plan, and a Georgia safety-net hospital is regrouping after Novant Health decided to back away from a possible partnership.
Doctors In Utah Don’t Know How To Comply With Utah’s New Fetal Pain Law
Providers say there is no science laying out how to administer anesthesia or painkillers to a fetus, as the state law now requires for any abortion at 20 weeks or later. In other reproductive health news, a Maryland law makes birth control less expensive and the national economy feels the pinch from lower birth rates.
