Latest KFF Health News Stories
Clinton Likely To Make Health Care A Major Theme At Convention
Stat raises five questions about how the issue will play at this week’s Democratic National Convention. Other media outlets look at what health care will look like under a new president and how Hillary Clinton’s Medicare buy-in plan might appeal to insurers and employers.
‘Traditional Catholic’ Kaine’s Personal Qualms About Abortion A Contrast To Clinton
Although Hillary Clinton’s running mate Tim Kaine says “the right role for government is to let women make their own decisions,” he has some history with supporting anti-abortion programs that could make the topic a vulnerable spot for the Democrat in his debates with Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: International Travel Risks; Telehealth; Freestanding ERs; Methadone Use
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Outlets report on health news from Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Nevada, Georgia, Iowa and California.
Texas Hospitals Receive Federal Funds To Improve Access
Meanwhile, in New Hampshire, a new, 10-bed crisis unit at the state hospital is experiencing challenges and growing pains. Also, a new study details the reasons why rural hospitals struggle.
The Little-Known Tinnitus Treatment No One Is Trying
A study has found that one in 10 U.S. adults reported experiencing tinnitus, a persistent ringing, roaring or buzzing in the ears. But surprisingly few doctors are recommending behavioral therapy, which has been found to be effective. In other public health news, the first CRISPR trial with human patients may start next month, medical journals are doing little to police studies using contaminated or misidentified cells and officials warn about a potentially dangerous tick-borne disease.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the epidemic has also hit hard in immigrant communities that are unfamiliar with both the signs of drug abuse and the labyrinth of treatment options available.
Florida AG: 24-Hour Waiting Period For Abortions ‘Reasonable,’ ‘Minimally Intrusive’
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office filed a brief with the state’s Supreme Court as part of a more than year-long legal dispute over the requirement. Elsewhere, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is fundraising off rules regulating the disposal of fetal remains.
Most HIPAA Violation Complaints Quietly Closed By Government Through Private Letter
Most cases alleging a doctor’s violation of patient privacy or medical information security are closed out of public view through these letters. ProPublica now posts hundreds of them in its HIPAA Helper tool. In other health IT news, a New York surgeon experiments with augmented reality to help understand the brain.
FDA Lags On Rule To Strengthen Protections For Patients Using Generics
Only makers of brand-name drugs have a legal duty to update their warning labels if they learn of new risks or side effects, the Supreme Court ruled five years ago. But that leaves millions of users in an unregulated safety gap. Meanwhile, startups are in a race to develop a drug that targets the pathway that helps mellow patients out.
CMS Says It Will Release Hospital Star Ratings ‘Shortly’
The quality ratings were set to be released last spring but members of Congress and the hospital industry raised questions about the criteria.
Feds Award $60M More To Battle Zika Just As Virus Is Found In More Widespread Mosquito
After discovering Zika in the Culex mosquito, scientists are warning that more research is needed. But if they begin detecting the virus in the species in large numbers and on a consistent basis, experts say “that would be a game changer.”
Advocates In Kansas, Florida Say Expanding Medicaid Would Relieve Stresses Of Uninsured
Speakers at a political meeting in Kansas and a new report in Florida urge state leaders to reconsider decisions not to expand Medicaid under the federal health law.
In 2017, Humana Will Reduce Its Health Marketplace Sales, Shrinking From 19 States To 11
The company said it may also get out of the non-exchange markets too.
Bedeviled Theranos Brings On Compliance, Regulatory Executives
Theranos said the hires represent the company’s latest in a series of “significant actions” to make sure its laboratories, medical products and operations meet the highest standards.
States Join Federal Antitrust Effort Against Anthem-Cigna Deal
The District of Columbia and 11 states, including California, New Hampshire and Tennessee, have joined the Justice Department’s lawsuit.
Justice Department Sues To Block Health Care Mega-Mergers
The department says the Aetna-Humana and Anthem-Cigna deals would lead to higher prices and reduced benefits for consumers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
