Latest KFF Health News Stories
In Latest Devastating Blow To Theranos, Walgreens Terminates Partnership
The 40 Theranos blood-draw sites inside Walgreens stores in Arizona, which the company calls “wellness centers,” have been the primary source of revenue for Theranos and its conduit to consumers.
House Republicans Complain That Medicare Officials Ignore Concerns About Drug Pricing
A group of lawmakers says the administration didn’t properly address its questions about a proposal to change how Medicare pays for drugs that are administered in out-patient settings, such as cancer infusion centers. Also, a look at Medicare’s latest proposal on payments for accountable care organizations and PolitiFact examines Democrats’ charge against the policies of Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., on Medicare.
On Medical Initiatives, Clinton’s Detailed Style Contrasts Sharply With Trump’s General Views
Donald Trump typically announces his thoughts on medical research only when asked directly about it — and so many in the field aren’t sure where exactly he stands on the issues. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton calls the Republican presidential candidate out on his views about women’s health care at a Planned Parenthood Action Fund gala.
Ga. State Senator Who Once Led Fight Against Medicaid Expansion Has A Change Of Heart
Renee Unterman, who heads the Georgia Senate’s health committee, said last week, “Times have changed, and we’ve seen the effect of the health crisis we’re in.” Also, federal plans for a survey of Indiana’s Medicaid expansion is raising some concerns in the state.
California Inches Closer To Offering Coverage Under Health Law To Those In U.S. Illegally
Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation that would require the state to seek a waiver from the federal government to allow immigrants in the country illegally to buy insurance from Covered California exchanges. They would not be eligible for subsidies.
Republicans Shift Strategy, Go Small On Latest Health Law Changes
The move suggests that lawmakers are willing to make adjustments to the current law, despite plans to release replacement plan details. In other news, the insured who aren’t getting subsidies struggle under the threat of skyrocketing premiums, health care economists gather for a conference where the Affordable Care Act will take center stage and Solicitor General Donald Verrilli, in talking about his tenure, describes the reviews of his ACA performance as “quite rough.”
FDA Guidelines For Gay Men Donating Blood Criticized Following Orlando Massacre
Experts say they are overly conservative and unnecessary with the testing technology available now.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Coverage Of Mental Health; Snacks On TV; Marketplace Assistance
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Outlets report on health news from Texas, Oregon, New York, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Arizona, Delaware and Michigan.
Group Files Suit Against California Aid-In-Dying Law, Claiming It Violates Patients’ Civil Rights
Advocates of the measure, however, argue that the legislation treats everyone equally. A judge denied a temporary restraining order, but a hearing for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for the end of the month.
As Doctor Shortage Looms, States Start Getting Creative
States have taken a variety of measures — such as increasing their number of medical residencies and offering grants to students who do rotations in underserved areas — to address doctor shortages. In other news, a health policy fellowship tries to give medical students a firmer grasp on the complex interworkings of the health system.
How A Dust-Like Scarring On Veterans’ Brains Could Unlock The Vast Mysteries Of PTSD
It was first known as shell shock, then combat fatigue and finally post-traumatic stress disorder. No matter its name though, it was almost universally understood as a psychological rather than a physical condition. But a new study challenges that idea.
Americans Increasingly Dying By Accident, And Society Isn’t Doing Enough To Prevent It, Report Says
The National Safety Council found that the rate of people dying accidentally has jumped 15.5 percent over a decade. “It’s all preventable. Every accident is preventable,” said Ken Kolosh, the safety council’s statistical manager. In other public health news, NPR takes a look at the man behind immunotherapy, and experts gather in Denver to discuss sleep.
Amid Escalating Opioid Crisis, With Resources Stretched Beyond Capacity, Ohio Turns To Feds
Fifteen overdose deaths occurred in and around Cleveland in the last week of May alone. Media outlets also report on news about the opioid epidemic in Maryland, New York and New Hampshire.
WHO Says Women In Zika-Infested Areas Should Consider Delaying Pregnancies
The advice to women in 46 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean stopped short of recommending that women don’t get pregnant. U.S. officials have not made a similar suggestion, but they are continuing to put pressure on Congress to fund prevention and research efforts to fight Zika.
Seniors Help Consumers To Battle Medicare Fraud
Every state has a federally funded Senior Medicare Patrol, whose volunteers help advocate for fellow beneficiaries and investigate reports of possible scams. In other Medicare news, a GAO review says Medicare’s backlog of appeals from health care providers and patients “shows no signs of abating.”
Report: Oversight Of Hospital Mergers Severely Lacking Even As Mega-Chains Become New Norm
MergerWatch found that only eight states and the District of Columbia mandate regulatory review when hospitals enter into more informal partnerships rather than full-scale mergers. The hospitals, the report says, are doing what makes sense business wise, but that leaves the patients with very little protection.
Experts: DEA Out Of Step With Scientific Understanding Of Medical Marijuana
Ohio became the 25th state to legalize medical marijuana — but it is still classified in the same category as heroin by the Drug Enforcement Agency. The agency is facing pressure to reevaluate its classifications, but has so far shown little willingness to relax the restrictions.
