Latest KFF Health News Stories
Advocacy Group Releases Report Ranking States On Children’s Well-Being
Media outlets cover this year’s Kids Count Data Book’s data on California, Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, New Hampshire and Iowa.
In Search For PTSD Treatment, Gene Identified That May Influence Fear Factor
Researchers are looking for genes to target that influence people’s reactions to stress and anxiety. In other news related to veterans’ health, employees at a Houston VA facility have been understating appointment waiting times.
Baby Born With Brain Outside Skull Had Little Chance Of Survival — But No One Told Him That
Mom Sierra Yoder thought she would meet her son and then have to bury him. Now, months later, Bentley Yoder continues to defy the odds.
N.C., Texas Increase Access To Overdose Antidote Naloxone
People in both states will now be able to buy the life-saving drug in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription. Also in the news, an Ohio man’s last conversation with his father before he overdosed on fentanyl was about how he wanted to get clean.
Federal Officials Approve Testing Zika Vaccine In Humans
The early tests, in 40 adults, will look at safety concerns first. In other developments, health officials from around the world examined the Zika threat at a U.N. meeting, U.S. officials seek to ensure the safety of blood donations and a look at the virus’ effect on children.
Amid Changing Health Care Landscape, Scope Of Practice Battle Lines Begin To Fade
Politico convened a working group of leading doctors, nurses and other health care providers to look at changes dealing with who can practice what kind of medicine, in what settings.
Fewer Americans Are Having Trouble Paying Health Care Bills, Gallup Finds
Meanwhile, KHN reports on a study detailing trends in cost and the use of care among people with diabetes.
Aetna-Humana Deal Gets Green Light From California’s Managed-Care Regulator
Department of Managed Health Care Director Shelley Rouillard approved Aetna’s $37 billion proposed merger with Humana, despite her past criticism of Aetna’s repeated rate hikes. California’s other insurance regulator, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, hasn’t yet announced his decision. The decisions by California’s officials could be influential in how federal officials view the merger.
With Patent Ruling, Supreme Court Deals Defeat To Brand-Name Drugmakers
At issue in the case was a new process for challenging patents created by Congress in 2011, which allowed patent challenges to be heard by an appeals board within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Drugmakers say the rule “breeds uncertainty and stifles innovation” in American medicine.
Buying A Doctor’s Loyalty To A Drug Can Be As Cheap As $20 Meal
A new study finds that a free meal is all it takes for drugmakers to influence doctors’ prescribing habits.
Senate Votes Down Gun Measures, Including Mental Health Proposal
A measure by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, would have encouraged states to submit mental-health records to the nation’s background-check system. In other news, senators blast the Food and Drug Administration for its policy on gay men donating blood and the Orlando shooting has revived a debate about how first responders should treat victims at the scene of a traumatic event.
Advocates Continue To Tout Single-Payer To DNC: We Can’t Pretend ACA Solved The Problem
At a hearing held by the Democratic Platform Drafting Committee, activists say a focus needs to be placed on universal health care ahead of the November election. In other news, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., focuses on the health law in his tough reelection campaign.
Outlets report on health news from Missouri, Ohio, Maryland, Georgia, Iowa, Texas, New York and Minnesota.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from New Hampshire, Vermont, Iowa, Kansas, Texas, Georgia and Ohio.
Thousands Of Nurses Strike At 5 Twin Cities’ Allina Hospitals
A contract dispute drives nearly 5,000 members of the Minnesota Nurses Association to begin a seven-day walkout. Allina Health says its bringing in 1,450 replacement nurses, many from other states.
Due To Miscalculation, Kansas’ Medicaid Backlog Four Times What State Thought
“The state … is unhappy that we thought we were making so much progress,” Angela de Rocha, of the state health department, said. “And it turns out we weren’t making the degree of progress we had hoped.”
Cleaning Up Hydrogen Bomb Accident May Have Sickened These Airmen, But Proof Is Elusive
In 1966, the Air Force sent men in to clean up an accident site that may have been contaminated. Decades later, many of those men believe contamination led to a multitude of illnesses, but the Air Force continues to deny it. “They told us it was safe, and we were dumb enough, I guess, to believe them,” says Frank B. Thompson.
Birth Control Apps Dodging Political, Emotional Furor Often Surrounding Contraception
The new technology is allowing women to obtain birth control without going to the doctor, and it’s steadily gaining momentum. In other news, Florida taxpayers are footing the bill for the state’s failed attempt to fine four abortion clinics, and as the Supreme Court’s term winds down, many are watching out for the Texas clinic decision.
