Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Flint Just ‘Tip Of Iceberg’ On Lead In Schools

Morning Briefing

Most schools are not required to test for lead in their water under federal law, and even if districts do they don’t have to tell parents about the results. “Right now there is a yawning gap in our lead-testing protocols,” Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said.

How A Vermont Law Is Turning The Food Industry On Its Head

Morning Briefing

Congress failed to block Vermont’s GMO labeling law, which goes into effect July 1, and because of the logistical headaches of only labeling products for one state, some companies will start labeling food across the country.

Puerto Rico’s Landscape, Climate and Economy Create Perfect Storm For Zika Outbreak

Morning Briefing

One-quarter of the population is expected to be infected with the virus within a year, and up to 80 percent could be eventually affected overall. In other Zika news, if the virus starts spreading in the U.S. it could set off a political debate just in time for the presidential election, the CDC adds Cuba to its travel warning list, Connecticut confirms its first case, and Democrats are calling for Republicans to pass Zika funding.

Johnson & Johnson Seeks To Settle Cases Linking Uterine Cancer To Surgical Device

Morning Briefing

The cases involve a laparoscopic power morcellator made by J&J that doctors now fear helped spread undetected cancers. Also, the Food and Drug Administration is looking at the possible malfunctioning of devices that measure blood clotting and are commonly used in homes and doctors’ offices.

Advocates Warn Return Of House Calls Puts Strain On Limited Physician Field

Morning Briefing

As new apps allow patients to bring a health care provider to their house with a click of a button, there are those who think the model won’t scale with the current shortfall of doctors. But in other news, home visits pay off for new mothers and kids with asthma.

Hospitals, Insurance Companies Acquire Urgent Care Clinics As Their Popularity Grows

Morning Briefing

More Americans are turning to urgent care clinics, and patients are finding the dual benefit of the ones that are attached to a hospital: convenience but with a safety net if their problem proves more serious than they thought.

Insurance To Cover Critical Illnesses Becoming More Popular, But May Prove Costly

Morning Briefing

As consumers find their general health plans have higher deductibles, they are increasingly turning to policies that cover specific — and expensive — illnesses, such as cancer. But consumer advocates question the cost. Also, a look at cancer treatment expenses and surprise bills that some people receive after getting out-of-network care.

As Public Outcry Swells, Chances Of Lowering Drug Prices Still Remain Close To Nil

Morning Briefing

Congress would need to act to make a dent in the astronomical cost of drugs, but pressure from the pharmaceutical industry and political gridlock have stymied action. Meanwhile, a new study finds that nearly half of all Americans 75 and older took five or more prescription drugs in 2011, a trend which has significant financial ramifications.

Contraception Case Faces Possible 4-4 Split After Scalia’s Death

Morning Briefing

If at least five Supreme Court justices fail to agree on a decision on the contraception mandate, it would leave lower court’s decision intact, creating different rules for different parts of the country.

At Ohio Hospital, Health Leads Program Helps Patients Meet Basic Needs

Morning Briefing

The program is new to Cleveland’s University Hospital but already operational in five other states. Meanwhile, in other hospital news, ProPublica examines the link between industry funding and teaching hospitals, and operating rooms were shut down in an Arkansas hospital after a deadly disease was detected.

Standing Desks More Fashionable Than Healthy, Analysis Finds

Morning Briefing

In an analysis of 20 studies, researchers say there is not enough evidence to justify the health benefits that some say come from standing desks. In other public health news, The Associated Press lays out what you need to know if you’re thinking about bariatric surgery, and a commission finds that child abuse deaths remain stubbornly high in the United States.

Abortion Rate In Texas Drops Dramatically After New Restrictions Force Clinics To Close

Morning Briefing

Doctors say the decrease indicates that the law is creating a burden on women that they are unable to overcome. Meanwhile, an abortion rights group is asking the Oklahoma Supreme Court to overturn a similar law in that state, and Planned Parenthood goes on offensive for the first time all year in Florida.

As Pharmaceutical CEOs Bow Out, One Leaves Mixed Legacy And The Other Stability

Morning Briefing

Recent years have marred Glaxo CEO Andrew Witty’s tenure. The company’s stock fell on the news of his departure, and the board is giving itself a year to replace him, which could stir unrest among its investors. Rio’s stock jumped and its board has already appointed a new successor to CEO Sam Walsh.