Latest KFF Health News Stories
House Approval Of ‘Cures’ Bill Faces 11th-Hour Threat From Abortion Rider, Safety Concerns
Backers of the bill say it would speed federal approval of drugs and medical devices, but some worry it would lower scientific standards and jeopardize patient safety. Some Democrats are threatening to pull their support if it includes a rider restricting abortion funding.
FDA Tightens Warnings On Popular Painkillers Over Heart Attack, Stroke Risks
The drugs, known as NSAIDs — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — already carried a warning that they “may cause” increased risk of heart attack and stroke. But federal officials say that link is now confirmed.
FDA Delays Menu Calorie Count Requirements For A Year
The mandate is part of the federal health law. Restaurants, movie theaters and other affected retails outlets have asked for more time to make the changes.
Medicare To Change How It Pays Hospitals For Knee, Hip Replacements
Under the plan, hospitals will not bill individually for surgical and recovery services but will instead get a single payment for the procedure and follow-up care.
‘Hookup’ Culture Spurs Test Results For STDs To Keep Pace
Meanwhile, consumers using online “symptom checkers” could be exposing themselves to misdiagnosis.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Effect Of Insurance Merger Mania Not Clear; Feds’ Fear Of Fat
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: The Science Behind New Pixar Film; Buddhism Meets Neuroscience
Each week, KHN’s Alana Pockros finds interesting reads from around the Web.
A selection of health care stories from California, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, Iowa, New York, Colorado and Maryland.
Popular Fitness Trackers Seem To Lose Their Luster Quickly
Although sales of the devices remain strong, many people lose enthusiasm for them once the novelty wears off. Other reports examine the advent of inexpensive new blood tests that require just a pin prick and problems with symptom checker apps on the internet.
Consumers Are Denied Price Information As They Pay Bigger Share Of Health Costs
Forty-five states fail to require that prices for hospitals and doctors be made public to give consumers the tools they need to comparison shop and pay their bills, finds a new report. And health care spending for kids, largely related to newborn hospitalizations, is outpacing that for adults.
Fish Oil Pills Remain Popular, Despite Little Proven Value
The Washington Post examines the $1.2 billion fish oil industry and the effectiveness of the pills. Also, The New York Times reports that those doctors’ notes recommending a change of duty for pregnant women can backfire.
Suicide Risks Higher For Newer Service Members, Study Finds
The research, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, also found suicide attempts are more likely among women and those without a high school diploma. Meanwhile, former Rep. Patrick Kennedy talks to KHN about steps needed to fix the country’s mental health system.
Despite Tumbling Contraction Rates, 3 Hot Spots For Colon Cancer Remain
High obesity rates, low education and a lack of access to medical care result in high colon cancer rates in the Mississippi delta, western Appalachia and the borderland between Virginia and North Carolina, a study by American Cancer Society finds.
Examining The Toll Of America’s Heroin Epidemic
USA Today looks at the growing number of babies born dependent on opiates and at advocates’ efforts to expand the use of medications that treat addiction. The Concord Monitor explores how recovery centers in Vermont fill gaps in the system.
White House Endorses ‘Cures’ Bill But Proposes Several Changes
The Obama administration gave general support Wednesday for a bipartisan medical “Cures” bill in Congress, but also called for some tweaks to help fund it, such as removal of the 2011 budget cuts known as the sequestration.
Drumbeat Grows For Medicaid Expansion After High Court Upholds Health Law Again
Health industry and consumer groups continue to push for Medicaid expansion in the 21 states that opted not to expand eligibility under the health law, reports Stateline. Meanwhile, Montana faces tough negotiation with federal officials over its expansion plan, and a small Ohio program might serve as a model for Georgia.
GOP’s Plan To Halt Health Law With Rare Budget Tool Has Stalled
Senate Republicans are downplaying any plans to use the tool, called reconciliation, to repeal large portions of the law with a simple majority vote.
Medicare Proposes Paying Doctors For End-Of-Life Discussions
Six years after a similar proposal nearly derailed passage of the Affordable Care Act, the Obama administration has revived a plan to reimburse physicians for talking with Medicare patients about how patients want to be cared for as they near death.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
