Weekly Edition: Aug. 28-Sept. 1, 2017
Podcast: ‘What The Health?’ Hurricane Harvey And Health Costs
In this episode of “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Joanne Kenen of Politico and Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times discuss the potential health impact of Hurricane Harvey on the Texas Gulf Coast, and what impact the relief effort in Washington could have on an already jampacked September agenda. Also this week: an interview with Elisabeth Rosenthal about why medical care costs so much.
Trump Administration Whacks Millions From Budget Used To Push Obamacare
Rachel Bluth and Phil Galewitz
The federal government plans to spend millions of dollars less this year on advertising and outreach efforts to support the health law’s open enrollment period, which starts Nov. 1.
5 Outside-The-Box Ideas For Fixing The Individual Insurance Market
Julie Rovner
As lawmakers look for ways to stabilize the health law marketplaces, a number of ideas — such as expanding who can “buy in” to Medicare and Medicaid or pushing young adults off their parents’ plans into the marketplaces — might come into play.
Rep. Chris Collins’ Australian Stock Bet Looks Bleaker
Rachel Bluth
Innate Immunotherapeutics, the Australian biotech firm whose largest shareholder is Buffalo, N.Y.-area congressman Chris Collins, said it expects to close after its multiple sclerosis drug failed in trials.
Pioneering Cancer Gene Therapy Gets Green Light — And $475,000 Price Tag
Liz Szabo
The USA's first approved gene therapy — to be used to fight leukemia that resists standard therapies — will cost $475,000 for a one-time treatment.
Facebook Live: The Prescription Drug Pricing Pipeline
In this Facebook Live, KHN’s Julie Appleby talks with Stephanie Stapleton and answers readers’ questions about the prescription drug pricing pipeline and the industry stakeholders who have a role in what you pay.
St. Kitts Launches Probe Of Herpes Vaccine Tests On U.S. Patients
Marisa Taylor
After a Kaiser Health News report on an offshore herpes vaccine trial that skirted FDA regulations, St. Kitts and Nevis officials claim they had no knowledge of the testing. An investigation is underway.
Offshore Human Testing Of Herpes Vaccine Stokes Debate Over U.S. Safety Rules
Marisa Taylor
Prominent businessmen and an American university supported offshore testing of an experimental vaccine.
Soul Purpose: Seniors With Strong Reasons To Live Often Live Stronger
Judith Graham
New research bolsters evidence that older adults with a sense of purpose are less likely to see their health decline with age. The question is: How does one cultivate more meaning and motivation in life?
Elder Abuse: ERs Learn How To Protect A Vulnerable Population
Barbara Sadick
An emergency department at New York-Presbyterian Hospital trains staff to recognize signs of elder abuse and help victims.
Why One California County Went Surgery Shopping
Chad Terhune and Heidi de Marco
Fed up with high hospital costs and limited competition, Santa Barbara County sends willing employees out of town for better bargains. Local governments are slowly joining private employers in aggressively seeking out the best care for the lowest price.
Some Thyroid Cancer Patients Can Safely Delay Surgery
Liz Szabo
Study suggests that many small tumors are sleepy, not deadly.
Mayo Pain Expert: Holistic Approach Helps Patients Ditch Opioids
Michelle Andrews
Painkillers were never designed to be used over the long term, says the head of the Mayo Clinic’s pain rehabilitation center. Instead, patients should try other approaches, including relaxation therapies. But getting insurers to cover them might take coaxing.