Weekly Edition February 15, 2019

A ‘Fountain Of Youth’ Pill? Sure, If You’re A Mouse.

Marisa Taylor

The race for the cure to aging sparks hope and hype among top scientists — plus billions of dollars in investment.

Seniors Aging In Place Turn To Devices And Helpers, But Unmet Needs Are Common

Judith Graham

A new study examines how seniors with deteriorating strength and other physical functions deal with such challenges as taking a shower or getting dressed in the morning.

Facebook Live: Helping People Age With Independence

KHN columnist Judith Graham speaks with Sarah Szanton, director of the Center for Innovative Care in Aging at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, about helping people age with independence.

Beyond Beltway’s ‘Medicare-For-All’ Talk, Democrats In States Push New Health Laws

Sarah Varney

As calls for "Medicare-for-all" grow louder among Democrats in Congress, Democratic governors and mayors have been pushing ahead with urgency to corral medical costs and bring health care to those who remain uninsured.

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ ‘Medicare-For-All’ For Dummies

The “Medicare–for-all” debate is already in full swing, but what does that phrase even mean? Joanne Kenen of Politico, Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post and Rebecca Adams of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner for a beginner’s guide to the next big health policy debate. For “extra credit,” the panelists provide their favorite health policy stories of the week, and as a special Valentine’s Day bonus, their favorite #HealthPolicyValentines.

Vaccine Storage Too Often Fails To Meet Standards

Carmen Heredia Rodriguez

Federal officials regulate the handling of vaccines that are provided through the Vaccines for Children program, which offers the medicines generally for children whose families could not afford them. But there is no federal oversight of how these drugs are stored among other health care providers.

Two Crises In One: As Drug Use Rises, So Does Syphilis

Anna Gorman

A significant portion of syphilis transmission in heterosexuals occurs among people who use drugs, particularly methamphetamine, a new report shows. Public health officials warn that you can’t treat one problem without addressing the other.

Discharged, Dismissed: ERs Often Miss Chance To Set Overdose Survivors On ‘Better Path’

Rachel Bluth

Only a small percentage of people who survived an opioid overdose received in the next year some form of drug abuse treatment, according to an analysis of West Virginia Medicaid claims data. Experts say the findings underscore a national disconnect.

Texans Can Appeal Surprise Medical Bills, But The Process Can Be Draining

Ashley Lopez, KUT

In Texas, many people have a right to mediation of medical bills. But the concept can be off-putting, and patients often think they need a lawyer, which isn't the case.

Americans Cross Border Into Mexico To Buy Insulin At A Fraction Of U.S. Cost

Bram Sable-Smith, Side Effects Public Media

For one patient, a three-month supply of insulin is $3,700 in the U.S. versus $600 in Mexico. But is it legal?

False Lead: Senator’s Offer To Help Patient Import Cheap Insulin Goes Nowhere

Jay Hancock

Sen. Mike Enzi said he knew of a foundation that would import insulin for patients, but it doesn’t appear to exist.

Utah’s Novel Plan For Medicaid Expansion Opens Door To Spending Caps Sought By GOP

Phil Galewitz

Utah’s proposal to limit federal and state funding on Medicaid is a radical change. Anti-poverty advocates are concerned that caps could limit how many people are enrolled and restrict services. They also worry other states would adopt a similar plan.

Can California Beat The Federal Government In Lowering Drug Prices?

Samantha Young

Unwilling to wait for federal action, California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he has a plan that could extract discounts from drugmakers and save the state money — one he hopes other states can join.

Glimpsing The Future At Gargantuan Health Tech Showcase