Weekly Edition February 15, 2019
A ‘Fountain Of Youth’ Pill? Sure, If You’re A Mouse.
By 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
By 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
By 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
By 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
By 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’
By 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
By 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
By 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
By 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
By 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?
By 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
By Phil Galewitz
Innovations to help consumers manage their health were on display at the nation’s largest health technology conference that attracted more than 40,000 health industry professionals to Orlando.