Weekly Edition: January 26, 2018
In Battleground Races, Health Care Lags As Hot-Button Issue, Poll Finds
By Jordan Rau
The economy and jobs tend to eclipse health care as the top voter concern in competitive congressional and gubernatorial races.
Podcast: ‘What The Health?’ CHIP (Finally) Gets Funded
In this episode of “What The Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Joanne Kenen of Politico, Alice Ollstein of Talking Points Memo and Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post discuss the short-term spending bill passed by Congress that reopened the federal government and funded the Children’s Health Insurance Program for six years. The panelists also discussed the health programs still awaiting funding, and the intersection of religion and women’s health services at the Department of Health and Human Services.
After Months In Limbo For Children’s Health Insurance, Huge Relief Over Deal
By Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR
The Children's Health Insurance Program drew bipartisan support for two decades. After brinkmanship over the federal budget, an agreement to end the shutdown has assured CHIP funding for six years.
CHIP Renewed For Six Years As Congress Votes To Reopen Federal Government
By Julie Rovner
Funding for CHIP technically expired Oct. 1. Although both Democrats and Republicans said they wanted to continue the program, they could not agree on how to fund it.
Big Pharma Greets Hundreds Of Ex-Federal Workers At The ‘Revolving Door’
By Sydney Lupkin
A KHN data analysis finds that the door of opportunities connecting Capitol Hill, the federal government and the drug industry likely spins in Big Pharma’s favor.
As Doctors Drop Opposition, Aid-In-Dying Advocates Target Next Battleground States
By Melissa Bailey
Will efforts to expand the practice to Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Hawaii succeed this year?
University Under Fire For Off-The-Grid Herpes Vaccine Experiments
By Marisa Taylor
Southern Illinois University’s medical school has halted all herpes research, one of its most high-profile projects, amid growing controversy over a researcher’s unauthorized methods offshore and in the U.S.
What’s Next For ‘Safe Injection’ Sites In Philadelphia?
By Elana Gordon, WHYY
Philadelphia officials gave the OK to establishing safe-injection sites for drug users. But it's unclear where the sites would be located and who would fund and operate them.
Hospitals’ Best-Laid Plans Upended By Disaster
By Ana B. Ibarra
An onslaught of fires, shootings and storms across the country last year tested hospital readiness. Now, leaders are using their experiences to address shortcomings that surfaced amid the chaos.
States Face Costly Conundrum: How To Treat Inmates With Hepatitis C
By Alex Smith, KCUR
Although the potentially fatal disease is common among the incarcerated, treatment with the latest hepatitis drugs isn't.
In Trump’s First Year, Anti-Abortion Forces Make Strides Despite Setbacks
By Julie Rovner
As a candidate, the president promised a ban on abortions that take place after 20 weeks and federal funding to Planned Parenthood, but Congress has not obliged. Still, other anti-abortion policy goals have been realized.
Tax Bill Provision Designed To Spur Paid Family Leave To Lower-Wage Workers
By Michelle Andrews
But advocates and consultants say the tax credits are unlikely to persuade many employers to offer such benefits.
A Push To Get Older Adults In Better Shape For Surgery
By Judith Graham
Some hospitals now focus on preparing seniors for the risks and realities of surgical care.