Latest KFF Health News Stories
Republicans Build On Senate Majority
According to USA Today, this election marks the first time since 1914, when the nation started directly electing senators, that a party won control of the House without gaining seats in the Senate, too.
Health Care Issues Helped Fuel Democrats’ House Victories
These issues in general, and protecting the Affordable Care Act in particular, were picked early on by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) as central to winning back the House. And, as the votes are being counted, it’s clear that a record number of women will be heading to Capitol Hill. News outlets detail some of those contests.
What Were Voters Thinking About When They Went To The Polls Yesterday?
It was health care, immigration and President Donald Trump, according to a wide-ranging survey conducted by the Associated Press. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal notes that while turnout was huge, the political climate continues to be very polarized.
Democrats Take The House. The GOP Keeps Control In The Senate. What Now?
Medicare, Medicaid, preexisting conditions, high prescription drug costs: These buzz words are not likely to go away once the election-day dust settles. But what are the chances that the two chambers can find a common path forward. News outlets examine whether anything can get done in the wake of this split decision.
First Edition: November 7, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Media outlets report on news from New Hampshire, Louisiana, Kansas, Texas, Michigan, Maryland and California.
Study: Women Who Are Early Risers Have Lower Risk Of Breast Cancer
A team of UK researchers found that women who wake up early have a 40 to 48 percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer. In other public health news: why you should get your flu shot now; U2’s Bono thanks Congress for maintaining AIDS funding; an exploration of the brain’s working memory; and more.
Health Officials, Doctors Struggle To Explain Rise In Cases Of Polio-Like Illness
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified 80 confirmed cases of acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, that mostly affects children. This represents the illness’ third nationwide peak since 2014. And, cases of measles are also spiking.
Otis Brawley, A Cancer Society Executive, Resigns; Fundraising Partnerships Partly To Blame
After 11 years with the American Cancer Society, Brawley, an executive vice president and chief medical officer, left his post late last week. And look who’s in the top spot at Families USA.
Insys Planning To Sell Off Opioid-Related Assets, Following Settlement In Federal Investigation
Potential sell-off plans include Insys’ Subsys, a mouth-spray version of the fentanyl painkiller, and formulations of buprenorphine. In other pharma news, the FDA continues to find quality control problems at Akorn manufacturing plants.
Ark. Planned Parenthood Says It’s Now In Compliance With Disputed Abortion Pill Law
After losing its challenge in court, Planned Parenthood says it has contracted with a physician who has admitting privileges at a hospital, so is now in compliance with a new Arkansas law requiring such a partnership in order to provide abortion pills. Meanwhile, in Texas, a court heard arguments in Texas’ efforts to ban a common second-trimester abortion procedure.
Fla. Authorities Shut Down ‘Deceptive’ Health Plan
The health insurer allegedly used aggressive tactics to sell sham plans — one of which was named TrumpCare — that skirt the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, leaving people around the country with skimpier coverage than they expected and liable for unpaid medical bills. And, as Obamacare open enrollment continues, news outlets offer tips for finding the right coverage and news about new options.
Voters Across The Country Will Weigh Health-Related Ballot Questions
The issues in play range from Medicaid expansion to marijuana legalization and soda taxes.
Drugmakers Switch Gears This Year With Big Bankroll For Democrats
Pharmaceutical companies have contributed heavily to candidates, with 63 percent of their donations going to Democrats, Stat reports. And in other election-related news, KHN explains the “Medicare-for-all” buzz. Plus, how anti-vaccine supporters are backing candidates and a look at where the Georgia gubernatorial candidates stand on health issues.
Will Health Issues Swing The Elections? The Big Day Is Here
Candidates’ messaging, campaign ads, and polls have all indicated that health care is one of the most important issues to voters in this year’s midterm contests. Tonight’s results will start to reveal if that narrative proves true. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and President Donald Trump offers closing campaign arguments to their parties and key constituents.
First Edition: November 6, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health topics and others.
Editorial pages focus on how health care will be impacted by the midterm elections.
Media outlets report on news from Virginia, California, Nevada, Georgia, Maryland, Kansas, Michigan and Illinois.
