Latest KFF Health News Stories
Chronic Backlogs In Kansas’ Privatized Medicaid Program Prompt Threats Of Fines Against Contractor
Unprocessed applications that have delayed payments to providers have piled up since Maryland-based Maximus took over KanCare operations in 2016. Elsewhere, Utah residents will vote on Medicaid expansion. And a technical glitch has hindered public comments over Florida’s planned changes to Medicaid.
As Va. Lawmakers Vote To Expand Medicaid, Some Say ‘No Just Wasn’t The Answer Anymore’
The effort, which will provide coverage to 400,000 residents, had been stymied for years by conservative Republicans. But a few state senators changed their minds this year after a Democratic tidal wave last November brought 15 new members to the House of Delegates and the Trump administration said it would allow states to implement work requirements for non-disabled adults getting Medicaid.
President Donald Trump is known for is affinity for fast food and his distaste for exercise. And, aside from a batting-cage swing, he steered clear of many of the day’s active events. And, in other public health news, a poll finds that the vast majority of older Americans are open to trying virtual health care, and The Washington Post details a recent mock pandemic-response exercise.
The prominent cancer organization changes its guidelines to encourage Americans to undergo colorectal cancer screening starting at 45 instead of waiting until 50. Since 1994, there has been a 51 percent increase in the rate of the disease among those younger than 50, and the death rate also has started to rise.
What’s This About ‘Ambien-Tweeting?’
Roseanne Barr faced a backlash over a series of controversial tweets. She blamed, in part, the drug Ambien for these late-night musings. In response, news outlets examine the side effects of this and other “sedative hypnotic” medications.
In Effort To Ease Investors’ Minds, Allergan To Sell Women’s Health, Infectious-Disease Units
These two business lines are among the drugmaker’s smallest. Meanwhile, the company announced a voluntary recall of nearly 170,000 birth control packs because of a packaging error that could lead to unintended pregnancy. Also, the World Health Organization is sharpening its focus on gaps in biotech regulations.
Health Care Groups Offer Negative Takes On Trump Insurance Marketplace Rules
More than 300 patient and consumer groups have expressed concerns over the proposed rulemaking, warning the planned changes could destabilize insurance markets, raise premiums for sick Americans and make insurance fraud easier. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is also eyeing changes to accountable care organizations.
HHS Refutes Reports On Missing Migrant Children
In other news, a special report focuses on burnout doctors are suffering by being required to give uninsured, undocumented patients suboptimal care.
“The sheer logistical nature of trying to pick out which packages contain opioids makes it much more challenging,” said Robert E. Perez, an acting executive assistant commissioner at United States Customs and Border Protection, an arm of the department. In other news from the opioid epidemic: President Donald Trump overstates progress the government has made to tackle crisis; a congressional panel focuses on the impact of border security; and Reveal investigates the rehab industry.
President Donald Trump says he never understood why the issue had lagged for years, but some Democrats and public health advocates fear that the measure offers patients “false hope.”
White House Announces Drug Companies Plan ‘Massive’ Cuts In Prices Soon
The statement appeared to catch administration officials and industry leaders off guard, and no other details were offered.
What’s At Stake In Administration’s Request For A Rescission Of Some CHIP Funds?
The Washington Post Fact Checker examines the possible impact of the rescission request. Also, a new study by researchers in California analyzes the racial overtones of the debate on the country’s social safety net.
KHN First Edition: May 31, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these and other health care issues.
Perspectives: Drug Companies Placing Higher Priority On Profits Than The Lives They Could Be Saving
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
NIH Needs To Look At Price Tags Of Drugs Created Using Taxpayer Money, Advocates Say
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from California, Missouri, New Jersey, Florida, Oregon, Texas, Michigan, Washington, Massachusetts and Minnesota.
Scientists Can Diagnose Diseases Just On People’s Behavior While Searching Internet
Markers such as repeated search inquires, scrolling velocity and tremors while using the mouse helped researchers identify patients with Parkinson’s. The study is part of a larger movement to use artificial intelligence to track symptoms in people’s normal, daily life. In other public health news: CAR-T therapy, doctors and airplanes, medical device oversight, paint strippers, and more.
Ebola Outbreak Still Not Contained, But Health Officials ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ About Vaccine
Meanwhile, various groups are maneuvering to introduce other experimental drugs during the deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite warnings from scientists because several have only been tested on animals.
Community Workers Strive To Keep Former Inmates Out Of Prison By Focusing On Their Health Needs
“We’ve always known incarceration is bad for health,” said Leah G. Pope, director of the substance use and mental health program at the Vera Institute of Justice, a research and advocacy group. “But in an age of increasing attention to justice reform and health care reform, the two are increasingly connected.”
