Latest KFF Health News Stories
Virginia Governor Issues Gentle Ultimatum As Medicaid Expansion Debate Continues To Roil Legislature
Gov. Ralph Northam (D) said that if he gets a budget that doesn’t include expansion of Medicaid, he’ll be forced to add an amendment, which may not include some of the compromises he’s already worked out with lawmakers. Media outlets report on Medicaid news out of New Hampshire, Iowa and Louisiana.
Without Threat Of Tax Penalty, Nearly 20 Percent Of Californians Will Drop Coverage, Study Projects
California would continue to have a stable market partly because so many people in the exchange have their premiums paid or partly paid through subsidies, or premium tax credits, said Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee. But premiums will most likely go up.
Self-Neglect Accounts For More Calls To Social Services Than Any Other Form Of Elder Abuse
But intervening in those cases can be tricky for a nation that values independence. “If someone has decision-making capacity, do they have the right to live in squalor?” asked Dr. XinQi Dong, a researcher at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging in Chicago. In other public health news, seat belts, sexting, stress, kidney disease and uterine transplants.
“What was really striking to me is just how sick these kids are and that almost half of them end up in the ICU,” said Dr. Jason Kane, a lead author on the new study. Meanwhile, NPR takes a look at the paradox of heightened pain sensitivity with opioid use. And media outlets report on news of the crisis out of Tennessee, Connecticut, Florida, Oklahoma and New Hampshire.
Researchers Throw Cold Water On Optimism Over Universal Flu Vaccine
Despite a recent push for a more effective vaccine, scientists say we’re not really there yet. In fact, we’re not even close. Meanwhile, the CDC has declared that this nasty season has peaked, but public health officials warn that flu activity is still high and widespread.
The damage the type of weapons inflict on the human body is “ghastly,” trauma surgeons say. Meanwhile, following the Parkland, Fla. shooting and more focus on the country’s mental health services, Congress mulls a bill to create a three-digit suicide hotline.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers focus on these health issues and others.
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from Utah, Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas, New York, Missouri, Maryland and Georgia.
Governor Renews Effort To Expand MinnesotaCare Program
Gov. Mark Dayton unsuccessfully fought for the plan last year, but said he hopes the November election will pressure the GOP-controlled Legislature to change its mind on a measure that would help many farmers and other people living in rural areas who can’t afford coverage. Opponents fear the plan could end up costing taxpayers.
Proton Therapy Allows For Radiation To Be Delivered Almost Exclusively To Tumors
The Washington Post offers a look at this state-of-the-art therapy that spares healthy tissue in the fight against tumors.
The Business Of Selling Dubious Elixirs To Aging People Desperate For A Fountain Of Youth
Promoters are urging people to pay to participate in a soon-to-launch clinical trial of blood transfusions of younger people to older patients. But critics say the idea reeks of “snake oil.” In other public health news: the flu, tumors, depression in kids, surgery centers, parasitic worms, IV bags and aging parents.
As Medicaid Fight Brews In Virginia’s Capitol, Hundreds Rally To Support Expansion
While the Virginia House shifted its stance on expanding the program after years of fighting it, the Senate hasn’t budged. Media outlets report on Medicaid news out of Massachusetts, Ohio, Alabama and California, as well.
Grassley Wades Into Hotly Contested 340B Drug Debate With Transparency Legislation
The 340B program requires pharmaceutical companies to give steep discounts to hospitals and clinics that serve high volumes of low-income patients. Through Medicare, the federal government then reimburses the facilities for the drugs at a higher rate. A bill from Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) would require hospitals to disclose how much they pay for drugs under the program.
No-Show Patients Are A Huge Problem In Health Care. Uber Sees Itself As The Solution.
Uber has announced it’s launching a new branch called Uber Health, which will ferry patients to nonemergency medical appointments. It will be set up so that the medical provider would be billed for the service and not the patient.
Sen. Hatch Slams Anyone Who Supports Health Law, As Poll Finds Its Favorability Is At All-Time High
Separately, the poll found that health care costs are the top health care issue that voters want to hear candidates talk about ahead of this year’s midterm elections. Meanwhile, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) had some choice words for both the legislation and the “dumbass” people who support it.
The Troubled Indian Health Services Agency Has Been Without Permanent Leader Since 2015
President Donald Trump’s latest nominee withdrew from consideration following allegations he exaggerated his work experience. Senators are calling on the administration to move quickly on a replacement.
Day After Embracing Comprehensive Gun Control, Trump Has ‘Great’ Meeting With NRA Lobbyist
The tone of tweets from both President Donald Trump and the lobbyist suggest that the president is walking back from the support he voiced the previous day for tighter gun restrictions. Meanwhile Democrats are calling for gun research funding at the same time a report finds that gun policy science is lacking overall.
Sessions Tells DEA To Study Opioid Production Quotas, Consider Cuts
The DEA annually sets the production and manufacturing quotas for Schedule I and II controlled substances. Between 1993 and 2015, the DEA approved a 39-fold increase of oxycodone, 12-fold increase of hydrocodone and a 25-fold increase of fentanyl.
