Latest KFF Health News Stories
Bipartisan Health Law Stabilization Measure Shut Out Of $1.3 Trillion Spending Bill
In the early days of negotiations, there was hope that the legislation would make it into the final budget bill, but anti-abortion language became a deal-breaker for both sides. Lawmakers who worked on the package expressed their disappointment “that an opportunity to lower health insurance rates by up to 40 percent for working Americans has turned into a debate about the mechanics of funding for abortion coverage.”
Prominent AIDS Researcher Named As CDC Chief Despite Concerns Over Misconduct Investigation
Dr. Robert Redfield “has dedicated his entire life to promoting public health and providing compassionate care to his patients,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said. Critics had spoken out against Redfield over complaints that his work on a high-profile vaccine research more than 20 years ago was flawed — though a probe found no evidence of misconduct — and that he advocated for policies like mandatory patient testing for HIV and for segregating HIV-positive Army soldiers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages highlight these health topics and others.
Media outlets report on news from Kansas, Ohio, Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Ohio, Virginia and Georgia.
Kansas Lawmakers Try To Tackle Issue Of Children’s Deaths While In State Custody
The state lawmakers are considering creating a watchdog based outside the state’s child welfare agency, but with access to inside information, as well as taking other steps to address failures in the system.
The problem of hospitals “patient dumping” was spotlighted when the video showing a disoriented woman in just a hospital gown spread on social media. The University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown was cited for violating patient rights and safety rules.
FDA Resumes Focus On Regulating Menthol, Tobacco Flavors That Attract Young People
More than 50 percent of underage smokers reported using menthols, compared with only 36 percent of adult smokers. “The FDA must use the full force of its authority in a scientific and transparent manner to address flavoring issues, especially in regard to youth,” said Chris Hansen of the American Cancer Society.
Judge Temporarily Blocks Mississippi’s 15-Week Abortion Ban
“The Supreme Court says every woman has a constitutional right to ‘personal privacy’ regarding her body,” U.S. District Court Judge Carlton Reeves. Abortion news comes out of Idaho and Iowa, as well.
Numerous sales representatives are expected to testify against the company, the government revealed after Novartis asked a judge to rule that there was insufficient proof to move forward.
Video Footage Emerges Of Theranos’ Mysterious Second-In-Command
Despite being Theranos’ No. 2 executive, there’s little trace of Sunny Balwani’s image on the internet. But newly found footage shows Balwani giving a pitch for the company in 2014.
Incoming AHIP President Wants To Focus On Affordability In Ever-Changing Health Landscape
Modern Healthcare talks with Matt Eyles, who will take the reins of the insurance lobbying group from Marilyn Tavenner on June 1.
Trump’s Plan To Use Death Penalty To Curb Opioid Epidemic Is Already Legal
But federal prosecutors have never used that power to execute drug dealers in the 24 years since the law was signed.
NIH To Investigate Claims That Officials Courted Alcohol Industry To Fund Drinking Study
Scientists had suggested that the study would support the benefits of moderate drinking, according to reports, when soliciting donations from private companies.
Azar’s Emphasis On Price Transparency Cheers Advocates Despite Lack Of Concrete Details
But experts say the cost-reduction potential of greater price transparency is limited because only a small percentage of total U.S. healthcare spending is on services for which patients truly can comparison shop.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) sent a letter to President Donald Trump voicing concerns about Dr. Robert Redfield, who is being vetted to lead the CDC. Redfield was investigated in 1994 for misrepresenting data to promote an AIDS vaccine, though the probe concluded that the errors did not constitute misconduct. Earlier in his career, Redfield also advocated for policies like mandatory patient testing for HIV and for segregating HIV-positive Army soldiers.
Supreme Court Justices Signal Skepticism Over ‘Crisis Pregnancy Centers’ Law
During arguments, justices from across the ideological spectrum questioned whether the California law, that requires centers licensed by the state to post notices that free or low-cost abortion, contraception and prenatal care are available, singles out clinics run by antiabortion groups.
Prospects Dim For Market Stabilization Bill As Congress Hustles To Avoid Shutdown Deadline
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is open to bringing the bill to the Senate floor but it’s unclear whether McConnell would present the bill as a stand-alone or as an amendment to the spending omnibus.
Insurers’ Financial Well-Being Has Improved After Rocky First Years Of Health Law, Report Finds
Industry officials, however, say the health of a company can’t be judged by stock prices alone, and many of the biggest publicly traded companies have pulled back on the individual insurance market. Meanwhile, Democrats are getting ready to use expected premium increases against Republicans in the midterms.
Perspectives: Drugmakers Are Unfairly Restricting Competition, And Congress Needs To Act
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
