Latest KFF Health News Stories
Prisoners Can’t Afford Pricey Hep C Drug Costs, But States Don’t Have Money For Treatment Either
Some say it’s cruel and unusual punishment to deny prisoners medication that could treat their disease, but officials say “you can’t buy something you don’t have any money for.”
House’s Surprising Defeat Of Right-To-Try Legislation Isn’t End Of The Road, Lawmakers Say
The easiest path forward for lawmakers who support the legislation is to go through the normal rules process so they can pass it on a simple majority.
Fertility Center Where Eggs Were Damaged Faces Accusations Of Gross Negligence In Class-Action Suit
Pacific Fertility is one of two centers that experienced glitches on the same day that compromised frozen eggs, which shook the industry.
Modern Healthcare analyzed data to find that the system disproportionately benefits specialty hospitals.
Safety Net Work Requirements Beyond Medicaid Waivers Stall From Lackluster Support
The Trump administration’s plan was to have more federal agencies that control non-cash aid, like housing vouchers and food assistance, to impose work requirements on beneficiaries. But there does not seem to be much of an appetite to push for the changes beyond additional requirements for Medicaid recipients. Medicaid news comes out of Kansas and Ohio, as well.
After Pa. Special Election Results, Democrats May See Health Care As Winning Issue In Midterms
A majority of people who voted in the race ranked health care as a top issue. And voters who said it was the most important issue to them favored Democrat Conor Lamb over his Republican opponent, Rick Saccone, 64-36 percent. Meanwhile, the CBO projects that a bill to stabilize the marketplace will reduce premiums by 10 percent as Republicans start coming around to adding the provision to the spending bill.
For now Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin’s job seems to be safe because of his powerful supporters. And the fact that no one else really wants the job.
America’s Health Insurance Plans, once a powerful lobbying force, has lost big-name members UnitedHealth Group, Aetna and Humana over the past few years. Marilyn Tavenner took the helm in 2015 and is handing over the reins to Matt Eyles, the group’s chief operating officer.
Theranos CEO To Be Barred From Company, Pay $500K To Settle SEC’s ‘Massive Fraud’ Charges
Elizabeth Holmes did not admit or deny the allegations that she exaggerated or lied about her blood-testing technology while raising $700 million from investors.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages highlight these health topics and others.
Media outlets report on news from Georgia, Minnesota, Kansas, California, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Florida and Texas.
Virginia Governor Calls Lawmakers Back For Special Session To Work Out Medicaid Expansion
The state Legislature concluded its regular session without a budget, mainly due to disagreement on whether to expand Medicaid. The House is in favor of it, while the Senate hasn’t budged from its stance against expansion.
‘It’s Every Clinic’s Nightmare’: Recent Malfunctions At Fertility Centers Shake Industry, Consumers
The New York Times offers a guide on what to look for while deciding what clinic to use to freeze eggs. Meanwhile, people who stored their eggs and embryos at the facilities grieve over the loss of their “future families.”
More Than 400K Deaths A Year Can Be Attributed To Lead Poisoning
A new study highlights the dangers of lead beyond its effect on IQ. In other public health news: cancer, nausea and students with disabilities.
Hospitals Remain Quiet On Gun Control Debate In Contrast To Others In Medical Community
While many in the health industry are speaking out in favor of gun control, major hospital groups have avoided taking a firm stance in the debate, instead focusing on public health awareness in general.
When he was first diagnosed with the disease, Stephen Hawking was given two years to live. He went on to become one of the world’s most well-known scientists.
Large Majority Of Shareholders Support Plan For CVS To Purchase Aetna
Federal regulators still have to approve the deal between the nation’s largest pharmacy and the third-largest health insurer.
Why Aren’t Americans Getting Good Bang For Their Buck On Health Care? Blame High Salaries And Prices
A new study looks at why Americans are spending twice as much as other high-income countries on health care. And debunked some common myths along the way.
The White House advisory group suggested that pricing frameworks are needed for deciding the value of cancer medicines, a step that is already taken in many other countries.
