Latest KFF Health News Stories
It’s Easy To Blame A Flagging Willpower For Binge Eating, But Study Shows Hormones Play A Role
A new, small study looks at late-night binging and how complex hormones can trigger the overeating. In other public health news: hookworms, the flu and an “emotional support” peacock.
FDA Targets Anti-Diarrhea Treatment In Campaign To Curb Overdoses From Over-The-Counter Drugs
The Food and Drug Administration has asked the manufacturers of anti-diarrhea treatment to package the product differently to make it harder for the drug to be abused. The key ingredient in anti-diarrhea medications like Imodium is part of the opioid family. In other news, a pain medication with a checkered past may offer an alternative to opioids, Attorney General Jeff Sessions says the Drug Enforcement Administration is planning on targeting pharmacies as part of its crack down efforts, Congress tries to tackle the issue, and more.
Pfizer Announces Plans To Invest $5B In U.S. Manufacturing Citing Positive Tax Law Revisions
The pharmaceutical giant said it will also hand out one-time bonuses this quarter to non-executive employees.
Congressional Brinksmanship Over Children’s Coverage Scars Families
In a pitched partisan battle, lawmakers took more than three months to fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program while families that depend on that insurance waited nervously. In Medicaid news, a Virginia legislative committee moves toward seeking a work requirement for non-disabled adults getting Medicaid benefits. News outlets also report on developments in New Hampshire, Delaware, Montana, New Mexico and Indiana.
CMS Sees Sharp Drop-Off In Number Of Doctors Opting Out Of Medicare
One theory for the decrease is that MACRA ended the need for providers to renew opt-out affidavits every two years; now opt-outs can be indefinite, and providers must ask to rejoin the program. Meanwhile, health providers are excited about hints that Medicare may change its policy on medical consultations that start over the phone.
A Game-Changer Or ‘Corporate PR’? Billionaires’ Health Initiative Draws Skepticism, Curiosity
But experts seem to have a common tone: it’s going to be pretty hard to “disrupt” the fairly intractable health industry. Media outlets take a deeper look at the partnership between Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan, where it could be headed, what may be involved and how it already rattled the stock markets.
In Scathing Note, Oversight Chairman Slams HHS’ ‘Posture Of Nonchalance,’ Threatens Subpoena
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chair Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) wants information from the Department of Health and Humans Services on the Puerto Rico public health crisis, opioids, Medicare and more.
CDC Chief Bought Tobacco Stocks One Month Into Job Leading Nation’s Efforts Against Smoking
“You don’t buy tobacco stocks when you are the head of the CDC. It’s ridiculous; it gives a terrible appearance,” said Richard Painter, who served as George W. Bush’s chief ethics lawyer from 2005 to 2007.
Trump Briefly Touches On Individual Mandate Repeal, Opioid Epidemic In State Of The Union
President Donald Trump touted Republicans’ steps toward gutting a crucial part of the health law and said efforts to crack down on immigration will help the opioid epidemic. Media outlets fact check these and other statements.
First Edition: January 31, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers from around the country express views on a range of health issues.
Parsing Policies: Pros And Cons Of Medicaid Changes; The Toll Of Rising Medicare Out-Of-Pocket Costs
Editorial pages feature thoughts on health policy topics.
Media outlets report on news from Minnesota, Kansas, Maryland, Wisconsin, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia and Oregon.
Judge Rules Texas’ Fetal Tissue Burial Law ‘Lacks Merit,’ Issues Temporary Block On Legislation
U.S. District Judge David Ezra said the state did not show how the measure has a public health purpose.
Fitness App Might Be Unfit For Use: Sensitive Military Sites In Iraq And Syria Are Exposed
The U.S. military is reviewing its policies for the use of wireless trackers, like the popular Strava fitness app, after maps were posted online showing where service members and aid workers run and bike. In other health and technology news: online forums are flagging suspicious research and a messaging system for young teens gets a red light.
It’s Not Too Late: You Should Still Get The Flu Shot, Health Officials Urge
While the season is expected to start to wane soon, experts still say you should get vaccinated.
Fault Lines Emerge Between Oncologists Over Necessity Of Chemotherapy
There has been a trend toward using chemotherapy less in the early stages of breast cancer, but some doctors worry that means patients are not getting the treatment they need. In other public health news: heart disease, freezing eggs, the human genome, e-cigarettes, sleep and more.
Criminals Selling Opioids Anonymously Online Are In For ‘Rude Awakening,’ Attorney General Vows
A new team comprised of dozens of agents is part of a new Justice Department effort to target cybercriminals involved with illicit online drug markets. Meanwhile, just how many painkillers do you need after a surgery?
Virginia Speaker Relaxes Stance Against Medicaid Expansion With Possibility Of Work Requirements
Virginia House Speaker M. Kirkland Cox says the path forward hinges on Gov. Ralph Northam and other Democrats’ willingness to back legislation that imposes work requirements on existing Medicaid recipients. Northam is against the work mandate, but he has said he could get behind a “work search” program.
20-Week Abortion Ban Struck Down By Senate In Largely Symbolic Vote Ahead Of Midterms
The legislation is the top agenda for many in the anti-abortion movement. The vote forced Democrats in swing states to go on record against it in a politically volatile year.
