Latest KFF Health News Stories
A new report finds that if the state expanded its Medicaid program, 473,000 more residents would have health coverage next year. Medicaid news comes out of Virginia, New Mexico, and Alaska, as well.
The Big Risks And Rewards Of Artificial Intelligence Playing A Role In Doctors’ Visits
The technology could improve care and revolutionize burdensome record-keeping practices, but it also carries thorny questions about who owns the data and how it’s used. In other public health news: strokes, emergency contacts, suicide, labor, acupuncture, cancer, the E. coli outbreak, and more.
New Allegations Emerge Against University of Southern California’s Longtime Campus Gynecologist
For years, medical workers had accused the Dr. George Tyndall of touching women inappropriately during pelvic exams, as well as making racist and sexual remarks about patients’ bodies. The University of Southern California has come under fire for not immediately reporting him to the state medical board and for not making the allegations about him public until only after the university was approached by The Los Angeles Times.
Most Americans Think The Opioid Epidemic Is A Problem — Just Not One That’s In Their Backyard
Less than a quarter of the people surveyed feel it’s an emergency in their community, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said. In other news on the crisis: the FDA criticizes a big data provider over a mistake concerning the amount of fentanyl prescribed over the past year; Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) wants information on steps a drugmaker has taken to mitigate the opioid epidemic; a House panel advances a package of bills dealing with the epidemic; and more.
Acting VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a statement that the 10-year deal would make much-needed improvements that “will modernize the VA’s health care IT system and help provide seamless care.” Critics say that the contract is not written in a way that guarantees success for VA patients.
The controversy stems from reports that NIH officials met with players in the alcohol industry to woo them to fund the study, which supports the health benefits of moderate drinking.
California Predicts Premium Increase Of 11%, Plus Drop In Enrollment
Meanwhile, CMS rejected Ohio’s application to eliminate the health law’s individual mandate, saying the state didn’t provide a complete plan.
Newly Approved Drug Ushers In Hopeful Era For Patients Who Experience Debilitating Migraines
The drug will be listed at $6,900 a year and can be injected with a device similar to an insulin pen. While doctors are excited about the new treatment, some warn that it’s “progress, but not a panacea.”
Right-To-Try Bill Gets Another Shot In The House Next Week
The legislation, which has faltered in its way through the Legislature, will necessitate the FDA to work harder to protect patients, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb says. In other news, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) says there’s a compromise in the works for a controversial bill that addresses drug pricing; pharma companies may have to start listing their prices in ads; a look at what happens next with Vermont’s importation law; and more.
Naming Names: FDA Calls Out Drugmakers For Blocking Generics To Shame Them Into Better Behavior
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the behavior of hindering other companies from making generic versions of blockbuster drugs is “gaming the system.”
Trump Administration Imposes New Abortion Restrictions On Federally Funded Family Planning Clinics
The policy would mirror similar restrictions in place during the Reagan administration. The policy has been derided as a “gag rule” by abortion rights supporters and medical groups, and it is likely to trigger lawsuits that could keep it from taking effect.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Prescription For Drug Reform; Sexual Orientation and Depression in Adolescents
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Editorial writers focus on these and other health issues:
Opinion writers weigh in on health topics surrounding the opioid crisis.
Longer Looks: Caregivers In Prison; Medicare For All; Drunken Driving Laws
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on news from Ohio, California, Massachusetts, Iowa, Missouri, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Illinois, Oregon and Florida.
At Site For Proposed Border Wall Sits A Community That’s Burdened By Poor Health
“We’re not just about the border wall or the river,” says Rose Timmer, a community advocate. “We’re about being fat, we’re about being poor, we’re about being illiterate.” Such advocates are working to improve the health of those who straddle the country line.
There’s Still Little Proof To Back Up Hype Over Combination Cancer Immunotherapies
All the buzz over combining experimental immune-boosting drugs with checkpoint inhibitors could fizzle into disappointment. In other public health news: eye treatments, aging athletes, the E. coli outbreak, hearing aids, and Ebola.
Screening Rates For Lung Cancer ‘Truly Abysmal,’ Study Finds
The rates for other screenings are usually between 60 to 80 percent, while less than 2 percent of patients are taking advantage of lung screenings which can catch cancer while its still curable.
