Latest KFF Health News Stories
Mystery Deepens Over Head Injuries Of U.S. Diplomats In Cuba
The diplomats showed signs of a concussion, though they received no blows to the head. Experts are stumped on what happened.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has launched an investigation into how that slipped by regulators’ attention. News on the opioid crisis comes out of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Arizona, as well.
Against all virus strains, this year’s vaccine has been 36 percent effective midway through a harsh flu season. “We are a bit concerned that the performance of the vaccine right now might reduce interest in getting vaccinated in the future,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, acting CDC director.
Investigation In Aetna’s Approval Process Expands Into More States
The inquiry kicked off after statements by a former medical director came to light that he never looked at patients’ records when deciding whether to approve or deny care. Aetna says the comments were taken out of context. Meanwhile, Anthem is changing its emergency room program after it received pushback from providers and lawmakers.
Ohio Law Banning Down Syndrome Abortions ‘Unconstitutional,’ ACLU Says In Suit
The suit seeks to delay enforcement of the law, which is scheduled to go into effect March 23.
Trump Administration Sued Over ‘Wrongful Termination’ Of Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grants
The Obama-era Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program was designed as a five-year program, but grantees reported last summer they had received letters informing them the program would be terminated at the end of June 2018 — two years ahead of schedule.
Legislation Making It Tougher To File ADA Complaints Passes House On Mostly Party-Line Vote
Proponents of the bill said the changes would protect businesses from frivolous lawsuits, but advocate groups warned that the changes would shift the burden to people with disabilities who aren’t able to access public spaces instead of the businesses in violation of the ADA.
Virginia Lawmaker Becomes First Republican In State To Explicitly Call For Medicaid Expansion
Republicans in Virginia have been softening their stance against expansion in recent weeks because of the Trump administration’s decision to grant work requirement waivers.
Imposing Work Requirements Just Tip Of Iceberg In Administration’s Goal To Restructure Medicaid
Lifetime limits and monthly premiums are just some of the other ideas states are floating after being encouraged by the Trump administration to retool their Medicaid programs. Media outlets report on Medicaid news out of California, New Hampshire, Kansas, Maryland and New York, as well.
In Face Of Skepticism, HHS Secretary Vows Trump’s Proposed Budget Really Would Lower Drug Prices
HHS Secretary Alex Azar pointed to two specific provisions as he defended the plan: how Medicare Part D recipients who have reached the “catastrophic coverage” phase would have more of the cost of their prescription drugs paid for by private insurance and how the administration has proposed changing the way in which out-of-pocket costs are calculated.
Travel Scandal Just Latest Spark In Fiery Infighting Between VA Secretary’s Supporters, Opponents
Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, the only holdover from the Obama administration, thinks he’s being forced out by political rivals. Shulkin has come under fire this week for a European visit last summer that used taxpayer dollars for his wife’s travel. The secretary has promised to reimburse the government for the amount.
HHS Will Take Wait-And-See Approach To Idaho Going Rogue On Health Law Regulations
Facing questions from the Senate Finance Committee, HHS Secretary Alex Azar would not commit to stepping in to block Idaho’s move to allow insurers to sell plans that don’t meet the health law’s rules.
How Florida Shooter Slipped Through The Gaps Of A Fractured Mental Health System
There were several warning signs that could have potentially helped avert the mass school shooting in Florida, but were missed or written off. Meanwhile, news outlets look at the psychological toll events like this take on teens.
HHS Chief Wants CDC To Conduct Gun Research, Waving Off Congressional Restrictions
“We believe we’ve got a very important mission with our work with serious mental illness as well as our ability to do research on the causes of violence and the causes behind tragedies like this,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said. “So that is a priority for us.” Others spoke out about the longstanding policy that bars CDC from studying gun violence as a public health issue, as well.
As national focus turns to mental health after the mass shooting in Florida, advocates warn against making assumptions about violence and mental health. “It feels like mental illness is being used as a political football to deflect attention away from some other important issues,” said Ron Honberg, senior policy adviser at the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
First Edition: February 16, 2018
NOTE TO READERS: KHN’s First Edition will not be published Feb. 19. Look for it again in your inbox Feb. 20. Here’s today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Feuding Sacklers; Expensive Procedures; And The Flu
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Opinion pages feature stories on these topics and other health care issues.
Editorial writers focus on the health policy topics of the day.
Media outlets report on news from New York, California, Maryland, Wisconsin, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, North Carolina, Texas and New Orleans.
