Latest KFF Health News Stories
Wearable Device To Block Pain From Opioid Withdraw Approved By FDA, But Some Are Skeptical
Evidence that the device works remains limited, and it has never been tested in a controlled clinical trial. But many are excited about another possible tool to help fight the opioid epidemic. Meanwhile, senators introduce measure to tighten prescription practices targeted at patients in the Veterans Affairs’ system.
Genetic Mutation In Small Group Of Amish People May Hold The Key To Longer Lives
The Amish people involved in the study had unusually low levels of a certain protein mostly associated with blood clotting. Carriers of the mutation live on average to age 85, about 10 years longer than their peers, and seem to be completely protected from Type 2 diabetes. In other public health news: gun violence, Zika, robotic prosthetics, and more.
The Guidelines For High Blood Pressure Just Changed. So What Does That Mean?
The New York Times and others answer some questions about the new guidelines that now qualify high blood pressure as anything above 130 over 80, instead of 140 over 90.
Giant In The Health Policy Landscape Uwe Reinhardt Dies At 80
Uwe Reinhardt was an economist who helped shape health care deliberations for decades as a prolific contributor to numerous publications, an adviser to White House and congressional policymakers, a member of federal and professional commissions and a consultant and board member, paid and unpaid, for private industry.
Likelihood Of Medicaid Requiring Enrollees To Work Sparks Controversy
The announcement by Seema Verma, the head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, that the Trump administration will look favorably at state requests to institute work requirements has raised fears of lower enrollments, prompted concerns about law suits and brought cheers from some states. Also other Medicaid news from Iowa, Ohio and Illinois.
Threat To Medicare Funding In GOP Tax Plan Roils Capitol Hill
The tax bill, a priority for the Republican majority in Congress, would likely raise the deficit and that would set off an automatic cuts in spending that would affect Medicare. In other news, a key legislative committee agrees on funding for several Medicare related services and a new study finds that Medicare coverage lags what other countries do for seniors.
Newly Narrow Networks Make Navigating System ‘Almost As Bad As The Disease’ For Some Families
Insurers have pulled out of the individual marketplace across the country, leaving some people who need care for chronic diseases without any options.
For First Time, IRS Will Crack Down On Employers Not Offering Insurance To Workers
The Affordable Care Act requires large companies to offer their employees affordable insurance or pay stiff tax penalties, but the IRS has held off on enforcing the provision.
With Possible Individual Mandate Victory In Sight, GOP Warms To Plan To Stabilize Marketplace
One of the main goals of the measure is to reverse President Donald Trump’s decision to cut off cost-sharing payments to insurers. However, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) says Democrats won’t support the bipartisan plan if the individual mandate repeal remains in the tax package.
First GOP Senator Comes Out Against Tax Bill, A Possible Signal Of Troubled Waters Ahead
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said he can’t vote for either the House or Senate bill as written. Other lawmakers all voiced concerns about the measures.
Marketplace Would Be Fundamentally Rocked With Repeal Of Individual Mandate
Media outlets offer a look at what would happen to the Affordable Care Act exchanges if lawmakers include repeal of the individual mandate in their tax package. Meanwhile, Democrats seize on the turmoil as a way to get their base interested in the Republicans’ tax overhaul.
Despite Dire Predictions, This Year’s ACA Sign-Ups Continue To Surge Past Last Year’s Pace
But with a small enrollment window, it’s too early to tell what the final numbers will look like.
First Edition: November 16, 2017
LOOK AT US!: Kaiser Health News has a brand new look. With our readers’ feedback, we’ve changed the website to make it easier to discover important news, investigations, columns and multimedia. Check it out and let us know what you think.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives: HHS Pick Sends Message That Pharma Gravy Train Will Keep Chugging Along
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Tactic Of Using New Patents To Extend A Monopoly On A Drug Is Widespread, Study Finds
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from D.C., Connecticut, Texas, Arizona, Ohio, California and Missouri.
Complaints To Nursing Homes Can Result In Evictions In Minn.
An investigation by the Minneapolis Star Tribune finds complaints about involuntary discharges and transfers from senior care facilities have surged 50 percent since 2012. Meanwhile in Florida, nursing homes are asking the state to help pay for emergency generators.
Forget Bulky Fitbits, This Scientist Wants To Create Medical Wearables So Thin You Forget About Them
Ana Claudia Arias is developing such products as a bandage-like sensor that could monitor a wound’s healing process or one that could slip into a diabetic’s shoe and warn about foot ulcers the person wouldn’t be able to feel.
With Spotlight On Physical Devastation Football Causes, Question Becomes — Why Do Kids Still Play?
“Once upon a time a good hit would make me stand and cheer,” says Amy Stover. “Now, when I watch a game and a hit happens and someone goes down, I freeze, I feel sick. Will they get up? Are they okay? The consequences of the hit are so very vivid and real now.” In other public health news, gene editing, PTSD, maternal deaths, depression, soda, and more.
