Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: September 14, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: At HHS, ‘Waste Scores A Victory’; Home Care Costs; Misreading The Opioid Crisis
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Talk About Single Payer: What About Workers Who Like Their Plans; ‘Pivotal Moment’ For U.S.
Opinion writers examine the “Medicare for All” movement and other aspects of the national health care debate.
Perspectives: Pharma Regulations Are Filled With Loopholes Nimble Companies Can Profit From
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
When Exciting Breakthrough Treatments Come With Astronomical Price Tags
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Delaware, Washington, Minnesota, California and Ohio.
Study Links Flu Vaccine And Miscarriages, But Scientists Warn Research Is Preliminary
Experts say the study is too weak to change the advice for who gets flu shots but stress that it’s something important to know. “I think it’s really important for women to understand that this is a possible link,” says the CDC’s Amanda Cohn. In other women’s health news: telemedicine and pregnancy, cervical cancer screenings, hormone therapy and breast-feeding.
A New Weapon In The War Against Cancer: Tumor-Destroying Vaccines
The research on the new therapy is part of a wider push to tap into immune cells’ cancer-fighting powers. In other public health news: myths and vaccines, the cancer death rate, epilepsy, patient mobility in hospitals, soda, and sperm.
Former CDC Chief Frieden’s New Initiative Will Focus On Heart Health, Epidemic Preparedness
The $225 million in funding for the initiative — called Resolve — comes from some of the biggest names in global public health: Bloomberg Philanthropies ($100 million), the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative ($75 million) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation ($50 million).
It’s Imperative For Congress To Kick Work On Opioid Crisis Into ‘High Gear,’ Rep. Walden Says
The House Energy and Commerce Committee, which Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) chairs, will hold a hearing on the epidemic next month. In other news, a study finds that more than 75 percent of opioid prescriptions are written for 10 percent of patients.
Natural Disasters, Like Hurricanes, Exacerbate Dangers For Domestic Abuse Victims
Disasters are likely to increase any person’s or family’s vulnerability to violence, and if people evacuate with their abuser, they may find themselves cut off from resources, such as friends and neighbors who have been helping them.
With $3.75B Deal, Centene Helps Solidify Its Status As A Giant In Medicaid Market
The company announces it is acquiring Fidelis Care, which will give Centene more than 1.6 million members in New York.
Americans Aging Into Medicare Helps Uninsured Rate Drop To 8.8%
The Census Bureau says there were no statistically significant year-over-year changes for any other kinds of health insurance. Media outlets break down what the numbers mean in the states as well.
With Their Budget Slashed, These ACA Navigators Are Starting To Think Outside The Box
“I’m talking about going to Friday night football games,” says Sharon Barker, a certified navigator, who thinks small local efforts are going to be needed since they won’t be able to rely on national TV ads. Meanwhile, Democrats are asking President Donald Trump to rethink the decision to cut the funding for the program.
To Fix Or To Gut? That Is The Question For Senate Republicans
Even as some senators work to bring about changes to stabilize the marketplace, others are still trying their hand at repeal and replace. Meanwhile, the deadline for both efforts ticks ever closer.
Disagreement Over State Flexibility Threatens To Send Bipartisan Health Care Efforts Off Rails
Senate HELP Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander stressed the need for compromise while top Democrat Patty Murray said none of the experts or governors who had testified in front of the panel had asked for more state flexibility. Media outlets cover other developments from Capitol Hill on the lawmakers’ health care efforts.
Lawmakers Reach Agreement To Extend Popular CHIP Funding
Nearly 9 million children receive health insurance through the program, which costs the government about $14 billion a year.
As Sanders Preps ‘Medicare For All’ Plan, Some Dems Scramble To Back It While Others Keep Distance
The measure is forcing Democrats to take a stand on the issue, which has become popular with progressive voters but may be politically risky with others.
First Edition: September 13, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Bracing For Health Data Breaches; The Economics Of Opioid Abuse And Despair
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
