Latest KFF Health News Stories
Media outlets report on news from Texas, Connecticut, Michigan, California, Arizona, Oregon, Massachusetts, Georgia, Illinois, New Hampshire and Ohio.
‘Tobacco Nation’: Deep South, Midwest States Lag Behind Rest Of U.S. In Cutting Smoking Rates
“It looks more like a part of the developing world than it looks like the United States of America,” Robin Koval, president of the Truth Initiative which released the report, says of the 12 states. In other public health news: blood pressure, a mysterious illness, domestic violence and rare genetic diseases.
In Effort To Slow Opioid Epidemic, Cigna Drops Coverage For OxyContin
Instead, the insurer will cover Xtampza ER, which it calls an “oxycodone equivalent with abuse deterrent properties.” In other news on the nation’s drug crisis: federal officials look to Buffalo’s opioid crisis intervention court as a potential model; a Texas county is the latest to sue drug companies for their alleged role in the epidemic; researchers turn to virtual reality for pain solutions; and more.
Being Taken To Level 1 Trauma Center Can Boost Survival Rate By Up To 30 Percent
Las Vegas only has one of these “gold standard” centers, but it’s not the only big city to have so few. Experts say that in situations such as Sunday’s mass shooting what matters most is not the number of high-level centers, but the degree of coordination across a region’s medical network.
Behind The Scenes: How The Tom Price Story Unfolded
Politico reporters describe what went into tracking former HHS Secretary Tom Price’s use of chartered jets. In other news, House Democrats want details on White House adviser Kellyanne Conway’s trips.
Early Approval Of Generic MS Drug Signals Big Changes For Teva And Other Drugmakers
Teva had lobbied the Food and Drug Administration to reject Mylan’s generic version of its Copaxone multiple sclerosis medication. In other drug industry news: an experimental drug is found to work on a mutant gene; advocates await Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown’s decision on a drug pricing bill; and Cleveland Clinic’s CEO wants supporters of a drug pricing ballot measure in Ohio to stop using his image.
Hurricane Reveals Just How Much America Relies On Puerto Rico For Its Pharmaceutical Supply
Officials have a real fear that there will be shortages of drugs for maladies such as childhood leukemia and HIV. The island has become one of the world’s biggest centers for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Meanwhile, the threat of illness lingers with the floodwaters even as medical supplies are dwindling.
Many Americans Don’t Know If ACA Is Law Of Land Or Not, Adding Challenges To Enrollment Season
There’s a lot of confusion about where the Affordable Care Act stands after Republicans tried all year to repeal it and President Donald Trump talks about its imminent death. So getting people to sign up for coverage, or even know they can, is going to be a struggle this year.
Future Of Abortion Bill In Senate May Be Next Flash Point For Filibuster Debate
With a 60-vote threshold, the House-passed proposed ban on abortions after 20 weeks is not expected to pass in the Senate — a political situation that is expected to garner President Donald Trump’s ire. In other news on abortion, Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Penn.) will not seek re-election after revelations that he urged his mistress to seek an abortion despite his political opposition to the procedure.
House Budget Plan Calls For Deep Cuts To Medicaid, Overhaul Of Medicare
But Republicans are not actually planning to impose any of those cuts which are limited to nonbinding promises. Meanwhile, angry Republican donors are sitting on their wallets until lawmakers actually accomplish something.
N.H. Panel Likely To Suggest Keeping Medicaid Expansion But Is Looking For Cost Cutting Steps
The 15-member Commission to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Future of the Premium Assistance Program has until Dec. 1 to submit its report to the Legislature. Meanwhile, Kansas is waiting on federal officials to approve a waiver request so that the state can design a new program for implementation in 2019.
CHIP Funding Measure Passes Through Committees, But It’s Not Smooth Sailing Ahead For Bill
The provisions Republicans want to add to reauthorize funds for the Children’s Health Insurance Program rankle Democrats, which might mean a bitter fight over of the popular program. Meanwhile, states are bracing for the worst.
First Edition: October 5, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: A Doctor’s Views On Guns; Ohio Lawmakers Must Not Curb Cities Lead Abatement Powers
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Opinion writers offer a range of policy thoughts, including their takes on how Tom Price’s Obamacare sabotage will continue after his departure; a recommendation the Republicans approach health reform from the angle of controlling costs, and other thoughts.
Perspectives: Cutting Back On Drug Coupons May Save Big Bucks Without Harm To Patients
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Tax Reform Plan A Dream Come True For Pharmaceutical Industry
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Breast Cancer Survival Rates Are On The Rise
According to the American Cancer Society, death rates associated with this cancer decreased nearly 40 percent between 1989 and 2015, due in part to technological and treatment advances.
Addiction Rehab Centers For Defendants Often Nothing More Than Lucrative Work Camps
An investigation by Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting found that these facilities, which are meant to be an alternative to jail for those addicted to substances, can be nothing more than “slave camps.” In other public health news: genetic testing, the immune system, Pompe disease, pets and cancer, vaccinations, dementia and more.
At Vegas Hospitals It Was All Hands On Deck To Triage Hundreds Of Patients Flooding Into Facilities
“You’re standing in a pool of blood trying to care for your patient, slipping and sliding,” said trauma nurse Renae Huening. Meanwhile, officials are seeking certified trauma counselors to help serve the mental health needs of those who were affected by the shooting.
