Latest KFF Health News Stories
Longer Looks: Fixing Obamacare; Kansas’ Medicaid Vote; And John Oliver On Marijuana
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Outlets report on news from Connecticut, Ohio, Texas, Maryland, California and Florida.
The Answer To Organ Shortages? This Scientist Thinks It’s Designer Pigs
Luhan Yang remains undaunted in the face of the unprecedented challenges of designing pigs that can host organs for humans use.
Hospice Workers Face History Of Neglect In Trying To Overcome African-American Distrust
Stat looks at efforts to tackle the issue of minority access to hospice care as a matter of social justice. In related news stories, former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius urges doctors to allow patients to drive end-of-life care decisions while researchers study how diet might help ward off Alzheimer’s.
Mass. Medical Society Mulls Supporting Supervised Injection Sites For Drug Users
The facilities have a doctor or nurse on duty to monitor those who are using drugs so that it creates an environment where they have a better chance at surviving the experience. Outlets report on news on the crisis out of New Hampshire and Michigan as well.
23 Percent Of Adults Carry HPV Virus, CDC Reports
In other public health news: aspirin, premature babies, pesticides, ER trips, adult ADHD and more.
Aspects Of Modern Life Make World More Vulnerable To Devastating Global Pandemic
Experts agree that whatever the next one is, it will be a surprise. CNN offers stories about diseases and how they spread as part of a look at this unseen enemy.
Louisiana Republicans Decry Increases In Medicaid Spending After Expansion
As state officials announce that Louisiana’s spending on Medicaid will likely make up about half the budget in 2018, state Rep. John Schroder says, “This is growing uncontrollably.” And other Medicaid developments from Iowa, Wisconsin and Kentucky make news.
Democrats To Trump: There’s Something You Can Do Now About Those High Drug Prices
Lawmakers urge the president to use his authority to issue guidelines on overriding patents. Meanwhile, a major medical society comes out against right-to-try laws for the first time.
Contract Research Gets Boost From House Bill
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) would give companies that conduct this kind of research a sizable tax credit.
Defunding for Planned Parenthood was tied into the Republicans’ health care bill, and now that talks around it are collapsing, abortion opponents are left scrambling. Meanwhile, Politico looks at Ivanka Trump’s quiet attempts to reach out to the organization.
Gottlieb: FDA Doesn’t Have To Choose Between Speed And Safety
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, President Donald Trump’s pick to head the Food and Drug Administration, answered questions about drug safety, the opioid epidemic, his potential conflicts of interests and more at his Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee confirmation hearing.
Virginia Lawmakers Again Slap Down Governor’s Attempt To Expand Medicaid
The Republican-controlled House of Delegates overturns the effort by Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
At The White House, An Emerging Split Over Obamacare Payments
A decision must be made in the weeks ahead about whether to continue paying out key cost-reduction subsidies for people who buy insurance on the exchanges or to cut them off. The latter would deal a possibly mortal blow the to the health law’s individual insurance market. Meanwhile, brokers are increasingly fed up by unpaid commissions, and consumers who gained coverage via the health law are now wondering about what the future holds.
Intraparty Blame Game Heats Up As ‘Zombie Trumpcare’ Falters Again Right Before Recess
Though talks continue, lawmakers are likely headed back to their districts for a two-week recess after failing to revive a health care plan.
House To Make Last-Minute Tweaks To Health Plan As White House Pushes For Progress
Language to create a risk-sharing fund will be added to the Republicans’ health bill at a Rules Committee on Thursday, news outlets report. However, the non-controversial measure is unlikely to move any lawmakers’ stances on the issue.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Declaring War On Alzheimer’s; Market Realities Of The Opioid Epidemic
A collection of public health opinions on health care from around the country.
Different Takes On The Latest GOP Health Law Repeal Talks; Improving Coverage
Opinion writers take a hard look at the GOP’s latest crack at health care, the policies in play and what might be left on the cutting-room floor.
Perspectives: FDA Nominee’s Industry Ties And Contempt For Caution A Danger To Patients
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
