Latest KFF Health News Stories
Outlets report on news from Georgia, Texas, Colorado, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Ohio.
Researchers Investigate How Different Zika Strains Impact Fetal Development
The Asian strain of the virus, which has been linked to microcephaly, attacks fetal cells differently than the African strain. In other Zika news, Florida health officials report case of locally acquired case as well as four additional travel-related infections.
Opioid Use Complicates Doctors’ Decisions About Who Should Get Heart Surgery
In other news on the nation’s drug crisis, two studies give cautious hope that opioid use among teens and poisonings of young children may be declining. And a Maryland sheriff’s office publicly counts the county’s fatal overdoses. The number just hit 100.
Congress May Delete Requirement That Businesses Track Worker Injuries
Also in public health news, the traditionally high U.S. infant death rate is making a promising decline and a new study highlights a connection between global warming and diabetes rates. Media outlets also report on a range of other developments, including ketamine being used to treat severely depressed patients and insurers weighing a simple treatment for artery disease.
Increased Vigilance Under Hospital Inspectors’ Watchful Eyes Results In Fewer Deaths
The change in behavior of hospital staff when inspectors are present could mean 3,600 fewer deaths a year at facilities.
GOP’s Plan For Medicaid ‘Threatens The Ability’ Of People With Disabilities To Live At Home
Home health care services for more than 17 million Americans could be affected by changes in Medicaid, McClatchy reports. Also in the news, a look at some of the changes that are under the radar such as new requirements for enrollees to renew coverage every six months, instead of once a year. State and regional outlets also continue to look at the debate on Medicaid. And House Speaker Paul Ryan says these changes could be the culmination of a long-held hope.
Republican Replacement Plan Would Result In 1.8M Fewer Jobs, Analysis Projects
The left-leaning Center for American Progress report is the first to look at the job market impact of the American Health Care Act. Meanwhile, vulnerable rural hospitals are increasingly worried about their fate under the Republicans’ plan.
Trump Wants To Get Health Care Out Of The Way So He Can Move Onto Other Issues
The president, at a rally in Kentucky Monday night, spoke about what he wants to do once lawmakers keep their campaign promises to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.
‘Ultimate Salesman’ Trump To Make Full Court Press On Reluctant Lawmakers
The success of the American Health Care Act could hinge in part on President Donald Trump’s deal-making prowess.
Even If It Passes The House, Health Plan’s Chances In Senate Grow Dimmer
Factions of Republicans in the Senate are vehemently against the bill for opposing reasons, which will present a challenge for leaders trying to get a majority vote.
Freedom Caucus Leader: Members Should ‘Vote For Their Constituents’
Although Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) says there are enough lawmakers that oppose the American Health Care Act to tank the legislation, he is not holding his caucus to a “no” vote, which frees up leaders to sway individual members.
Republicans Tweak Medicaid, Taxes, Abortion Provisions To Bring Wary Lawmakers On Board
The revisions were made to appease both the conservative wing of their party and moderates who had voiced concerns for their older constituents who would have been particularly hard hit by the first version of the American Health Care Act.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: For Opioids, The Drug War Misses The Target; In Defense Of Meals On Wheels
A selection of opinions on health care from around the nation.
Perspectives: Where Purists And Politicians Intersect In The Health Care Debate
Editorial pages nationwide take on the politics of the Republican efforts to dismantle Obamacare.
Reviews Of The GOP Health Plan Are In — And Mixed
Opinion and editorial writers offer their takes on the Republican’s American Health Care Act.
State Highlights: Va.’s Immunization Rates Plateau; Ga. Senate OKs Family Sick Leave Bill
Outlets report on news from Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Connecticut.
‘It’s A Real Crisis’: Ohio’s Low Nursing Home Ratings Raise Care Concerns
The Cleveland Plan Dealer reports on its review of inspection reports, finding dozens of nursing home deaths involving patient care questions.
As Medical Marijuana Industry Booms, The Question Becomes Where To Put The Shops
Some end up tucked away on the edges of town, while others are out in the open.
Number Of Patients Experiencing Drug Side Effects Skyrockets
Experts say the surge in reports could indicate a growing number of harmed patients or more vigilant reporting of adverse events. In other public health news: childbirth, chronic diseases, telehealth and a rare version of strep throat.
