Latest KFF Health News Stories
Different Takes On Inside-The-Beltway Health Policy Developments
Opinion writers offer a variety of views on how the plans being advanced by the Trump administration and GOP Congress will shape a range of health concerns — from the effort to repeal, replace or repair the health law to federal health programs and Planned Parenthood’s future.
Outlets report on news from Indiana, Michigan, Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Florida, Texas and California.
Women’s Heart Attacks Don’t Look Like Men’s
Women’s symptoms during a cardiac event are quite different and less dramatic than men’s, so they can be harder to detect by doctors and tests. The Washington Post offers a series on heart health.
In Midst Of Raging Opioid Epidemic, Some Turn To Marijuana As Alternative Pain Reliever
A 2016 study found that states with medical marijuana laws had 25 percent fewer opioid overdose deaths than states that do not have medical marijuana laws. Some remain cautious about swapping one drug for another. Media outlets also report more on the crisis out of Maryland, Montana, Ohio, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Virginia.
Decrease In Teen Suicide Attempts Linked To Same-Sex Marriage Laws
Laws that have the greatest impact on gay adults may make gay kids feel “more hopeful for the future,” the study’s lead author said. In other public health news, a nutrition pilot program, homeopathic remedies, the anti-vaccination movement and genomic medicine.
War Of Words: Accusations Of Sabotage, Harassment Fly As Anthem-Cigna Feud Bubbles Over
The rift that began as the two companies sought federal approval for a mega-merger has grown only deeper since the deal was blocked.
Despite Costly Failures, Pharma Not Giving Up On Research For Alzheimer’s Medication
Meanwhile, Stat reports on the future landscape for new diabetes treatments and KHN looks at the lethal drugs used in the aid-in-dying cases.
Kansas Committee Narrowly Tables Bill To Expand Medicaid, Likely Dooming The Effort
After three days of testimony, the House committee was prepared to vote when one member called for putting the bill aside until the legislature finds out how the state Supreme Court rules in a school case that could be expensive for the state.
The Uncertainty Of Future Medicaid Policies Rattles Many Who Want Coverage
Two articles about very different circumstances — a young child adopted out of foster care and a woman who was disabled after a work accident — illustrate the interest in the debate in Washington about the federal-state program that provides coverage for low-income residents.
Federal Officials Increase Scrutiny As Drug Thefts Plague VA Hospitals
Reported incidents of drug losses or theft at federal hospitals jumped from 272 in 2009 to 2,926 in 2015, before dipping to 2,457 last year, according to DEA data.
As Health Law Debate Shifts From Theoretical To Tangible, Opponents No Longer Have Loudest Voices
Now that the spotlight is off of the president who created the law, the focus is on the care it provides. The shouts for repeal have quieted as those clamoring for answers about their coverage flood the space. Meanwhile, despite his vocal criticism of the Affordable Care Act, Mike Pence, while governor of Indiana, turned to it when his state was in a crisis.
Trump Promises Health Plan Will Be Coming ‘In A Couple Of Weeks’
“Just so you understand, our plan will be much better health care at a much lower cost,” President Donald Trump said. “OK? Nothing to complain about.” Meanwhile, Tuesday is the deadline for the Trump administration to decide the actions it will take on controversial insurer bailouts.
Lawmakers, Headed Home For Recess, Braced To Face ‘Dam-Bursting Levels’ Of Activism
Constituents are gearing up to flood town halls with questions about Republicans’ plans on health care.
Don’t Expect Any ‘Bipartisan Kumbaya Moments’ When It Comes To Repeal, McConnell Says
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he does not expect any cooperation from Democrats as Congress works toward dismantling and replacing the health law. Meanwhile, The Associated Press breaks down what’s in the Republicans’ plans, and the intra-party divide on the right continues to grow.
First Edition: February 21, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Medicaid Block Grants; Job Loss And The ACA; Growing HIV Coverage
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Outlets report on news from Georgia, Connecticut, Minnesota, Kansas, Texas, Massachusetts, Florida, Washington, Arizona, Wisconsin, Ohio and Louisiana.
U.S. Urged China To Crack Down On Synthetic Opioids Killing Hundreds Here
China is believed to be a major source for bootleg opioids, including the potent carfentanil, that are brought into the U.S. and contribute to the painkiller epidemic. In related news on the crisis, Georgia lawmakers consider regulations for opioid treatment centers.
Fla. Law Barring Docs From Discussing Guns With Patients Violates Free Speech, Court Rules
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 10-1 ruling, said, “Florida does not have carte blanche to restrict the speech of doctors and medical professionals on a certain subject.”
