Latest KFF Health News Stories
Scientists Want To Use Smell That Attracts Mosquitoes To Malaria Patients As A Trap
Malaria parasite pump out a smell that scientists could use to lure mosquitoes and then wipe them out. In other public health news: lead toxicity, the health effects of the A-bomb, lung screenings, baby boxes and mammograms.
New Cancer Drugs Come Under Fire For Prices And Failing To Show Effectiveness
Researchers and patients are critical of drugs being brought onto the market that are expensive but offer little advantage in the fight against cancer. Meanwhile, Politico Pro looks at a new instance of an old drug getting approval for treating a rare disease, and pharmacy managers are looking for a way to explain their business.
Zenefits Lays Off Nearly Half Of Its Remaining Workers
The troubled company has cut 70 percent of its staff since its height in September 2015.
Facing Long Odds, Anthem Plans To Appeal Cigna Merger Decision
Meanwhile, the $1.85 billion breakup fee is likely to cause further tension between the two companies.
It Seemed Like An Easy Fix To Stop Doctors From Pushing Pills. Years Later It Still Hasn’t Begun.
As a result of the many delays, the government is still covering prescriptions written by doctors who have been kicked out of Medicare and even some who have pleaded guilty to crimes.
As House Republicans Step Up Efforts To Revamp Medicaid, GOP Senators Meet About Concerns
House committees weigh measures that would restructure Medicaid eligibility and would transform the program into a block grant system that would give states more control and perhaps less funding. But some Republican senators from states that have expanded Medicaid under the health law held a meeting this week to discuss their views about possible changes. News reports also look at Medicaid developments in Kansas and Missouri.
As Protesters Storm Town Halls, Some GOP Lawmakers Hunker Down, But One Stands His Ground
Hundreds are turning out to town hall meetings — taking a page from Republicans’ playbook when the Affordable Care Act was passed — to get answers on the future of the health law.
Look No Further Than Idaho To See How Difficult It Is To Come Up With An ACA Alternative
The state chose not to expand Medicaid and has been struggling for years to come up with a system that makes sure people have access to affordable health care. Meanwhile, a new study examines why the Affordable Care Act succeeded in some states and not others.
Democrats Using Report Of Devastating Job Losses From ‘Repeal’ To Put Heat On GOP
The report, which did not take into account any replacement efforts, found California would have the highest number of job losses at 334,000, followed by Florida at 181,000, Texas at 175,000, then Pennsylvania with 137,000. In other news, some doctors organizations are staying quiet on repeal plans for now, and insurers are struggling with the uncertainty surrounding their industry at the moment.
Political Turmoil Aside, 12.2 Million Enrolled In Coverage Under Health Law This Year
Initial enrollment is about 4 percent lower than last year, but it still illustrates the risk Republicans face as they begin moving to dismantle the law. Media outlets report on news out of Minnesota and California as well.
Price Confirmed As HHS Secretary Along Party Lines After Democrats Run The Clock Out
Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., drew scrutiny from Democrats about both his health care views and his stock trading.
First Edition: February 10, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On The GOP’s Repeal-Replace-Repair Effort And The Current State Of Play
Opinion writers offer their takes on what Republican lawmakers might do with Obamacare and the challenges it will involve.
Longer Looks: The IUD Rush; The World’s Best Health Care System; Immigrant Doctors
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Outlets report on news from Connecticut, Wisconsin, Arizona, Ohio, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, Texas and California.
Arkansas Ban On Abortion Procedure Raises Questions About Whether A Husband Can Sue A Doctor
Lawmakers in Kansas are also considering a requirement that women seeking an abortion receive details about the provider’s medical credentials, malpractice insurance and past disciplinary action. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood endorses a California assemblyman.
Taking Full Load Of Antibiotics May Actually Exacerbate Resistance, Not Protect Against It
Though doctors have always told patients to keep taking their antibiotics even when they feel better, those recommendations may be completely wrong. Meanwhile, NPR takes a look at how we got to the golden age of germs. In other public health news: health crises, licorice during pregnancy, concussions, the flu, bullying and more.
Democrats Seek Answers Over Spike In Pricing For Overdose Antidote
“Such a steep rise in the cost of this drug threatens to price-out families and communities that depend on naloxone to save lives,” the senators wrote to the drugmaker.
Federal Appeals Court Grants Reprieve To Sanofi And Regeneron In Cholesterol-Drug Battle
In other pharmaceutical industry news, Gilead Sciences’ revenue problem, a status check of Food and Drug Administration user fees and Vice President Mike Pence’s position on right-to-try laws.
