Latest KFF Health News Stories
Price Received Special Invite To Invest In Biomedical Company
Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., testified before Congress that stock was offered to all investors at time, but President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services was one of fewer than 20 U.S. investors who were invited last year to buy discounted shares of the company. The Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote on Price’s nomination on Tuesday.
Immigration Ban Shakes Medical Industry That Relies Heavily On Foreign Professionals
In 2014, more than 15,000 foreign health care workers, nearly half of them physicians and surgeons, received H-1B visas, which are designed to bring skilled labor into the U.S. Meanwhile, hospitals are scrambling to identify patients who were scheduled to come into the country to receive medical care and will be affected by the ban.
As One Of Most Regulated Industries, Health Care Cheers Trump’s One-In, Two-Out Order
The president has mandated that for every regulation an agency adopts it must get rid of two. Although the industry is praising the move, its consequences on Americans’ health could be far reaching.
First Edition: January 31, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On Trump’s Plans For Medicare And Drug Pricing
Opinion writers analyze the proposals now in the mix regarding changes to these federal programs.
Cautions, Concepts On How To Replace Obamacare Without Doing Harm
Opinion pages nationwide offer thoughts on the possible pitfalls as well as how some of the ideas taking shape offer promise.
Outlets report on news from Delaware, Arizona, New Jersey, California, Texas, Massachusetts, Colorado, New Hampshire, Missouri, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Virginia and Washington.
Many Cancer Patients With Reconstructed Breasts Not Warned That They’ll Lose Sensation
News outlets cover other stories related to cancer, including the mental and financial impact of the disease as well as women’s efforts to preserve fertility.
Schools Updating Anti-Drug Messaging In Light Of Opioid Crisis
The messaging will begin as early as kindergarten. In other news on the epidemic, Seattle approves sites for people to safely use illegal drugs, the crisis hits close to home for one state prosecutor and a company that makes a device to inject anti-overdose medication gets heat over its pricing.
Investigation: Pharmacists Too Often Act As ‘Glorified Vending Machines,’ Threatening Patient Safety
The Chicago Tribune investigated whether pharmacists provided proper safety instructions to patients when combining medications and found many failed to help consumers. In other public health news: hospital policies for staff workers and flu shots; liver transplants for heavy drinkers; Alzheimer’s; innovative drug-delivery devices; and more.
Patients’ Perception Of Care Takes On New Importance — But Measuring That Is Tricky
Doctors, hospitals and the federal government are all asking patients about their care as the health system is being transformed. But many experts question the science and technical infrastructure for capturing good data. Also in the news, a report from Connecticut looks at efforts to curb the number of people who are readmitted to a hospital after a nursing home stay.
After Aetna’s Courtroom Defeat On Antitrust Issues, Era Of Mega-Mergers May Be Reaching Its End
In other health news from the insurance marketplace, Anthem’s earnings report could rise by as much as 30 percent.
GOP’s Medicaid Plans Could Bring Fundamental Changes In Who Is Eligible And What’s Covered
Prescription drugmakers are raising concerns that revamping the Medicaid program will leave some patients unable to get expensive treatments. Meanwhile, patient advocates point out that under the current system Medicaid can expand during economic downturns to help people without work. News outlets also report on a new study about Medicaid coverage of gunshot injuries and developments in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Kansas and Connecticut.
Government Continues Pattern Of Denying Care For Veterans Who Cleaned Up Nuclear Sites
From 1977 to 1980, U.S. troops were sent to Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific Ocean to clean up the remnants of nuclear testing. Now, many of those veterans are sick, but the military says there’s no connection between the illnesses and the cleanup. Meanwhile, the administration is moving to exempt VA positions from the hiring freeze.
‘Life Is Winning Again In America’: Re-Energized Anti-Abortion Movement Marches On D.C.
Vice President Mike Pence and Kellyanne Conway both addressed the thousands that gathered for the annual march.
Running Government Like A Business: Trump’s First Week Reveals New Kind Of President
The president passed a flurry of executive orders — including one on health care — without consulting the agencies they affected or Congress.
Immigration Ban Fiercely Denounced By Research Community
The executive order that bars people from seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States provoked swift reaction from those in academia and research. They say the ban threatens to seriously damage U.S. status as a world leader in scientific research.
Finance Committee Expected To Back Price Along Party Lines In Tuesday Vote
And The New York Times offers a look at the controversy surrounding the Trump administration nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Service in advance of the panel’s vote this week.
With One Day Left Before ACA Deadline, Experts Tout Benefits Of Signing Up
Despite uncertainty surrounding the future of the law, it’s still important to get health care coverage for this year, experts say.
