Teaching Medical Teamwork Right From The Start
By Julie Rovner
August 29, 2016
KFF Health News Original
In a joint project, the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University are banking on a new building to kick start efforts to bring health professionals together by introducing collaboration into medical training.
When Pretend Play Is Real For Alzheimer’s Patients
By Anna Gorman
Photos by Heidi de Marco
October 4, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Playing with dolls is good therapy for some elderly people with dementia. They may think the dolls are real babies, but does it matter?
Reporter’s Notebook: Pregnant And Caught In Zika Test Limbo
By Sammy Mack, WLRN
September 22, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Pregnant women in South Florida can get free Zika tests through the state’s health department. But delays in getting back the results are heightening worries and may affect medical options.
West Virginia Grapples With High Drug Costs
By Kara Lofton, West Virginia Public Broadcasting
October 20, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Climbing drug prices are taking a toll on West Virginia’s budget, some state legislators say. Expensive drugs fuel an increase in Medicaid spending, which leaves less money for schools and roads.
Trump’s Abortion ‘Gag Rule’ Will Block $8.8B In Aid To Fight Malaria, AIDS And Other Diseases
May 16, 2017
Morning Briefing
With the rule in place, any foreign nongovernmental group that wants American money for any of its health activities must promise not to “promote abortion as a method of family planning.”
Uncertain Fate Of Health Law Giving Health Industry Heartburn
By Julie Rovner and Chad Terhune
November 21, 2016
KFF Health News Original
The effect of “repeal and replace” could have greatest consequences for hospitals. They accepted lower federal funding under the law because their uncompensated care was expected to fall as more people became insured.
Cardinal Health Lays Out $6.1B To Acquire Medtronic Supplies Business
April 19, 2017
Morning Briefing
The health services company plans to acquire Medtronic’s patient care, deep vein thrombosis and nutritional insufficiency medical-supply units.
Additional $8B For High-Risk Pools Swayed Lawmakers But Experts Say It Isn’t Enough
May 4, 2017
Morning Briefing
Protections for those with preexisting conditions have been a major talking point during this week’s negotiations to try to move the Republican health care plan through the House. Media outlets look at what they are, if the additional money will be cover those who need care, and the history of high-risk pools.
Obamacare ‘Replacement’ Might Look Familiar
By Jay Hancock and Shefali Luthra
November 9, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Republicans want to jettison the health law, but some features are already hardwired into the system.
State Highlights: Pa. Hospital ‘Super Users’ Run Up $1.25B Tab; Mass. Dentists Charge Delta Dental Violated Nonprofit Rules
June 21, 2017
Morning Briefing
Media outlets report on news from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Kansas, Georgia, California, Tennessee and New York.
In Boston’s ‘Safe Space,’ Surprising Insights Into Drug Highs
By Martha Bebinger, WBUR
August 26, 2016
KFF Health News Original
As doctors and nurses learn more about what the body goes through during drug use, they are changing the treatment they provide for patients on heroin and other drugs.
Democrats To GOP: Give Us Subsidies And We’ll Give You $15B For Military Spending
April 26, 2017
Morning Briefing
Those with information on the spending negotiations say Democrats are eyeing military spending as a potential compromise to get money for the “insurer bailouts” that Republicans have been targeting for years. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times and KHN offer looks at just what exactly those subsidies are.
This Researcher Thought A Blood Test Came Back With An Error. Instead It Helped Him Unlock A Treatment
April 12, 2017
Morning Briefing
One patient with abnormally high levels of a blood-clotting protein may help those who have been diagnosed with hemophilia B. In other public health news: prostate cancer screenings, running, gun control, alcohol abuse, asbestos, and back pain.
For Seniors, Teeth Need Care — But Insurance Coverage Is Rare
By Michelle Andrews
October 25, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Traditional Medicare does not cover most dental needs and the private Medicare Advantage plans often have limited coverage, leaving most seniors struggling to pay for dental care out of pocket.
Rehab For Addiction Usually Lasts 28 Days. But Why?
By Ben Allen, WITF
October 7, 2016
KFF Health News Original
A month’s stay in a rehab facility became the standard of care for alcoholism. But there’s little research to support that length of stay for people addicted to opioids.
As Marijuana Legalization Initiative Heads For Calif. Ballot, Health Groups Weigh In
By Ana B. Ibarra
June 30, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Health experts remain divided on legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
Why Tobacco Companies Are Spending Millions To Boost A Cigarette Tax
By Alex Smith, KCUR
November 3, 2016
KFF Health News Original
R.J. Reynolds has put $12 million into an effort to raise tobacco taxes in Missouri. But the proposed 60-cents per pack tax, still among the lowest in the nation, is not likely to make many smokers quit.
CBO Score Of Revised GOP Health Bill: Over Next Decade, 23M Would Be Left Uninsured, Deficit Reduced By $119B
May 24, 2017
Morning Briefing
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office issues its latest report on the American Health Care Act.
California Insurance Commissioner Weighs In Against Aetna-Humana Deal
By Ana B. Ibarra
June 23, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Commissioner says $37 billion deal would stifle market competition, raise health insurance rates and reduce access to care.
Back To The Future: Insurance Pools For High-Risk Patients Could Be Revived
By Pauline Bartolone
November 23, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Trump and leading Republicans like the idea. Some policymakers and experts say it wasn’t viable in the first place.