Latest KFF Health News Stories
Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ ‘Medicare-For-All’? More? Some?
“Medicare-for-all” has become the rallying cry for Democrats in the new Congress. But there is a long list of other ways to increase insurance coverage. Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to chip away at the Medicaid program for the poor, and new rules could mean higher costs for individual health insurance in 2020. Alice Ollstein of Politico, Stephanie Armour of The Wall Street Journal and Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and, for “extra credit,” provide their favorite health policy stories of the week.
Jóvenes con adicciones aprenden a estar sobrios en una escuela secundaria especial
En Interagency at Queen Anne, en Seattle, jóvenes logran mantenerse sobrios, a la vez que se impulsan sus estudios académicos.
Students With Addictions Immersed In The Sober Life At ‘Recovery’ High Schools
At one Seattle public school, students earn their diplomas while attending daily support groups and meeting with counselors to help them stay off drugs and alcohol. There are about 40 similar schools around the country, both public and private, and more are on the drawing board.
Trump Zeroes In On Surprise Medical Bills In White House Chat With Patients, Experts
Patients and doctors got a chance to share their nightmarish experiences with medical bills with President Donald Trump and other top White House officials.
Listen: ‘Death Certificate Project’ Aims At Opioid Crisis, But Doctors Cry Foul
A radio report on an effort in California to hold doctors responsible when a patient overdoses on opioids. Doctors say it is unfair, but the state medical board defends the new project.
Doctors Call California’s Probe Of Opioid Deaths A ‘Witch Hunt’
In a unique crackdown on what it sees as “excessive prescribing,” the state medical board is investigating hundreds of doctors whose patients ultimately died of opioid overdoses — whether or not the doctors prescribed the fatal medications.
Alcohol-Linked Disease Overtakes Hep C As Top Reason For Liver Transplant
New research suggests that attitudes toward liver transplant candidates who have a history of alcohol abuse are softening.
¿Pueden los estados reparar el desastre que es el sistema de salud?
La legalización del matrimonio gay comenzó en algunos estados y se convirtió en una ley nacional. La marihuana parece seguir la misma ruta. ¿Podría ser el caso de la reforma sanitaria?
New House Democrats’ Focus On Abortion Rights Could Stymie Work With Senate
Members of the new Democratic majority in the House are vowing to reverse restrictions that Republicans have imposed on abortions. But the efforts could lead to titanic fights that imperil other legislation.
Analysis: Can States Fix The Disaster Of American Health Care?
The governor of California has proposed some big ideas. Who knows whether he can pull them off, but there’s reason for hope.
Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes
Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health articles from the week so you don’t have to.
County By County, Researchers Link Opioid Deaths To Drugmakers’ Marketing
A JAMA study looking at county-specific federal data finds that the more opioid-related marketing dollars spent in a county, the higher rates of doctors who prescribed those drugs, and ultimately, more overdose deaths.
Pain From The Government Shutdown Spreads. This Time It’s Food Stamps
Food stamps for February are being distributed about two weeks early because officials say the federal money to pay for them won’t be available later due to the government shutdown. State and local officials are scratching their heads about what might happen in March if the impasse continues.
Furloughed Feds’ Health Coverage Intact, But Shutdown Still Complicates Things
Some federal employees face insurance paperwork glitches that affect their health coverage and add pressure to the stress of going without pay.
Secretive ‘Rebate Trap’ Keeps Generic Drugs For Diabetes And Other Ills Out Of Reach
Patients are often forced into using brand names because drug formularies favor them over cheaper competitors.
Por qué los adultos mayores necesitan consumir más proteína
La cantidad de proteínas, y las formas de consumirla, son distintas en las personas mayores. Su carencia impacta fuerte en su masa muscular.
As drugmakers hike prices, interest to rein them in grows on Capitol Hill. Next week marks the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court’s abortion decision, and both the House, whose leaders back abortion rights, and the Senate, controlled by abortion foes, are holding statement votes. And the government shutdown is still affecting health programs. Joanne Kenen of Politico, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times and Alice Ollstein of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues.
Why Older Adults Should Eat More Protein (And Not Overdo Protein Shakes)
Whether because of illness or inactivity, many seniors need to up their protein game to maintain strength and mobility.
The Electronics Industry Sees Money In Your Health
Although many device makers at the annual Consumer Electronics Show targeted real health issues, some are looking to solve problems that people didn’t realize needed solving.
Call The Midwife! (If The Doctor Doesn’t Object)
Hospitals and medical practices are battling outdated stereotypes and sometimes their own doctors to hire certified nurse midwives. Research shows that women cared for by certified nurse midwives have fewer cesarean sections, which can produce significant cost savings for hospitals.