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Latest KFF Health News Stories

Scope Maker Olympus Hit With $6.6 Million Verdict In Superbug Outbreak Case

KFF Health News Original

In the first case of its kind in the U.S., the company was ordered to pay damages to the hospital where a patient died of an infection linked to a contaminated scope. But jurors also found the hospital negligent, and it was ordered to pay the patients’ family $1 million.

Jump-Starting Hard Conversations As The End Nears

KFF Health News Original

An end-of life-planning website can encourage patients to tackle that difficult topic before they become too ill to communicate, according to a new study. But they may be more likely to make concrete plans with help from a doctor or social worker.

Over-The-Counter Devices Hold Their Own Against Costly Hearing Aids

KFF Health News Original

In a head-to-head comparison, several of the cheaper devices performed nearly as well as the expensive hearing aids. The study lends credence to lawmakers’ efforts to get the FDA to set standards for over-the-counter versions.

In Appalachia, Two Hospital Giants Seek State-Sanctioned Monopoly

KFF Health News Original

Tennessee and Virginia regulators are considering approval of a merger between Mountain States Health Alliance and Wellmont Health System under their state laws. If they allow it, the Federal Trade Commission would be powerless to stop it.

California Valley Fever Cases Highest On Record

KFF Health News Original

Nearly 5,400 cases of the soil-borne fungal disease were reported in 2016, the largest number since the state began tracking the illness in 1995, according to public health officials.

Opioid Treatment Funds In Senate Bill Would Fall Far Short Of Needs

KFF Health News Original

The $45 billion for opioid treatment in the Senate bill sounds like a lot of money, but an advocate estimates it would provide $1,000 to $2,000 per year for each person in Pennsylvania who might need treatment. Meanwhile, one year of methadone treatment for opioid addiction costs about $4,700 per year,

Podcast: What The Health? Senate Health Bill, Mostly Dead?

KFF Health News Original

Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Stephanie Armour of The Wall Street Journal, Sarah Kliff of Vox.com, and Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times discuss the ever-changing status of the Senate’s effort to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, and the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the working of the law.