Latest California Healthline Stories
National Roundup: Justice Department, Aetna Spar At Trial; Planned Parenthood Scrambles
During the antitrust trial regarding the proposed merger between Aetna and Humana, this issue — and Aetna’s role in the Medicare Advantage market — emerge as key elements in the legal arguments.
Crowdfunded Research May Be Wave Of Future As Government, Foundation Funding Dries Up
In related news, some members of Congress are concerned that the incoming Trump administration will not support greater funding for the National Institutes of Health.
Different Types Of Obesity Mean Same Weight Loss Approaches Don’t Work For All
There are many forms of cancer. That is also true for obesity, researchers say. And that may explain why it can be so hard for some to lose weight, since a plan that works for one person may not for another. In other dietary news, daily water intake guidelines are debated.
Want Fewer Adults With Expensive Problems? Catch At-Risk Kids By Age 3, Study Finds
“About 20 percent of the population use the lion’s share of public services,” says Duke University professor Terrie Moffitt, a senior researcher on a new study that links those high expenses to the health of the subjects’ brains all the way back when they were tested at age 3.
Hospitals’ Safety Measure Improvements Prevent 125,000 Deaths, Save $28M
A Department of Health and Human Services report finds that those patient safety efforts also prevented 3.1 million hospital-acquired conditions from 2010 to 2015. In other news, Sutter Medical opens a new urgent care clinic in Folsom.
Ebola Aid From Sacramento Region Helps Health Efforts In Liberia
A Roseville resident who helped organize local efforts to send equipment to Liberia to fight the 2014 Ebola crisis is now working to build up that nation’s depleted health care workforce by giving those who survived the outbreak a chance at a medical education.
San Diego Proposes Allowing Medical Marijuana Dispensaries To Sell Recreational Pot
In other news on drug-related debates, how kratom should be classified by the DEA comes under scrutiny.
Child Vaccine Law Challenged In Court On Constitutional Grounds
In other news on youth health, a new survey finds that teens’ use of e-cigarettes declines for the first time. And hospitals cope with a surge in babies born with drug dependencies.
Before the health law, insurers could deny coverage or charge higher rates based on an individual-plan applicant’s health history. If that were true again today, 52 million Americans have a medical condition that could jeopardize their insurance, according to a new analysis.
McConnell: Health Law Repeal To Happen Fast, Replacement Specifics Less Clear
Even as the Senate majority leader confirms Republicans’ plan to repeal elements of President Barack Obama’s signature health law early next year, some GOP lawmakers are beginning to focus on the need to take steps to stabilize the individual insurance market.