Latest California Healthline Stories
Top Policy Expert’s Ties To Giant Drugmaker Often Go Unstated
Dr. Mark McClellan joined Johnson & Johnson’s board of directors after leaving the FDA, but the connection often isn’t mentioned in research papers or public events.
Under Pressure, California Lawmakers Ban Soda Taxes For 12 Years
In a major coup for the beverage industry, California lawmakers agreed to ban cities and counties from adopting soda taxes for the next 12 years. In exchange, the beverage industry agreed to pull an initiative off the November ballot that, if passed, would have made it much harder for local governments to raise taxes.
Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ Justice Kennedy Retires. Now What?
In this episode of KHN’s “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Rebecca Adams of CQ Roll Call, Alice Ollstein of Talking Points Memo and Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times discuss the possible impact of the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy on health issues. Also, in honor of our first anniversary, the panelists offer up their thoughts on the biggest health policy stories of the past year.
Geriatric Assessments Could Fine-Tune Cancer Care For Older Adults
The American Society of Clinical Oncology issued a new guideline that recommends adults 65 and older receive a geriatric assessment when considering or undergoing chemotherapy.
Squeezing Water From Air: Mysterious Machine Is A Lifeline On Battered Island
Moses West, a retired Army officer, is hoping to showcase his atmospheric water generator in Vieques, Puerto Rico, and stir up business.
Defendants In Diapers? Immigrant Toddlers Ordered To Appear In Court Alone
Children who have been separated from their parents at the border, some as young as 3, are being ordered to appear for their own deportation proceedings, attorneys say. One legal advocate in Los Angeles described a scene in which a 3-year-old who’d received an order to appear started climbing up on the table during the proceeding, highlighting “the absurdity of what we’re doing with these kids.”
Should ‘Gender-Affirming Health Care’ Be On The Radar For California’s Foster Kids?
Pending state legislation would require that foster youth be informed of their legal right to seek “gender-affirming health care.” Advocates say the measure would simply give them access to doctors who can help them navigate gender identity issues, but opponents warn it would open the door to hormone and other therapies that could cause long-term health problems.
ACA Protections For Sick Patients Still Popular Despite GOP’s Efforts To End Them
Despite a decision by the Trump administration to ask a court to nullify the portion of the health law guaranteeing coverage to the sick, the Kaiser Family Foundation poll finds most people want insurers to be required to offer coverage and not charge more.
Thinking About An Association Health Plan? Read The Fine Print
Federal officials say loosening the regulation of these plans will offer small businesses a more affordable health insurance option, but critics are wary.
Gawande’s Goal Is Providing The ‘Right’ Health Care In New Venture By 3 Firms
The surgeon and writer has been named to head a project by Amazon, Bershire-Hathway and JP Morgan to reduce health costs. He said he wants to help doctors “do the right thing” in delivering care.