Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Looking For Lower Medicare Drug Costs? Ask Your Pharmacist For The Cash Price.
Sometimes a drug plan’s copayment is higher than the cash price, and under a little-known federal rule, pharmacists have to tell Medicare beneficiaries that — but only if they ask.
‘They Deserve It’: In Foster Homes, Veterans Are Cared For Like Family
With the motto “Where Heroes Meet Angels,” a small Veterans Affairs effort pairs vets in need of nursing home care with caregivers willing to share their homes. Medical foster homes save money, but it’s difficult to find enough spaces for all those who could benefit.
In Health Care Arena, The Prize For Calif. Insurance Commissioner Is A Bullhorn
The California Department of Insurance, headed by the commissioner, regulates only a small fraction of the market. But the job comes with a bully pulpit that amplifies its impact. Three of the four candidates would use it to push for a statewide single-payer system.
Bebes prematuros: cámaras mantienen a la familia cerca, y a los gérmenes lejos
Las cámaras en las NICU ayudan a los padres a estar cerca de sus bebés en todo momento, y minimizan la posibilidad de infecciones.
Perspectives: Trump’s Anti-Abortion Policies Aside, He’s Not Really A Pro-Lifer
Opinion writers express views on President Donald Trump’s recent announcements about withholding funds for organizations that perform abortions or make referrals.
Media outlets report on news from California, Illinois, Minnesota, Connecticut, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio and Texas.
“This will not cover all of the uncompensated care costs that hospitals incur in taking care of those patients, but it will certainly help to offset the loss they will incur providing those important services,” said Steve Ahnen, president of the New Hampshire Hospital Association.
But the problem is that value-based purchasing hasn’t caught on in the behavioral health sector at nearly the same level as other medical specialties. Media outlets report on other cost and quality issues, such as paying for emergency room visits and a fight over dialysis.
New Technology Is Helping Make Operating Rooms Smarter, More Effective And Less Risky For Patients
From surgeon-controlled robot cameras to GPS-like maps projected onto a patients’ bodies, technology is bringing surgery into the new era. In other health-tech news: dementia, school nurses, blindness, and more.
Debate Over Bullying’s Link With School Shootings Re-Emerges After Santa Fe Incident
In many mass school-shooting cases in which the accused is a student, allegations have surfaced that the shooter was bullied. But whether there is a clear link between the two issues is the subject of contention.
Legally, standards for determining brain death are largely left up to the medical community. But families have begun to challenge doctors’ determinations, leading to more questions around the murky topic. In other public health news: medical professionals and hand washing; Ebola; brain stimulation and diabetes; DNA testing; crowdfunding for scientific research; and much more.
Transfusions, Bone Marrow Transplant Push Limits Of Already Daring Fetal Therapy Field
Elianna Constantino and her mother Nichelle Obar were the first patients in an experiment to treat a normally fatal disorder while Elianna was still in the womb.
Virginia’s Final Budget Likely To Hold Promise For Medicaid Expansion As Lawmakers Reconvene
Advocates expect the stalemate over whether to expand the program to end this week. Medicaid news comes out of Iowa and Illinois, as well.
When It Comes To Abortion, Both Sides Think They Have Upper Hand For The Midterms
Both anti-abortion and abortion rights groups are pouring money into campaigns for the 2018 midterms, which could prove to be a turning point for the divisive issue. In other women’s health news: hospital closures leave expectant mothers scrambling to find care; midwives mean healthier babies, so why aren’t they more common in the U.S.?; schizophrenia and unhealthy pregnancies; and untested rape kits.
The decision followed a call from students, faculty and alumni for C. L. Max Nikias’ resignation after reports emerged that the university knew of allegations against campus gynecologist George Tyndall for years and failed to act on them.
The drugmaker, under fire for its role in the opioid crisis, has maintained that it was unaware of the way its drug was being abused for years. But according to recently disclosed documents, that wasn’t the case. In other news on the epidemic: Philadelphia is working through the implications of closing its tent-camps; senators butt heads over an investigation into Teva; and more.
Republicans May End Up Bearing Lion’s Share Of Blame For Premium Spikes, Recent Poll Suggest
GOP lawmakers continue to point fingers at Democrats for passing the health law in the first place, but polls suggest that voters are thinking more short-term as they brace for the pain of higher premiums.
California’s gubernatorial race is acting as a microcosm of the larger push toward universal health care. But, experts say the issue is complicated. “Voters are thinking about the fundamental values associated with single-payer,” said Kelly Hall, an independent health consultant. “Almost zero voters have thought about the policy implications.” Those implications range from funding challenges to a vocal opposition to unanswered legal questions.
Veterans Groups Praise Trump’s VA Pick As Safe, Stabilizing Choice In Wake Of Years Of Scandal
If confirmed, Robert Wilkie will have to tread carefully between the administration and veterans advocates who are on opposing sides when it comes to privatization. But for now, he’s winning praise from Republicans and Democrats alike.