Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hospitals are also facing pressure from federal regulators who are demanding more transparency over health care costs. In other hospital news: the American Hospital Association submits ideas on how to reduce the backlog of denied Medicare claims; hospitals are expanding to fit the needs of transgender patients; and Washington state’s largest psychiatric hospital has lost its federal certification.
The thinking has been that requiring workers to shoulder more of the cost of care will also encourage them to cut back on unnecessary spending. But it didn’t work out that way. In other industry news: competition in the marketplace and General Electric’s plans to spin-off its health care business.
First Marijuana-Based Drug Approved By FDA In Expected Move
The drug, Epidiolex, is used to treat seizures in a very small population with a rare form of epilepsy. It does not create a high for patients.
While the VA called the data behind the analysis “fake news,” the report finds residents in a majority of the nursing homes serving nearly 50,000 veterans endured potential neglect and inadequate pain management. “They should be assessing individuals and doing what they can to manage it,” said Robyn Grant, director of public policy and advocacy at the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. “And if it’s not working, they should be trying different things.”
Advocates Warn About Lingering Health Problems In Detained Children Even After Short Amount Of Time
Meanwhile, the administration has temporarily halted the prosecution of parents and guardians, unless they have a criminal history or the child’s welfare was in question, and Republicans are looking at a narrow fix for the crisis instead of a sweeping overhaul of immigration policy.
Not only is there a lack of abrupt exits from the marketplaces like there have been in the past, but insurers are also actually starting to expand their offerings to new areas. Experts say that if not for the legal and political uncertainty surrounding the law, the marketplace would be “very robust” right now.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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.
Unlocked And Loaded: Families Confront Dementia And Guns
As more Americans are diagnosed with dementia, families who have firearms struggle with ways to stay safe. A KHN investigation uncovered dozens of cases of deaths and injuries.
Worried About Grandpa’s Guns? Here’s What You Can Do.
When a loved one gets dementia, many families get no guidance on what to do about that person’s guns. Here are legal and practical steps to stay safe.
Sin seguro y cargada: familias confrontan la demencia y las armas
A la discusión sobre la portación de armas, se suma un escenario al que se le ha prestado poca atención: ¿qué pasa en los hogares en donde hay armas y una persona con demencia?
Calabacita, pavo y arroz integral: Medicaid ofrece alimentos como medicinas
Un programa en Philadelphia entrega a domicilio comidas médicamente preparadas, que paga Medicaid, para ayudar a personas con condiciones crónicas a comer sano y mejorar.
Por miedo a la deportación, padres sacan a sus niños de programas de salud
El miedo que está generando la política de “tolerancia cero” hace que padres sin papeles retiren a sus niños de programas de atención médica críticos.
Opinion writers focus on these and other health issues.
Media outlets report on news from Texas, Florida, Ohio, Kansas, Arizona, California and Wisconsin.
Internet-connected locks, speakers, thermostats, lights and cameras that have been marketed as the newest conveniences are now also being used as a means for harassment, monitoring, revenge and control. In other public health news: pandemics, breathing tubes, precision medicine, pregnancy vaccines, and more.
Michigan Poised To Become Fifth State To Impose Work Requirements On Medicaid Beneficiaries
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill on Friday to add the restrictions, which need approval from the Trump administration. Medicaid news comes out of Pennsylvania, Texas and Kansas, as well.
Reproductive Rights Groups See Hope In Judge’s Questions About Family Planning Grants
The groups sued the administration after officials announced major changes to the $260 million federal Title X family planning grant process. After appearing in court, the groups expressed optimism for their case. Clare Coleman, president and chief executive of the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, said: “I think we had a great day. I think the judge knew the importance of Title X. … I feel confident he heard the arguments we were advancing.”
Direct primary care is similar to concierge medicine but supporters say it is available to people across the economic spectrum. Advocates of the model hail it as better for patients looking for more personal, convenient care and as a solution for harried doctors who want to focus on patients, but critics worry those patients may be overpaying for care.