Latest KFF Health News Stories
This ER Department Upended Its Entire Culture Around Prescribing Opioids — And Got Drastic Results
This hospital is no longer using opioids as its first line of offense against pain. And the results show it’s working. Outlets report on news on the crisis out of Maryland, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Wyoming and Ohio as well.
Alaska, Ohio Explore Option Of Imposing Work Requirements On Medicaid Recipients
The Trump administration has opened the door, and some states are rushing in. Meanwhile, New Hampshire lawmakers are urged to renew the state’s Medicaid expansion.
Tracking Life Cycle Of A Medical Bill Reveals Astronomical Price Tag Just For Collecting Payments
Researchers broke down the expensive steps that go into processing a medical bill.
Albertsons’ Deal To Purchase Rite Aid Is Latest Twist To Remake Retail And Health Care Industries
The chief executives of the companies say that the merger is the best way for them to compete in businesses increasingly threatened by online companies like Amazon and Walmart.
Senators Say Administration’s Rollback Of Nursing Home Regulations Puts Patients At Risk
A group of Democratic lawmakers urges the administration to walk back guidelines released last year that make it more difficult for federal regulators to fine or deny federal payments to nursing homes that don’t meet certain quality and safety standards.
More Than 300 Workers Have Filed Complaints With New Conscience Division At HHS
HHS officials said the new division was necessary so health workers do not have to violate their religious or moral beliefs to do their jobs. Violations can result in a service provider losing government funding. In other news from HHS: an official is put on leave while the agency investigates his social media posts; and a lesbian couple sues after being denied the chance to become foster parents.
Fall In Line Or Get Out: Shulkin Taking Steps To Rout Rebellious Political Foes In VA Department
Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, following a scandal over travel expenses, says he has the support of President Donald Trump and intends to keep his position. Shulkin is also taking steps to purge the department of those who he thinks are trying to undermine him.
Short-term policies are intended for people who are between jobs, and are generally cheaper than insurance that meets the law’s requirements. But they offer significantly less protection to consumers. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said people buying these plans could be “one diagnosis away from disaster, discovering they have been paying for coverage that may not cover basic care such as cancer treatment.”
Some Gun Control Measures ‘On The Table’ For Trump Following Florida Shooting
President Donald Trump has directed the Justice Department to issue regulations banning so-called bump stocks, which convert semiautomatic guns into automatic weapons. But people familiar with the conversations say he is mulling going further — and perhaps putting himself at odds with the NRA. Meanwhile, students are still reeling from the psychological toll of the mass shooting.
First Edition: February 21, 2018
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Bad Bedside Manna: Bank Loans Signed In The Hospital Leave Patients Vulnerable
Hospitals increasingly team up with lending institutions to offer low- or no-interest loans to patients to make sure their bills get paid. But critics say the complexity of hospital pricing means consumers should be cautious.
Reducen la burocracia para facilitar el trabajo de las enfermeras viajeras
La Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), se lanzó en el año 2000 para abordar la escasez de enfermeras y permitir que más practiquen telemedicina. Esta licencia permite que ejerzan en varios estados. Voces a favor y en contra.
La administración Trump propone norma para planes de salud de corto plazo
Estos planes durarían doce meses. Son más accesibles, pero su cobertura es más limitada. Y pueden rechazar a personas con condiciones preexistentes.
Trump Administration Proposes Rule To Loosen Curbs On Short-Term Health Plans
The policy change is likely to entice younger and healthier people from the general insurance pool by allowing a range of lower-cost options that don’t include all the benefits required by the federal health law.
Viewpoints: Work Requirements Promote Healthy Attitude; Connect Dental Care With Health Care
Editorial pages highlight these and other health issues.
Media outlets report on news from Idaho, Maryland, California, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Ohio, Massachusetts, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, Delaware and Texas.
Virginia House Finally Backs Medicaid Expansion, But It Could Be Tough Sell In State Senate
The proposed deal would include work training requirements and for beneficiaries to contribute to their coverage. But Medicaid expansion was not included in the budget that the state’s Senate passed out of committee on Sunday.
Justice Department Appeals Calif. Judge’s Decision To Block Rollback Of Birth Control Coverage
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra sued the Trump administration in October challenging the new rules, saying the policy discriminated against women.
House Ready To Hold First Hearings On Best Approach To Fight Opioid Crisis, Provide Adequate Funding
Following criticism for not providing a comprehensive strategy, House Republicans are setting out to find a bipartisan solution. “It’s my top priority as chairman of the committee to get rid of this deadly epidemic,” said House Energy and Commerce committee chairman Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.). “There’s going to be money—more money than has ever been spent.”
Battle Was Brewing Behind Closed Doors At VA Long Before Travel Scandal Erupted
Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin is an Obama-holdover who defends the much-maligned VA health system. In an era where privatizing veterans’ care is popular among Republicans, the friction has continued to build behind the scenes at the agency and in Congress.