Latest KFF Health News Stories
Signed Out Of Prison But Not Signed Up For Insurance, Inmates Fall Prey To Ills
States that expanded eligibility for Medicaid have failed to enroll large numbers of a significant group that stood to benefit: ex-inmates.
Doctors And Hospitals Say ‘Show Me The Money’ Before Treating Patients
As patients’ share of medical bills has grown with the rise in deductibles, copays and coinsurance, providers have become laser focused on getting payments up front.
Seniors Increasingly Getting High, Study Shows
Marijuana use is increasingly popular among older Americans, a new study shows.
Medicaid Coverage For Addiction Treatment Varies Dramatically
States can set their own rules about these benefits for Medicaid enrollees and a study shows wide disparities. But researchers say a repeal of the health law’s expansion could derail progress.
Helping Ex-Inmates Stay Out Of The ER Brings Multiple Benefits
Each year, millions of Americans leave jail and prison. When they do, they’re likely to have a hard time managing their health. Some clinics are trying to provide ex-inmates with better, cheaper care.
Insurers’ Flawed Directories Leave Patients Scrambling For In-Network Doctors
Many consumers find that doctors listed in their plan’s directories aren’t accepting new patients, charge large concierge fees or may not even be in the network. Regulators don’t check.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On The GOP Health Policy Agenda And Trump’s Obamacare Options
Opinion writers examine the health policy changes that area likely to come.
Outlets report on health news from Minnesota, New York, Virginia, Florida, Wisconsin, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Maryland, Iowa, Connecticut, California, Texas and Washington.
As States’ Position On Pot Evolves, FDA Takes Hands-Off Approach For Now
In other news, the future of medical marijuana in Florida is in the hands of state legislators, despite an approved ballot initiative.
N.H. Doctors Prepare For Requirement To Consult Drug Database Before Prescribing Painkillers
And in other news on the opioid crisis, The Washington Post spotlights a treatment program that combines medication and regular counseling sessions. Meanwhile, the drug epidemic hits Ohio’s budget hard and raises fears of an increase in HIV infections.
Million-Dollar Question: Will There Even Be Demand For Zika Vaccine When It’s Ready?
Despite the warp speed with which vaccinations are moving through the process to get to market, it will still be a couple of years until one will be able to be used.
Breakthrough Immunotherapy Drugs Are Turning Body On Itself
The drugs are soaring in popularity for their effectiveness, but the way they work by stimulating the immune system to attack cancer also creates a risk for health organs. In other public health news, Michael Bloomberg has announced another $360 million commitment to fight smoking, older adults are skipping vaccinations, helping inmates get health care after leaving prison show multiple benefits, and more.
Program Treats Combat Vets’ Underlying ‘PTSD Demons’ With Life Tools Instead Of Medication
In other news on health care for veterans, a billionaire hedge fund manager — whose son served in Afghanistan — opens a chain of clinics in California to tend to psychological needs.
ACLU Can Sue Feds Over Contracts To Groups That Deny Contraception, Abortion To Minor Immigrants
In other news on women’s reproductive health, a court challenge is anticipated for Texas’ new rules requiring that fetal remains be buried or cremated.
Crisis At IHS Hospitals Jeopardizes Health And Lives Of Native Americans
Modern Healthcare offers a special report on the troubled Indian Health Service system, where conditions are worse than the more widely discussed Veterans Affairs hospitals.
Supreme Court To Hear Case Over Religiously Affiliated Hospitals’ ‘Church Plan’ Exemptions
Employees of the three hospitals in the case have accused the systems of being big businesses posing as church organizations in order to avoid minimum funding and reporting requirements on employee pension plans.
Georgia Legislature Expected To Take Early Vote On Hospital Tax To Raise Money For Medicaid
Lawmakers must decide whether to continue the tax that leverages more federal Medicaid funding, but some legislative leaders suggest that a broader discussion will include efforts to help rural hospitals. In addition, the Wyoming governor says that uncertainty in Washington has doomed his efforts to promote a Medicaid expansion.
Pence Suggests White House Won’t Support Congressional Efforts To Overhaul Medicare
The vice president-elect says President-elect Donald Trump will stick to his pledge to preserve Medicare and Social Security. On Capitol Hill, Senate Republicans are also wary of a fight over Medicare this year, while Democrats say they will not accept GOP proposals to revamp the program.
Poised To Take Over HHS, Anti-Bureaucracy Price Will Get Chance To Practice What He Preaches
With roots as a physician, Rep. Tom Price, Donald Trump’s pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services, is a proponent of removing government intervention in the health care sector. In other administration news, Trump’s possible nominee for defense secretary will have to defend ties to beleaguered Theranos, Republicans implore Trump to keep the National Institutes of Health director and the head of Zenefits eyes the transition team as his next possible career step.