Latest KFF Health News Stories
Number Of Providers Prescribing Millions Of Dollars’ Worth Of Pills Surges
The new data on high-spending prescribers is the latest indication of the toll escalating drug prices are taking on the health system. Experts say that it should not reflect badly on the doctors themselves.
The Man Who First Blew The Whistle On Theranos
Tyler Shultz wanted to protect patients’ health and his grandfather’s reputation. What followed was the downfall of one of the most anticipated startups in Silicon Valley.
ER Patients Have One In Four Chance Of Getting Out-Of-Network Doctor
A new study looks at how patients are being blind-sided by thousands of dollars worth of surprise medical bills after emergency care. “It’s the equivalent of going to a restaurant, paying the check and getting a bill six months later from one of the cooks,” says Zack Cooper, the study’s co-author.
‘A Moral Test For America’: Surgeon General Issues Road Map To Fight Opioid Epidemic
The first-ever report on substance abuse focuses on reshaping perceptions about addiction, ramping up prevention efforts and increasing access to treatment.
Utah’s Limited Medicaid Expansion Expected To Be Delayed Because Of Federal Concerns
Utah has been notified by federal officials that they will have some changes for the state’s plan to expand Medicaid to as many as 11,000 homeless people. Also, a new report looks at the scope of the Medicaid enrollment under the health law.
GOP Targets Inauguration Day For ‘Repeal’ Part Of Plan, But ‘Replace’ May Be Delayed
Some Republicans are chomping at the bit to get legislation dismantling the health law on Donald Trump’s desk the minute he’s sworn into office. However, the strategy may mean pushing the “replace” part of the plan back until after the midterm elections so they don’t face backlash for taking away voters’ insurance. Meanwhile, CMS’ Andy Slavitt talks transition and the future of the health law.
Despite Looming Uncertainty, Health Law Enrollment Numbers Stay Steady
More than 300,000 people have signed up for coverage under the health law following Donald Trump’s win.
Blue Shield, California’s Biggest Obamacare Insurer, Vows It’s Not ‘Running For The Hills’
The company’s CEO also dismisses Trump’s notion of selling insurance plans across state lines, calling it ‘perplexing.’
First Edition: November 17, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Electing To ‘Opt Out’ Of Obamacare
Despite tax penalties, opponents of the nation’s health law are emboldened by President-elect Donald Trump’s vow to scrap it. Others wonder why they should bother signing up.
A Consumer’s Guide To Medicare’s New Rules On Doctor Pay
Federal officials have released final regulations for the new program, which will reward physicians for providing high quality, efficient care.
Children’s Hospital Partnership Boosts Care For Sick Kids
An innovative partnership in which a children’s hospital shares revenue and costs with a community hospital helps improve access to specialized care.
Aborto por correo: mejor acceso pero fuerte controversia
Un pequeño estudio está evaluando la eficacia de enviar píldoras por correo, luego de una consulta médica por internet, para que las mujeres puedan tener el aborto en la intimidad del hogar.
Viewpoints: Trump And Obamacare; What Will Become Of Medicare?
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Perspectives: Pharma Is Celebrating Trump Win, But No One Knows How Long Party Will Last
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
When The Cure Costs $100,000, Those Hardest Hit Are Left Hopeless
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
Outlets report on health news from California, Colorado, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, Ohio, South Carolina, Kansas, Florida, Georgia and New Hampshire.
Legislative Report Finds N.C. Spends 7 Times More On Medicaid Auditing Than It Recovers
The report recommends changes after finding that North Carolina paid contractors $3.7 million to look for fraud but recovered less than $500,000. Also in the news, Delaware officials are asking for an additional $42 million for Medicaid in the next budget.
Other stories cover public health developments such as a shrimp that could help the cancer fight, efforts to combat food allergies, undetected Ebola and Trump’s food policy.
Despite Country’s Nursing Shortage, Many Still Struggle To Get A Job
Many employers have shifted the requirements they are looking for when hiring nurses in the changing health care landscape.