Latest KFF Health News Stories
Perspectives: Big Pharma Needs Dose Of Own Medicine, But Prop 61 Isn’t The Way To Do It
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Red Tape, Lawsuits Tangle Biosimilar Approval Process, Keeping Biologic Prices Sky High
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
Outlets report on health news from California, Ohio, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Tennessee.
Ark. Officials Report That Backlog Of Medicaid Application Reviews Will Be Clear By January
The officials reported to state lawmakers that nearly 88,000 applications for Medicaid eligibility were still pending on Sept. 6. The state has hired extra caseworkers and computer experts to help eliminate the backlog. Also in Arkansas, a legislative panel approved cutting some Medicaid benefits for mental health coverage. In Missouri, efforts to make Medicaid beneficiaries pay doctors for missed appointments are still a ways off.
Hospital Readmission Rates Falling Across Country
Meanwhile, Kindred Healthcare has to pay $3 million after it failed to implement fixes to its billing system and Ascension is launching a rebranding campaign for its hospitals. Media outlets also offer coverage of hospitals and health systems out of California and Kansas.
In Own Versions Of Hippocratic Oath, Students Reaffirm Importance Of The Patient
Some programs are letting their students revise the classic Hippocratic Oath, and they are promising to never forget there’s a human being on the other side of their stethoscope.
Wearing A Fitness Tracker Might Be Counterproductive To Weight Loss, Study Finds
Overall the participants without fitness trackers lost 13 pounds, while the tech-enhanced group lost 7.7 pounds.
News related to hysterectomy recovery times and wisdom teeth extraction also make public health headlines.
More Older Americans Are Dying From ‘Epidemic’ Of Falling
Despite the embarrassment, medical personnel say candid conversations about mobility need to take place with patients. In other news on aging, Silicon Valley is not serving the needs of the “silver tsunami,” and is missing out on a business opportunity.
How One Photo Captured The Toll Of The Opioid Epidemic
The picture of the two adults passed out in the front of the car with a child in the back went viral. The policemen who posted it though say it’s nothing unusual — they see the scene every day. Meanwhile, the problem with getting patients proper treatment goes beyond federal prescription limits.
Intense Personnel Clash Threatens To Hobble Office Monitoring Research Misconduct
Six out of the eight investigators say they may leave following the appointment of Kathryn M. Partin to head the Office of Research Integrity. “We’re not angry. We’re afraid,” one said.
Dispute Over Contract Reportedly Threatens Anthem, Yale Medicine Alliance
Anthem, the largest insurer in Connecticut, tells The CT Mirror that Yale Medicine, which has 1,400 physicians, said it will pull out of the insurer’s network if they haven’t settled terms by Oct. 7. Also, some people buying high-deductible plans are purchasing a separate policy to help cover the deductible.
Molina Healthcare Expands Its Medicaid Business To Become Key Player On Marketplaces
While other insurers are pulling out of the health law marketplaces, Molina is expanding. This year it is expected to be in 12 states. Meanwhile, the premiums on the Colorado marketplace will rise 20 percent on average in 2017.
Congress Still Battling Over Funding Bill That Includes Zika Money, But Optimism Grows
Republicans have already agreed to drop some controversial provisions that had been holding up Zika funding, but the deal is still not quite ready yet.
After 30 Years Of Stagnation, Big Pharma Jumps Back In Antibiotics Game. But Is It Too Late?
Developing antibiotics isn’t profitable. But with the looming threat of resistance sparking concerns globally, pharmaceutical companies may be starting to pay attention.
FDA Staffers Troubled By Top Official’s Rush To Approve Muscular Dystrophy Drug
Documents show that there were concerns Drug Center Director Janet Woodcock was influenced by public pressure. Meanwhile, Sarepta’s stock is soaring on the approval news.
Mylan CEO: We Wish We Had Better Anticipated Fallout, But Price Hikes Were Warranted
Mylan CEO Heather Bresch will face congressional fire Wednesday at a hearing to investigate the EpiPen price spike. In prepared testimony, Bresch defends the costs as a necessary investment. Meanwhile, Bresch’s mother, as National Association of State Boards of Education, spearheaded an effort to get EpiPens in schools.
First Edition: September 21, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Veterans Courted In California’s Ballot Fight Over Curbing Drug Prices
The initiative would prohibit California state agencies from paying more for a prescription drug than what the Department of Veterans Affairs pays. Both sides are deploying veterans’ sympathetic and trusted image to win over voters.
Would You Like Some Insurance With Your Insurance?
Gap insurance plans, used to cover out-of-pocket health expenses like high deductibles, are becoming increasingly popular among consumers and businesses.