Latest KFF Health News Stories
HHS Unlikely To Approve Changes To Kentucky’s Expanded Medicaid Program
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin has sought a waiver to reshape the program put in place by former Gov. Steve Beshear. In other news, a federal report criticizes South Dakota’s efforts to fight Medicaid fraud, and a federal appeals court finds that some Medicaid patients who sued over the Arizona plan should be able to recover attorneys’ fees.
Lawmakers Voice Concerns About 2017 Premiums And Overall Performance Of Health Law
Republicans criticize insurer participation and co-op closures at a hearing of two House Energy and Commerce subcommittees while acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt defends the law. In other ACA news, Centene files to sell plans in two Arizona counties next year, Sen. Lamar Alexander introduces a bill to extend subsidies to some private plans and the Obama administration and insurers discuss payments.
Survey Of Employers Finds Modest Rise In 2015 Health Premiums, But Deductibles Soared
The Kaiser Family Foundation analysis finds that premiums for health insurance family plans offered through a workplace grew about 3 percent. Yet that was partly the result of employers shifting costs to workers through increased deductibles, which have grown nearly six times as fast as wages.
First Edition: September 15, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
The Ads Say ‘Get Your Flu Shot Today,’ But It May Be Wiser To Wait
The flu vaccine is available for longer windows of time. Experts say to weigh convenience and science in deciding when to roll up your sleeve.
Key Steps Can Help Patients Recover From A Stay In The ICU
Chances of recovering after an ICU stay rise when families keep patients oriented, stay on top of care plans and encourage seniors to get moving.
As Aerial Spraying Continues In Miami’s Zika Fight, Effectiveness Up In Air
As Miami-Dade doubles down on aerial spraying of the insecticide naled to combat the mosquitoes that spread Zika, experts question that approach.
Geographic, Racial Disparities In Stroke Treatment Tracked In New Study
Patients living in the Northeast are more than twice as likely to get a powerful drug than those in the Midwest or South and African-Americans were 26 percent less likely to get the medicine, a study in the journal Neurology finds.
Studies: Employer Costs Slow As Consumers Use Less Care, Deductibles Soar
Cost pressures may induce patients to forego needed care, some worry.
Viewpoints: Despite Drop In Uninsured, Poor Americans Need Help; Trump’s Plan For Moms
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Thoughts On Presidential Health: More Details Needed; A Woman’s Effort To Power Through
Commentators examine the national debate about Hillary Clinton’s health.
Perspectives: Before Crowning CEO As Champion Of Consumers, Let’s Check Allergan’s Record
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
High Hep C Prices Force States To Choose Between Treating Inmates And Salvaging Budgets
Only those who are the sickest are given the treatment, in most places. Meanwhile, Illinois will begin providing the pricey drugs to more Medicaid beneficiaries.
Patients With High Deductible Plans Sometimes Face EpiPen Cost Issues
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
State Highlights: Health Prices In Mass., Fla.; No Bonuses For Philadelphia-Area ACOs
Outlets report on health news from Massachusetts, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Missouri, Tennessee, California, Virginia and Maryland.
Southern California Gas Agrees To $4M Settlement Over Massive Porter Ranch Gas Leak
The company still faces a lawsuit by the California attorney general, which charges alleged violations of the state’s health and safety laws by failing to promptly control the leak and alert authorities.
In other news, disabled tenants of some federally-supported housing filed suit in U.S. District Court in Denver against a prohibition on service animals.
Hospitals and medical centers in New Hampshire, South Dakota, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, Minnesota, Florida, Missouri, Wisconsin and Washington are in the news.
Lavizzo-Mourey Steps Down As President And CEO Of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The announcement was made Tuesday. Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, who has held the position for nearly 14 years, said she will remain in her role until a successor is chosen.
FDA May Begin To Crack Down On Stem-Cell Therapies
Also in public health news, the penicillin shortage endangers people with syphilis. Meanwhile, in tobacco news, black health experts target menthol cigarettes and questions are raised about Newport’s aggressive campaign aimed at younger smokers. And Stat reports on transplant ethics when the donor overdosed.