Latest KFF Health News Stories
Loss Of Marketplace Insurers Could Become An Issue In Some Key Senate Campaigns
GOP strategists say dissatisfaction with insurance choices and costs could help their Senate candidates. Yet in House Speaker Paul Ryan’s Wisconsin district, residents and health care providers are concerned about his efforts to replace the health law. Also, Capitol Hill Republicans criticize security on the marketplaces, and another health law insurance co-op fails. Outlets also report on state exchanges in Connecticut, Maryland and Minnesota.
Obama Thanks Insurers For Sticking With ACA Marketplace Through ‘Growing Pains’
The president met with top insurance officials and also sent a letter to the companies that will continue offering coverage under the health law.
First Edition: September 13, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Parents Often Battle To Get Their Children Mental Health Services At School
Kids with mental health problems often suffer anxiety, difficulty focusing and social challenges. Half of them drop out of high school, in part because many schools don’t manage to meet their needs.
Insurers May Insist On Counseling Before Genetic Tests For Breast Cancer
Doctors are concerned that requiring referrals to genetic counselors can deter women from going forward with testing for genetic mutations that cause breast cancer.
Study: Health Spending Related To Opioid Treatment Rose More Than 1,300 Percent
Based on an analysis of insurance company payments, emergency room visits and lab tests were responsible for much of the overall spending.
Viewpoints: New Health, Poverty Data Deserve Attention; Switching Tactics On Zika
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Ohio, California, Colorado, Florida, Washington, Iowa and Illinois.
Mapping Program Guides Doctors Navigating Cancer Treatments
PiCnIc produces maps of cancer progression, using the smallest pieces of data to predict the likeliest paths.
Project Aims To Empower Primary Doctors To Cut Down On Specialist Referrals
Project ECHO is trying to train doctors to handle complex issues instead of sending the patient to a specialist.
Concussion Concerns Cast Shadow Over NFL Opening Weekend
Quarterback Cam Newton took a brutal hit, prompting a review of the medical team’s response to his injury. The incident adds fodder to the intense scrutiny facing football and concussion protocol. In other public health news, experts say abstinence-only sex ed just doesn’t work, some push to start screening children for mental health issues as early as 6 months, super-lice are winning the battle against over-the-counter products and more.
The History Of Antibiotic Resistance: It Was An Arms Race They Thought They Could Win
As more cases are diagnosed, Stat looks back at scientists’ warnings over the past 60 years about superbugs. They were ignored.
‘The Streets Are Awash With Adderall’: Misuse Of ADHD Drugs Skyrocketing
In Florida, a bellwether state for drug abuse problems, overdose deaths involving amphetamines increased more than 450 percent between 2008 and 2014.
15 Years Later, 9/11 Responders Face Daunting Health Problems
For those who rushed in to try to save people after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the toll has been steep. Some are dying, their bodies riddled with cancer, and others haven’t even connected their symptoms to the work they did 15 years ago. And the mental toll on survivors and first responders continues to be high.
Federal Officials Turn Down Ohio’s Efforts To Revamp Rules For Medicaid Expansion Program
The state was seeking to require enrollees to put money every month into a health savings account. Andy Slavitt, an official at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, wrote to Ohio officials: “CMS is concerned that these premiums would undermine access to coverage and the affordability of care.” Outlets also report on Medicaid news from Alabama, Illinois and Texas.
Many Health Care Providers, Suppliers Not Ready For Disaster Readiness Rule
The New York Times reports that the rule, which is designed to protect against severe gaps in patient care after major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy, gives the health industry just over a year to prepare. Meanwhile, KQED examines the impact of physicians opting for subscription models instead of insurance and Hawaii’s largest insurer is moving forward with a plan to change the way primary care physicians are paid.
Companies Developing Diabetes Treatments Forced To Get Creative In Crowded Field
“It’s not just sufficient any longer to have the best insulin,” Stefan Oelrich, head of Sanofi’s global diabetes franchise, says. “You have to go beyond that.” Sanofi is launching a collaboration with Alphabet to research diabetes treatments.
Mylan’s EpiPen Pricing Explanation To Senate ‘Incomplete,’ According To Judiciary Chairman
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) says he is not satisfied with the drugmaker’s seven-page letter and says further congressional action is possible. In other industry news, pharmaceutical companies keep the biotech outlook bright.
Republicans Likely To Drop Planned Parenthood Provision For Zika Funding
Lawmakers are expected to vote on a stripped down version of the $1.1 billion package in combination with the spending bill. In other news, officials in Puerto Rico are warning that there aren’t enough resources to fund the fight against the virus, spraying in Miami beach has commenced and more stories on Zika.
Clinton Diagnosed With Pneumonia
Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have come under pressure for not releasing their complete medical records.