Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Medicaid Reimbursement Cuts In Texas Leave Many Rural Children Without Therapists

Morning Briefing

Republican Sen. Jane Nelson, who heads the Texas Senate’s finance committee, told residents that the state would monitor the effect of the $350 million in cuts and “every eligible child for these services will continue to receive them,” But, NPR reports, that is a promise the state has failed to meet. Also, outlets report Medicaid news in Kansas, Alabama, Vermont and Louisiana.

Polio-Like Illness Sickens Dozens Of Children And Baffles Health Officials

Morning Briefing

Federal officials began tracking the disease, called acute flaccid myelitis, in 2014, when 120 cases were confirmed. This year, officials say, 89 cases have been reported in 33 states. Researchers say although the disease is similar to polio, it is not caused by the polio virus.

The Tax That Could Save Nearly 20,000 Lives Over 10 Years

Morning Briefing

As voters are set to weigh in on soda tax initiatives across the country, a new study finds that Mexico’s 10-percent tax on sugary drinks will save thousands of lives and hundreds of millions of dollars.

Social Media Exacerbates Startling Suicide Trends In Young Adolescents, Experts Say

Morning Briefing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released statistics that show the suicide rate for children ages 10 to 14 has now surpassed traffic accidents. While no one factor can be blamed for the increases, experts say social media and changing cultural norms have played a large part. In other public health news: worrying about being sick can actually make you sick; the surgeon general talks about guns; smoking causes dangerous mutations with each passing year; and more.

Safety, Efficacy Concerns Over Promising Drugs Roil Already-Spooked Markets

Morning Briefing

The biotech industry has been dealt some painful blows over the past few days, and the latest reports on closely watched drugs have only caused more turmoil. In other news, the pharmaceutical industry pumps money into fighting against criticism over prices and Sen. Bernie Sanders focuses on insulin costs in his latest attack.

Cigna Reports Profits Fell After Scrutiny Of Medicare Advantage Plans

Morning Briefing

Federal officials halted enrollment into the company’s Medicare Advantage plans in January because they alleged there were systemic problems that were keeping seniors from getting services and drugs. The company’s CEO also says he expects that plans on the health law’s marketplace next year will show a loss.

President Mocks GOP For Not Having ‘Even A Hint Of Plan’ On How To Replace Health Law

Morning Briefing

“You can’t just be against something. You’ve got to be for something,” President Obama says in a speech criticizing Republicans for wanting to repeal the health law without offering a way to replace it.

Obama Says All But ‘A Handful’ Will Be Protected By Subsidies, But 8.4M Go Without Help

Morning Briefing

The president downplays the impact spiking premiums will have on the average customer’s wallet. But many will still feel the pinch, even with subsidies. Meanwhile, the public option has been thrust in the spotlight with all the uncertainty surrounding the health law this year.