Latest KFF Health News Stories
Facing Financial Losses, Dartmouth Withdraws From Health Law’s ACO Program
The accountable care organization model was devised by Dartmouth researchers, and Dartmouth’s health system did save money, but not enough to avoid penalties. “We would have loved to stay in the federal program, but it was just not sustainable,” said Dr. Robert A. Greene, a vice president with the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health System. Other news reports pick up on how the hospital’s financial issues are playing out in New Hampshire.
First Edition: September 12, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Tossing Unused Surgical Supplies Wastes Millions Of Dollars, Study Finds
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco estimate that hospitals could lose nearly $1,000 per surgery by throwing away opened but unused supplies, such as gloves and sponges.
Report: Hungry Teens Often Feel Responsibility To Help Feed The Family
After interviewing scores of teenagers, researchers report that many who face hunger are not aware of assistance programs or think they don’t qualify.
Colorado Gun Shops Work Together To Prevent Suicides
Gun shop owners and public health workers in Colorado are finding common ground amid rancor over guns and politics. They are collaborating to reduce suicides involving firearms.
Better Training, Tourniquets And Techniques Since 9/11 Are Saving Lives
U.S. trauma care experts are increasingly focusing on ways to help civilian victims of violence — whether the incidents were mass shootings or bad car accidents — avoid bleeding to death at the scene.
Viewpoints: Examining The Health Law’s Insurance Coverage Expansion; Donald Trump’s Medicaid Plan
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Drug Costs In Medicare; Impact Of Anticancer Drugs; Doctors’ Time
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Longer Looks: Drug Pricing; Paying For Birth Control; Amazon’s Medical Advice
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Outlets report on health news from California, Minnesota, Tennessee, Ohio, Connecticut, Michigan and Texas.
The Kids Are Alright: Teenage Smoking, Drinking Rates Slip To New Lows
The trend distinguishes the younger generation from older Americans who had much higher rates for both. In other public health news, experts agree Apple’s new wireless headphones won’t give users cancer, a review of marijuana studies shows no connection between pot use and birth defects, a restaurant requires a doctor’s note for anyone ordering gluten-free and America’s most common workplace injury relates to hearing.
Prevalence Of Prescription Drugs Breeding Misuse, Abuse
According to a new survey, nearly half of Americans have a prescription for psychotherapeutic drugs. “Any of us go to the doctor and feel like we don’t get our money’s worth if we don’t come out with a prescription, right?” says Kim Johnson, of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Investigations Following Recruit’s Suicide Expose Rampant Physical, Verbal Abuse In Marines
No formal charges have been filed, but 20 Marines at the Parris Island training facility in South Carolina are facing administrative actions, ranging from counseling, to the most severe punishments of military charges and courts-martial.
Providers Allowed To Set Own Pace In Complying With New Medicare Payment Model
The decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services comes after months of campaigning from medical groups who have been asking for more flexibility.
Ryan Digs In On Planned Parenthood, Biden Fumes Over ‘Dysfunction’ — And Still No Zika Funding
Some congressional officials say a deal is in sight, but politics continue to throw a wrench in any forward movement on funding the health crisis response.
Aetna’s Motives For Withdrawing From ACA Markets Come Under Congressional Scrutiny
There has been speculation that the insurer’s decision was a reaction to the Justice Department’s move to try to block the company’s merger with Humana.
Country’s Patchwork Of Insurance Regulations Creates Vast Coverage Disparities
The Affordable Care Act places many of the decisions about what actually gets covered in the hands of the states or employers. Because of this, patients who have similar problems are at the mercy of the state they live in or from whom they get coverage.
Kentucky Governor’s Proposal To Revamp Medicaid Expansion Moves Forward At HHS
Federal officials have certified that the application was complete and had sufficient information. Now the Department of Health and Human Services will have a comment period for Kentucky stakeholders’ views on the plan, which adds premiums and co-pays and a requirement that able-bodied adults be engaged in their communities for at least 20 hours every week. Also, the legislature in Alabama passes a bill that will finalize funding for Medicaid next year, and lawmakers in Tennessee continue to talk about a possible Medicaid expansion.
For Immigrants, Proving Legal Status To Keep ACA Plan Can Be Daunting
The challenges facing immigrants in the country legally can seem so insurmountable that they give up completely, and then they are left without insurance. Federal officials “never quite got it right for immigrant families,” says Angel Padilla, a health policy analyst with the National Immigration Law Center.
Forget EpiPen — Insurers Say Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Hurt Most In Terms Of Cost
In an attempt to drive down the prices for anti-inflammatory medications, Express Scripts, the nation’s largest drug benefits manager, changed its recommendations to insurers and employers, saying they should cover fewer drugs for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.