Latest KFF Health News Stories
Pharma Pads GOP War Chests To Stave Off Worst-Case Scenario Of Full Dem Takeover
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
Outlets report on health news from Connecticut, Florida, California, Washington, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
In other hospital news, Banner Health acquires urgent care facilities in Phoenix and Tucson; Hennepin County (Minn.) Medical Center will give its psych ward a face lift; and a Georgia boy’s tragic accident leads to a hefty hospital bill.
Task Force Recommends Early Intervention To Battle Childhood Obesity Epidemic
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force wants pediatricians to screen children’s BMIs starting as early as age 6. In other news, a study finds summer is the danger period for children gaining weight and an analysis explores the link between antibiotics and childhood obesity.
Opioid Epidemic Takes Toll On Grandparents Of Children Suddenly Left Without Parents
It is becoming more and more common for grandparents, who once thought they would spend retirement relaxing, to find themselves caring for their grandchildren because of the substance abuse crisis. However, there’s little infrastructure set up in states to offer financial and emotional help.
Virginia Reports Shortfall of $281 Million In Medicaid Budget
The disclosure to legislative budget leaders comes as Virginia is struggling with other monetary problems. News outlets also report on Medicaid developments in Connecticut and Kansas.
Medicare Bonuses For Quality Care Going To Fewer Hospitals In 2017
More than 1,600 hospitals will earn the rewards, federal officials announce, but that is about 200 fewer than in 2016. In addition, the number of hospitals being penalized under the program is growing. Medicare officials also announce final rules for hospital off-site facilities and choose new private contractors to audit hospital billing.
The Lucrative Practice Of Flipping Drugs: Buy The Rights, Hike The Price, Then Resell
Pharmaceutical companies seize on drugs with little competition, boost the price and then put it back up for sale. “They’re taking advantage of a dysfunctional market,” says Stephen Schondelmeyer, a professor of pharmaceutical economics.
On the first day of open enrollment, Consumer Watchdog is charging in a class-action lawsuit that the insurance giant is pushing exiting members into plans that no longer cover out-of-network costs.
Administration Goes All Out To Encourage Sign-Ups As Critical Open Enrollment Kicks Off
In a year of roiling marketplaces, the Obama administration pushes hard to make the fourth enrollment period successful. Meanwhile, media outlets report on exchange news from Massachusetts, Tennessee, Minnesota, Maryland and California.
Trump Says ACA ‘Will Destroy Health Care In America,’ Promises Special Session To Repeal It
The Republican candidate gave a speech on the first day of open enrollment capitalizing on the recent news of spiking premiums. Meanwhile, The Washington Post offers a view of what health care policy would look like under each candidate.
First Edition: November 2, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Blue Shield Again Owes Californians Millions In Health Care Rebates
The insurer is on the hook for $25 million in refunds to about 240,000 enrollees with employer coverage.
Healthy Customers, And Those With Major Medical Needs, May Want Bronze Plans
The bronze plans’ lower premiums — coupled with the health law’s out-of-pocket-spending protections — may make these policies an attractive option.
March of Dimes reporta un aumento en los nacimientos de bebés prematuros
La tasa de nacimientos prematuros aumentó de 9,57 a 9,63 por ciento en el 2015, lo que representa un adicional de 2.000 bebés nacidos de manera prematura en los Estados Unidos, según el informe.
Siete tips para evitar un dolor de cabeza al inscribirse en un plan de salud
Con el período abierto de inscripción para planes de salud en los mercados establecidos por la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible ya en marcha, los consumidores están preocupados por muchas cosas, desde el aumento de las primas hasta mantener al querido doctor.
Viewpoints: A Visual Take On The Impact Of Obamacare; How Rate Increases Are Playing Out
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Perspectives On America’s Pain Problem; Defending Data Sharing
Opinion and editorial writers offer their thoughts on a range of health topics.
Outlets report on health news from Texas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Illinois, California, Florida and Colorado.
Iowa To Add $33M To Payments To Medicaid Managed Care Firms
The increase will cover higher prescription drug costs, Gov. Terry Branstad reported, but the state will still save money on the program. In other Medicaid news, Rhode Island says enrollment there is growing and Tennessee doctors sue federal officials over a payment issue.