Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: September 9, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Consumer Group Questions Role of Drug Costs In California Premium Hikes
Consumers Union says Anthem Inc. and Blue Shield of California may be exploiting furor over prescription drug prices. State regulators are looking into the issue.
Shhh! America’s Most Common Workplace Injury Is Hearing Loss
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hearing loss is the most common work-related injury with approximately 22 million workers exposed annually to hazardous levels of occupational noise. The Department of Labor has issued a challenge to find new ways to turn down the volume.
Behind The EpiPen Monopoly: Lobbying Muscle, Flailing Competition, Tragic Deaths
A closer look shows that industry lobbying was just one factor in EpiPen’s sales explosion.
Viewpoints: Obamacare And Congressional Oversight; Finding Your Medical Records
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Minnesota, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, Tennessee and California.
Federal Officials Sue Tennessee Nursing Home Company For Poor Care, False Payment Claims
The U.S. attorney’s office alleges in the lawsuit that Vanguard Healthcare falsified claims for skilled nursing home services that were “either non-existent or grossly substandard,” The Tennessean reports. Also in the news, two psychologists plead guilty to defrauding Medicare, and a Florida doctor accused of fraud is selling his practice.
Massachusetts’ Experiment In Controlling Health Care Costs Shows Moderate Progress
The state, which is the only one in the nation to put a cap on overall health care spending, missed its benchmark, but only by a hair.
For Seniors, Simple Home Fixes Can Be Life-Changing
A new program brings in both handymen and occupational therapists to help those who want to age in their own homes.
In Unprecedented Move, Ohio County Extends Blanket Immunity To Anyone Turning In Drugs
The judge’s order follows a devastating wave of overdoses in the area. In other news, former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy lends his voice to the fight for drug treatment reform in Pennsylvania and a look at the National Guard’s role in New Hampshire’s drug epidemic.
Lawmakers Serve Subpoena To VA, Blast Agency’s Decision-Making, Lack Of Transparency
The House panel is looking specifically at a Denver hospital that cost nearly $1.7 billion and a California clinic that spent millions on decorative artwork and furnishings.
Alabama House Approves Bill That Could Provide Additional Funds For Medicaid
The controversial measure would use some of the funds from the state’s settlement with BP following the 2010 Gulf oil spill to repay state debts, which could open up general revenue funds for Medicaid. Also, a new study looks at how the health law’s Medicaid expansion has impacted rural hospitals.
After Suffering Losses, Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Illinois Offers Buyouts
“The health care industry is going through major changes, and BCBSIL is no exception,” Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois said in a statement. In other insurer news, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey paid doctors $58.9 million for quality of care bonuses.
Number Of Physician Practices Owned By Hospitals Leaps, Latest Survey Finds
From 2012 to 2015 the number of medical practices owned by a hospital grew from one in seven to one in four. News organizations cover other hospitals developments related to operating room waste, a Kansas partnership and a settlement in New Hampshire.
Obama Administration Cancer Panel Recommends Ideas For Accelerating Research And Progress
In other news on the disease, the Food and Drug Administration is set to review a new immunotherapy cancer drug from Merck.
“That’s her answer to most things – bigger government, more subsidies, more government involvement, and that’s not the answer,” said Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the No. 4 GOP member of the Senate. Meanwhile, Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, opens an inquiry into Mylan’s pricing tactics.
Democrats: We’re Ready To Compromise On Zika Funding
If Republican lawmakers drop the Planned Parenthood restrictions, Democrats say the lower amount of funding — $1.1 billion — would be acceptable.
After Year Filled With Turmoil, Health Law Is At A Crossroads
Federal officials say it’s all temporary, but others fear a death spiral. Meanwhile, Blue Cross Blue Shield will offer plans in the Arizona county that was in danger of not having any exchange options after Aetna pulled out of the market there and the struggles with another provision in the health law adds to its mounting challenges.
First Edition: September 8, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Study Finds Seniors Benefit When Asked How To Help Them
A federally funded research project in Baltimore has potential to help aging-in-place efforts elsewhere, a study in Health Affairs reports.