Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: The DEA’s Role In The Opioid Epidemic; What About ‘Patient Zero’?
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Opinion and editorial writers offer thoughts on the latest news regarding the Affordable Care Act.
Different States, Different Takes On The Health Care Safety Net
News outlets in Massachusetts, Ohio and Kansas offer assessments and thoughts on what’s next for the health care safety net within their states.
Outlets report on health news from New Hampshire, Washington, California, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Kansas, Arizona, Iowa and Florida.
N.Y. Nonprofit Hospitals Have Billions Parked In Offshore Investments
“Frankly, there is no better place in the world of insurance to monkey with the numbers, and do what I generally describe as cooking the books,” says Thomas Gober, a financial fraud examiner. Meanwhile, media outlets report on other hospital news from California and Colorado.
Dietitians Struggle To Find Ethical Balance In Navigating Ties To Food Industry
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has faced some bad publicity over some decisions its made regarding its relationship with the industry, and now it’s taking a closer look at how to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. Meanwhile, scientists figure out just how much Halloween Candy it would take to kill a person.
Missteps In Genetic Profiling Sometimes Lead To ‘Devastating Consequences’
A new report warns of the “dark side” of genetic testing — including fumbles that lead to patients receiving unnecessary surgery.
Lack Of Mental Health Professionals Hampers Treatment Options For Children
Not a single state has what professional groups deem a sufficient number of child psychiatrists, The Washington Post reports. Also, a presidential task force makes recommendations to bring mental health care to the same level as physical care.
Some Medicaid Programs Offering Long-Acting Contraceptives — Right After Giving Birth
At least 20 states are allowing Medicaid to pay for the long-acting birth control options — such as IUDs and implants — to help reduce unwanted pregnancies. Meanwhile, in Montana, one program is facing financial problems because of a change in Medicaid rules.
Health Leaders Turning An Eye Toward Physician Burnout But Solutions Are Hard To Find
In 2011, a survey of nearly 7,000 physicians by the American Medical Association and the Mayo Clinic found that just over 45 percent met criteria for burnout. Three years later, a follow-up survey found signs of burnout among nearly 55 percent of physicians, Modern Healthcare reports.
Millions Of Records Lost In 22 Major Health System Cybercrimes Over Past Year
Two surveys released this week find that hospitals must do a better job of guarding valuable health care data against hacking.
Two Massive Commercial Flops May Send Chilling Effect Through Biotech Industry
New cholesterol drugs that were expected to make billions failed to live up to their potential. And the disappointing sales has the new sector — which relies on the idea that the risky, expensive process of developing new drugs can one day pay off big — on edge. Meanwhile, the market is in flux after a dour earnings report from one of the largest pharmaceutical distributors in the U.S.
Will Voters In State Hit Hardest By Premium Hikes Be Swayed By The Increases?
The flood of bad news around the health law is unlikely to change the minds of Arizona voters, who have been long-braced for the spike in costs. Meanwhile, not a single one of 100 prominent health care executives has given money to Donald Trump’s campaign.
Insurance Brokers Scramble As Companies Cut Off Commissions For Exchanges
Brokers, who have historically relied on the commissions from insurance companies, are watching up to 85 percent of their income dry up from the decision. Media outlets report on other health law news from New Hampshire, Missouri, Texas, California and Florida.
Obama’s Pitch That Subsidies Offer Safety Net For High Premiums May Have Some Holes
Not only do many people not qualify for subsidies, but the higher premiums mean taxpayers are footing the larger bill for those who do. Meanwhile, Republicans continue to capitalize on the news to push their own solutions.
First Edition: October 31, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Insurers, Hospitals Clash Over Help Paying Obamacare Premiums
Insurers charge that hospitals and other health providers are using third-party groups to help some low-income patients buy marketplace plans, which bring higher reimbursement rates.
Presidential ‘Parity’ Panel Offers Steps To Treat Mental Illness Like Other Disease
In a report released Friday, a task force recommends patient education and more funding to enforce the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.
FDA Faults 12 Hospitals For Failing To Disclose Injuries, Deaths Linked To Medical Devices
The agency found several prominent facilities had not followed rules on reporting incidents in which patients were harmed.
Reducir el shock del Obamacare
Con los grandes aumentos en las primas que se avecinan, la flexibilidad al elegir un plan de salud puede ser la clave para proteger su bolsillo.