Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Viewpoints: Obamacare Premium Hikes — A Pothole? A Collapse? And How To Save It?
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Perspectives On Health Care On The Campaign Trail; N.C.’s Medicaid Expansion
Editorial and opinion writers offer views on a range of health care issues.
Research Roundup: Medicaid Efforts To Combat Tobacco; Premium Changes; Views On Drugs
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Outlets report on health news from Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, District of Columbia, California, Tennessee, Georgia and Wisconsin.
Michigan Governor Vetoes Bills Designed To Repair Flaws In State’s Medicaid Funding
The package of bills would have changed how Michigan raises funds to match federal dollars for Medicaid. Also, a look at how California’s Medicaid program can make it difficult for patients with mental health issues to get adequate care.
In Kansas, Program To Give Vets Health Options Drives Up Hospital’s Uncompensated Care Costs
In other related news, a one-day, free dental clinic for veterans in Florida filled up quickly.
Why Spending The Zika Money Isn’t As Easy As It Seems
Marketplace looks at why allocating and spending the funds to fight the Zika virus is more complex than it would seem.
Her Daughter Was Scared Of Needles, So She Didn’t Push For Flu Shot. It Was A Fatal Mistake.
One woman is trying to get the message out about the importance of flu shots after her child died, not wanting others to make the same mistake as she did. Meanwhile threats to public health often flourish in a bad economy.
If A Patient Knows It’s A Placebo Will The Benefits Still Work?
Placebos have been shown to help ease pain and other symptoms, but doctors can’t ethically prescribe them to patients. Some scientists want to rescue placebos from the “garbage pail” of clinical practice.
He Had A Financial Plan For Retirement — Then He Was Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s
Not only can a diagnosis of dementia rock patients’ financial security by forcing them out of the workforce early, but a common symptom is money problems — such as not paying bills on time and giving away funds needed for living expenses.
Why Opioid Users Overdosing In Cars Is ‘New Norm’: They’re More Likely To Survive
It’s another day and there’s another photo going viral of a woman who overdosed with her child in the backseat. Cops and other experts say it’s a common scene because an overdose is more likely to be fatal at home where there’s a chance no one would find them for days.
Aetna Reports Revenue Up As Medicare, Medicaid Plans Perform Well
But the insurer lowered its forecast because of membership declines in commercial policies and losses from its business on the health law marketplaces.