Latest KFF Health News Stories
Majority Of ACA Customers Will Be Insulated From Dramatic Increases
Tax credits will help soften the blow for many of those buying plans on the federal exchanges, policy experts say. Meanwhile, both sides of the aisle react to the news of the premium spikes, Aetna’s CEO says part of the problem is young people would rather buy a beer on a Friday night than pay for health care coverage, The Associated Press offers a Q&A on the spikes and more.
Trump Fumbles In Blasting Obamacare Premium Spikes By Misunderstanding Law’s Coverage
Donald Trump moved to capitalize on the news that the premiums for Affordable Care Act plans are increasing by double digits, but misstepped when saying his employees, who receive coverage through their employer, are having problems with the health law.
First Edition: October 26, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
What Would A Public Insurance Option Look Like?
UCLA health policy expert Gerald Kominski says a “public option” health plan would look a lot like private insurance, and politics will determine whether it would happen on a state or national level.
Colorado Wrestles With Ethics Of Aid-In-Dying As Vote Looms
Proposition 106, on Colorado’s ballot next month, would allow doctors to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to people who have less than six months to live. A recent poll shows strong support for the measure.
Terminally Ill Patients Don’t Use Aid-In-Dying Laws To Relieve Pain
Ending pain and suffering has helped several states pass “right-to-die” laws, but dying patients are more concerned about controlling how they die and dying with dignity.
States See Peer-Recovery Coaches As A Way To Break The Addiction Epidemic
Rhode Island installed coaches in all of the state’s hospital emergency rooms and others are following its lead.
Trump, Republican Candidates Seize On Obamacare Premium Increases As Campaign Issue
Presidential nominee Donald Trump says news that exchange plan premiums will jump an average of 25 percent is proof that “Obamacare is just blowing up.”
Viewpoints: Impact Of Obamacare Sticker Shock; What’s Next On The Health Policy Agenda?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Public Health Perspectives: Disposing Of Unused Meds; Anxiety, Worry And The Election Season
Opinion and editorial writers offer their thoughts on these issues.
Outlets report on health news from Minnesota, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Georgia, Florida, New Hampshire, Ohio and California.
Federal Officials Seeking Public Feedback On Kansas’ Medicaid Disability Policies
The federal effort comes after Kansas sought to make changes to several disability support policies as the state moved to managed care companies to run Medicaid. Also, Arizona is restricting opioid prescriptions for Medicaid enrollees and state employees.
Mental Health Courts Can Offer A Successful Exit From Revolving Jailhouse Doors
The Kansas Health Institute offers a series looking at how mental health courts play a role in helping those with an illness instead of sending them off to jail.
Virginia Board Of Health Ditches Strict Regulations On Abortion Clinics
The decision to do away with hospital-style building codes for the clinics follows the Supreme Court ruling that struck down similar regulations in Texas.
A Snowball Effect: How Our Brains Become Desensitized To Feeling Bad About Lying
What starts as a little fib can often become a whopper of a lie, and scientists wanted to know why.
Nearly 30 Percent Of Cancer Deaths Linked To Smoking
The report offers suggestions — such as implementing a higher cigarette tax — “to avert many more premature deaths.”
All Eyes Are On Zika But A Far More Common Threat To Babies Lurks In Shadows
Experts say cytomegalovirus — which causes hearing loss, microcephaly, intellectual deficits and vision abnormalities — affects more people than Zika, but no one is talking about it. In other news, a study lays out the importance of well-child visits.
AARP Suit Adds Fuel To Simmering Debate Over Employee Wellness Programs
AARP argues that the programs violate anti-discrimination laws aimed at protecting workers’ medical information, a worry that underscores the new rush to offer financial incentives to improve employee health.
The Catch-22 Of Sinks In Hospitals: Crucial For Infection Control But A Breeding Ground For Bacteria
Experts are stuck in a bit of a “you can’t live with them, you can’t live without them” scenario when it comes to sinks in hospitals. In other hospital safety news, The Washington Post offers a look at what patients should know about the deadly infection linked to medical devices used in heart surgery.
Dignity, Catholic Health Mull Megamerger To Become Nation’s Largest Nonprofit Hospital System
The deal would combine 103 hospitals owned by Catholic Health Initiatives, based in Englewood, Colo., with 39 hospitals operated by San Francisco-based Dignity Health.