Latest KFF Health News Stories
Gov. Christie Says ‘Naysayers’ Have Been ‘Proven Wrong’ About N.J. Medicaid Expansion
The Republican governor, who bucked many in his party to support the health law’s Medicaid expansion, says more than half a million state residents have gained coverage under the plan. In other news, Kentucky’s only Democratic member of Congress criticizes the governor’s plan to change the Medicaid expansion there, Idaho officials remain divided over efforts to expand the program, Oklahoma’s Medicaid director resigns after some turbulent years and Tennessee enrolls more children in its Medicaid dental coverage.
Administration Proposes New Rules For Health Marketplaces To Help Insurers In 2018
The draft regulation would revamp the risk adjustment program for insurance companies and comes as several high-profile insurers have opted to cut back on participation in the exchanges. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tells a business group that the law likely will be revamped next year, and some other Republican lawmakers are concerned that the administration tried to pressure Aetna.
Scientists See Promising Results By Repurposing Existing Drugs To Fight Zika
Rather than starting from scratch, researchers test already-developed drugs — and initial results are described as dramatic. Meanwhile, a new study finds that a female mosquito can transmit the virus to her eggs.
Mylan To Bring Generic EpiPen To Market; Critics Say Move Is A Smokescreen
The generic version will cost $300, about half the price of the EpiPen-branded medication. But the company could actually end up making more in the end.
First Edition: August 30, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘America’s Other Drug Problem’: Copious Prescriptions For Hospitalized Elderly
Older people are often given a huge number of medications, and many of them are unnecessary or even harmful.
Patients, Fearing Pricey Follow-Ups, May Shy Away From Some Colon Cancer Tests
Most screening tests for colon cancer are covered by insurance but if they come back positive, they may require a diagnostic colonoscopy and that may not be covered completely by insurance.
A Young Woman Dies, A Teen Is Saved After Amoebas Infect The Brain
In Florida, perfect timing and alert medical staff saved a teen from almost certain death. But in North Carolina, one young woman died of an amoeba infection after rafting at a popular tourist site.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Hospital Surprise: Medicare’s Observation Care
You’re in a hospital and think you’re admitted. Maybe not. Many Medicare beneficiaries are surprised to learn that even after spending a couple of days, they are receiving observation care, which Medicare considers an outpatient service, so the seniors’ costs can be more than expected.
EpiPen Manufacturer To Bring $300 Generic Version To Market
In its continuing response to the furor over its pricing for the lifesaving allergy drug, Mylan NV says it will offer an “identical” generic version of the medication for half the price of the branded version.
Screening Positive For Depression Doesn’t Mean You’ll Get Treatment, Study Finds
A study in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that patients known as the “worried well” are actually the highest utilizers of mental health care — and likely to receive antidepressants.
Viewpoints: Medical Websites … Helpful? Healthful?; Local Takes On The Current State Of Obamacare
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Thoughts On Zika: Undercounting The Public Health Threat
Some columnists offer thoughts on the Zika response and public health strategies to combat the virus.
News outlets offer a variety of perspectives on the ongoing EpiPen pricing flap.
Outlets report on health news from California, Texas, New York, Minnesota, Iowa, Virginia, Arkansas and Ohio.
Damage To Vermont Hospital In 2011 Hurricane Helped Revitalize Mental Health Care
Rising flood waters forced the evacuation of the troubled state mental hospital, and eventually it was demolished. The state instead implemented a regional system of care for those with severe mental health problems. Also in the news, a look at Kansas’ effort to get people into mental health treatment and efforts to recruit volunteers for a suicide prevention project in Ohio.
N.H. Attorney General Accuses Purdue Pharma Of Stonewalling OxyContin Probe
In its refusal to comply with a New Hampshire subpoena, Purdue cites objections to the state’s use of a private law firm in an ongoing investigation of the company and other opioid makers. In other news, a recent heroin deaths spike in several states leaves officials scrambling.
Experts: ‘Exceptional Responders’ To Cancer Treatments Shouldn’t Be Dismissed As Just Outliers
Often categorized as statistically insignificant, patients who see dramatic results from treatments that don’t work on others could hold a key to better understanding cancer. In other public health news are stories on sleep apnea treatment, brain-eating amoeba, super lice and colonoscopies.
Pediatricians Push Back Against Rising Tide Of ‘Vaccination Hesitancy’
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released guidelines for doctors facing parents who are resistant to getting their children vaccinated. A new survey shows that 87 percent of pediatricians have encountered issues with a parent refusing to vaccinate his or her child.
Ala. Legislature Kills Lottery Plan That Would Have Boosted Medicaid Funding
The state’s Medicaid program faces a deficit of at least $85 million in the budget beginning Oct. 1. Legislators may try to patch that hole with money from an oil spill payout. Outlets also reported Medicaid news from Iowa, Virginia, Puerto Rico and Maryland.