Latest KFF Health News Stories
Exercise, Even In Small Doses, Offers Tremendous Benefits For Senior Citizens
New research shows that senior citizens who walk or exercise regularly see tremendous benefits in their health and well-being.
Viewpoints: The Future For Health Exchanges; More On Mylan, EpiPen And Profiteering
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives: Don’t Let Fear Mongering Sway You On Prop. 61 — Companies Can’t Overcharge Veterans
Read recent commentaries about California’s ballot initiative and other drug-cost issues.
Poster Child For Gouging: How Valeant Jacked Up Price Of Another Drug More Than 2,700%
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
Outlets report on health news from Minnesota, the District of Columbia, Colorado, Georgia, Wyoming, New York, Wisconsin, Florida and Maryland.
Treating Children With Alternative Medicines Can Be Dangerous, Doctors Caution
In other public health news, KHN reports on two researchers trying to help patients better understand the risks and benefits of medical tests and treatments.
WHO Suggests Substantial Tax On Sugary Drinks To ‘Save Lives,’ Cut Health Care Costs
The World Health Organization has recommended the tax before, but with the new report the organization quantifies its effects.
‘Recovery Coaches’ Draw On Own Experience To Help Those Addicted To Drugs
As the opioid epidemic sweeps through the country, hospitals and treatment centers are using “recovery coaches” — who have been through their own struggle — to offer non-judgmental help to those seeking it. Meanwhile, Virginia’s attorney general has secured 80,000 drug disposal kits as part of the state’s ongoing effort to battle the crisis.
Meanwhile, in Connecticut, a long-awaited replacement computer system for the Department of Social Services is about to go live.
Lost In Translation: Small, Rural Providers Struggle Under ‘Burdensome’ Language Rule
The aim of federal rules requiring hospitals, doctors and dentists to provide free interpretation and translation services for people who don’t speak English is to avoid fatal tragedies that can occur when important medical information isn’t communicated correctly. But many providers find the rule unnecessary.
Obama’s Claims Of Firing ‘A Whole Bunch’ Of People Over VA Scandal Fall Flat
The Washington Post fact checks the president’s claims that the administration fired many of the people in charge of VA facilities following the 2014 scandal involving long wait times for veterans.
Device Companies Circle The Wagons Around Newly Vulnerable ‘Go-To’ Congressman
Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) has been a reliable ally to the medical device industry, but his re-election race is competitive and that’s causing his supporters to dig deep. Meanwhile, a Republican candidate for the Senate breaks ranks over the health law and The Washington Post fact checks Donald Trump’s claims about the Canadian health care system.
Mylan’s Agreement With Medicaid On Rebates For EpiPens Still Leaves A Key Question
One Wall Street analyst tells CNBC that a key for determining Medicaid’s savings with the rebate will be a timing factor that was not disclosed when the agreement was announced. Also, some New York officials are coming under scrutiny for lax reporting on abuse of disabled Medicaid recipients.
Some Feared Flood Of Religious Exemptions From ACA, But Only A Sprinkle Has Materialized
Two years after the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby ruling, only 52 companies or nonprofit organizations have told the government they plan to opt out of Obamacare’s requirement to cover birth control because it violates their religious beliefs.
As Enrollment Season Heats Up, Workers Facing Higher Health Spending
“Long gone are the days when you thought your insurance—even if you were paying higher premiums—was going to cover you very well,” Bettina Deynes, vice president of human resources for the Society for Human Resource Management, tells The Wall Street Journal. Also, a new survey suggests growing public discontent with the cost and quality of insurance, and California is offering a new tool to help consumers find a plan that works for them.
High Drug Prices Pinching Hospitals’ Wallets Too
It’s not just consumers who are suffering from the price spikes on drugs. Hospitals are struggling to adjust to unexpected hikes as well, according to a new survey.
First Edition: October 12, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
How Tiny Are Benefits From Many Tests And Pills? Researchers Paint A Picture
A Maryland physician teams up with an environmental scientist to help patients better understand the risks and benefits of medical tests and treatments.
Everything Californians Wanted To Know About Their Health Plan (But Were Afraid To Ask)
A new online database created by the Department of Managed Health Care can help consumers size up and compare insurance plans.
Hospitals Say They’re Being Slammed By Drug Price Hikes
In a report out Tuesday, hospital groups said drug prices have skyrocketed since 2013, triggering a huge increase in what hospitals spend on pharmaceuticals.