Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Viewing The ACA In A Positive Light; What About Trump’s Health Policy Proposals?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Minnesota, Connecticut, Kansas, Tennessee, California, Virginia and New Hampshire.
Small Steps Credited For Major Gains In Cancer Survival Rates For Children
In the 15 year time span of the study, overall deaths from childhood cancer fell by 20 percent.
Late-Stage Breast Cancer Diagnosis No Longer Seen As Terminal
Patients are now able to live for years with a late-stage breast cancer diagnosis. In other women’s health news, Texas is lagging behind on some key breastfeeding metrics and women are turning toward the holistic approach when it comes to hormone therapy.
Standing Water Left From Hurricane Offers New Breeding Ground For Zika Mosquitoes
Although the biggest health threat following the hurricane is the potential for injury as people start to rebuild, this year there’s an added danger with the Zika virus. In other news, a look at how a hospital system handled Hurricane Matthew.
When It Comes To Getting A Diagnosis, Doctor Knows Best
In a matchup with symptom-checker apps, a real physician outperformed them by a margin of more than 2 to 1, according to a new report.
As Prescription Drug Costs Spiral, States Struggle To Find Ways To Keep Medicaid Spending Down
Although state Medicaid programs have price controls through rebates paid by the drugmakers, spending on prescription drugs has been growing rapidly, spurred in large part by expensive specialty drugs, such as those used to treat hepatitis C. In addition, reports on Medicaid news from Massachusetts and Iowa.
Some Medicare Advantage And Drug Plans Expected To Leave California Market
Official information will be released soon, but advocates say seniors are already getting information from insurers that suggest some will curtail offerings in certain areas of the state. Also, a jury in Florida has convicted the owner of a home health agency in a fraud case.
Blood Testing Startup Theranos Engaged In ‘Series Of Lies,’ Investor Alleges In Lawsuit
A San Francisco-based hedge fund that invested $96 million in Theranos is now suing the company.
Hospital, Doctor Groups Say New Rules Needed To Protect Consumers From Surprise Bills
The American Hospital Association and the American Medical Association, responding to a proposed federal rule, said the government is not yet providing enough protection for patients against charges they receive when they get care from providers who are not in their insurers’ network. Also, in the news, UnitedHealthcare is trying to keep confidential some information it gave the government about rivals’ proposed mergers.
Preventive Care Task Force Should Be Decoupled From Insurance, Experts Say
Under the Affordable Care Act, any preventive service that receives one of the USPSTF’s top two ratings must be covered by insurance, but three doctors have spoken out against the rule, saying it breeds the possibility of manipulation within the system.
Voters In Trump Country Are Staggeringly Unhealthy, But They Don’t Expect An Easy Fix
The communities in which support for Donald Trump runs deep also share another defining characteristic: poor health. But no one there thinks either candidate will do anything to change that. In other news, The Associated Press offers a look at the candidates’ proposals to curb opioid abuse, an economist deems Trump’s health policy “garbage salad,” and experts say selling insurance across state lines is better in theory than in practice.
First Edition: October 11, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Rising Health Premiums Rankle Individuals Paying Full Price
Insurance customers who don’t get federal subsidies are facing double-digit premium increases in many places this year and forced to make hard choices about coverage.
New Law Will Expand Mental Health Services For Low-Income Californians
Legislation recently signed by Gov. Brown will allow about 1,000 clinics statewide to bill Medi-Cal for treatment by marriage and family counselors, deepening the pool of mental health providers.
California Won’t Extend Parental Leave Rights To Small Businesses
Gov. Jerry Brown vetoes a bill that would have guaranteed employees of small businesses can keep their jobs if they take parental leave to bond with a new child.
Trump’s Debate Claim On Health Care Costs: It Depends What You Mean By ‘Cost’
Although many consumers are feeling the heat from increased health care spending, the overall bill may not be larger.
Cuidado con los tratamientos con células madre no aprobados
Advierten sobre sitios de internet que publicitan tratamientos “curativos” con células madre porque no son terapias aprobadas por la Administración de Drogas y Alimentos de Estados Unidos (FDA).
Viewpoints: An Ode To Medicare Part D; A Plea For Serious Presidential Debate On Health Care
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, California, New York, Georgia and Florida.