Latest KFF Health News Stories
To Expedite Anthem-Cigna Merger Decision, Judge Splits Up DOJ’s Antitrust Lawsuit
Arguments over the national impact of the proposed mega-merger will be heard first. Testimony related to local markets will follow. Connecticut is expected to serve as a prime example of the Justice Department’s case.
Staunch Anti-Abortion Advocate Pence Baits Kaine Over Hyde Amendment
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., supports the amendment, which prohibits any federal dollars in Medicaid or other health programs from going toward abortions, even though Hillary Clinton wants to get rid of it. At the vice presidential debate Tuesday, Ind. Gov. Mike Pence pounced on the issue. Media outlets also fact check health care related claims from the night.
Bill Clinton Backpedals After Calling Health Law ‘Craziest Thing In The World’
Hillary Clinton helped clarify her husband’s remarks by saying that she has pointed out the health law has room for improvement and that’s what he was trying to convey. Republicans, meanwhile, seized on the comments.
Obama Administration Approves Kentucky’s Plan To Move To Federal Health Marketplace
Once elected last year, Republican Gov. Matt Bevin moved to dismantle the state’s successful online health marketplace and instead let residents buy their plans through the federal exchange.
DOJ Asks Judge To Dismiss $338M Suit Over Risk-Corridor Payments
As the administration faces a growing number of similar suits, the move could signal a stronger stance against the insurers.
HHS: Millions Are Missing Out On Health Law Tax Credits
About 2.5 million people who are not buying insurance through the exchanges are missing out on subsidies.
First Edition: October 5, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Can We Conquer All Diseases By The End Of The Century?
According to the neurobiologist heading a much-publicized effort funded by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, putting scientists and engineers under one roof will be key.
Would California’s Proposed Tobacco Tax Hike Reduce Smoking?
When New York increased its cigarette tax, smoking rates declined. California’s proposed increase of $2 a pack may, too, say researchers. The higher the tax, the more likely people are to quit.
Pricey New Treatment Roils Issues Of How To Treat Prostate Cancer
High-intensity focused ultrasound, often not covered by insurance, leads to discussions about which patients benefit in the real world.
Viewpoints: Health Care Is Important Regardless Of Party; Boosting Obamacare Competition
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from New Jersey, Georgia, Wyoming, Louisiana, Tennessee, Wisconsin, California and Florida.
Insurers Oppose Boston Children’s Proposed Expansion
In their bid to block the plan, some insurers within the state are arguing that the building project would drive up medical spending. In other state hospital news, Nassau University Medical Center on Long Island will unveil its new $19 million primary care unit. Meanwhile, in Florida, a newspaper investigation finds the state’s mental hospitals are plagued by violence.
Twin Cities Nurses Will Stay On Picket Lines After Rejecting Allina’s Latest Contract Offer
The Minnesota Nurses Association voted against accepting Allina Health’s contract proposal. About 4,800 nurses have been on strike for a month at five Allina hospitals in Minnesota.
Services That Check Safety Of Drug Ingredients Work In Europe. Could They In U.S.?
The Associated Press reports on such lifesaving programs that could help identify dangerous ingredients that can increase overdose risks, like in the case of Prince. In other news on the opioid epidemic, the Columbus, Ohio, area continues to see overdose cases.
Medicare Experiment Offers Incentives To Insurers Who Help Seniors’ Keep Up With Medications
The model program will start in January in 11 states. Also in the news, Medicare is moving to make it easier for kidney patients to undergo dialysis at home, and a new study suggests some beneficiaries delay use of chemotherapy drugs because of the cost.
Federal Investigators Fault Massachusetts Nursing Home Over Patient’s Suicide
Regulators say the facility’s staff knew of the man’s suicidal tendencies and failed to act to prevent them. In other news, a wealthy nursing home operator is being held in jail over allegations that he orchestrated an unprecedented $1 billion Medicaid and Medicare kickback scheme. And KHN looks at a controversial therapy technique for Alzheimer’s patients.
On Hot-Button Issues, Doctors Don’t Keep Politics Out Of Exam Room
A new study finds that on certain topics — like abortion, marijuana use and gun control — physicians’ political views influence how they treat their patients.
800 Disabled Children In Texas Likely To Lose Therapy Services As Medicaid Cuts Begin
State lawmakers cut $350 million from the Medicaid budget for children’s therapy services, and state officials are having trouble finding care providers who will accept the lower reimbursement rates. News outlets also report on Medicaid developments in Kansas, Louisiana and Arizona.
Tenet Hospitals To Pay $514M Over Kickback Scheme Involving Pregnant Women
The agreement settles an investigation into four Tenet hospitals over alleged payments to a prenatal clinic operator for obstetric referrals of low-income patients in Georgia and South Carolina. The Tenet hospitals were charged with defrauding Medicaid for the deliveries.