Latest KFF Health News Stories
Aetna’s Second Thoughts On Exchange Expansion Latest Blow To Health Law
The insurer’s decision to reverse course and not expand its Obamacare exchange plans casts doubts on the marketplace’s sustainability. The company also announced it would sell some of its Medicare Advantage plans to help avoid concerns about its proposed merger with Humana.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Obamacare Expansion A Bumpy Ride For Rural Health Clinics
A Northern California clinic network is overwhelmed with Medi-Cal patients after the Affordable Care Act rollout.
The Costs Of The Pulse Nightclub Shooting
Mario Perez was grazed by a bullet at the Pulse Nightclub. His bill from Orlando Regional Medical Center’s emergency department was $20,000.
Medicare’s Readmission Penalties Hit New High
Medicare will withhold an estimated $528 million in 2017 from more than 2,500 hospitals that have too many patients returning within 30 days.
Viewpoints: Presidential Politics And The Vaccine Issue; CDC Issues Strong Zika Warning
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Minnesota, Massachusetts, Colorado, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida and Missouri.
Alabama Governor, A Long-Time Critic Of Gambling, Seeks A Lottery To Fund Medicaid
Since officials don’t want to raise taxes, “it’s our only real choice right now,” says Gov. Robert Bentley. News outlets also report on Medicaid news from Pennsylvania and New Hampshire.
Scant Evidence Exists That Flossing Is Actually Medically Beneficial
However, some experts still say that because it has very low risk and some possible reward, Americans should still floss. Meanwhile, WBUR offers a look at a new technique to remove plaque.
Bed Shortages, Budget Cuts Create Lethal Crisis For Mentally Ill Across U.S.
Patients are being held in emergency rooms, hospitals and jails for weeks before receiving proper treatment. In other news, researchers have identified 15 locations in DNA that are associated with depression, a woman finds help with her PTSD through eye movement therapy and a look at mental health laws 50 years after the University of Texas shooting.
Trump: Building A Wall Will Curb Opioid Epidemic In U.S.
The Republican presidential nominee says blocking the border with Mexico will “cut off the source” of opioids that are ravaging the U.S. In other news, an advocacy group says shell companies are contributing to the epidemic, families speak out frankly about loved ones who have died of overdoses and medical schools scramble to offer future doctors more addiction training.
Turbocharging The Body’s Immune System To Make It ‘Work Better Than Nature Made It’
Researchers have found a way to make a patient’s own blood cells become tumor assassins.
Texas Fetal Remains Regulation Likely To Be Disputed In Court, Lawyers Warn
Elsewhere, a federal judge will hear arguments about an injunction that is currently blocking an Ohio law that would divert funding from Planned Parenthood.
Copycat Biosimilar Drugs As Effective As Expensive Biologics, Study Finds
“This is the $1 billion question — are the biosimilar versions comparable? And we found, in just about every outcome examined, that the biosimilars fare very well,” one of the study’s authors says.
Medicare Extends Ban On New Home Health Agencies, Ambulance Companies In Some States
The temporary measure is part of an anti-fraud effort. Also, Medicare officials announce payment rates for nursing homes, and a Houston hospital wins coveted five stars from Medicare.
Hotel-Inspired Amenities Let Hospitals Get A Leg Up On Competitors
While increased services can improve health outcomes and cut down on the spread of infection, many hospitals are also turning toward features such as room service and massages as a way of attracting patients. Meanwhile, some hospitals start to lift strict limits on ICU visits.
Theranos CEO Focuses On Future, Reveals Plans For Blood-Testing ‘MiniLab’
Elizabeth Holmes spoke about the scandal-plagued company’s technology on Monday at the annual meeting of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry.
Two Co-Ops — N.M. Health Connections, Minuteman Health of Mass. — Sue Feds Over Health Law Formula
The two health insurance cooperatives have filed lawsuits over the health law’s risk-adjustment formula, which was billed as a way to balance the marketplace by having insurers compensate each other for providing coverage to sicker customers. This suit is the second one of its kind. Also, news outlets report on premium costs for Obamacare plans in Illinois and New Hampshire.
Obama Touts Progress Made On VA Health Care, But Says More Work Is Needed
President Barack Obama, in his final major address to a gathering of veterans before he leaves office in January, talks about the doctors hired to alleviate wait times, how benefits are available to more than 2 million veterans who didn’t have them before and other changes.
As Miami’s Zika Cases Spike, CDC Issues Unprecedented Travel Warning For Pregnant Women
Following the confirmation of 10 new Zika cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised pregnant women to stay away from a 1-square-mile area in northern Miami. The agency also recommends that all prenatal screenings should include questions about travel to Zika-infected areas.