Latest KFF Health News Stories
Democratic Lawmakers In Iowa Call Payment Delays By Private Medicaid Firms ‘Shocking’
Some health care providers say the wait for payments is causing financial hardship. In other news, Kansas providers also raise concerns about the managed care Medicaid program, two new insurers plan to offer Medicaid plans in California and the Texas attorney general’s ties to a managed care firm raise questions.
New Medicare Payment Plan For Heart Attacks Will Press Hospitals To Monitor Post-Acute Care
The plan, which will be implemented in nearly 100 communities, will bundle Medicare reimbursements for coronary bypass surgery and heart attack treatments to include care delivered by skilled nursing and rehab facilities. Also in the news, some Medicare beneficiaries are surprised to find out that they have been automatically enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Ky. Governor’s Plan To Revamp Medicaid Expansion Raises Concerns
Patient advocates have told federal officials that the Kentucky plan is “a giant step backward for Kentucky.” HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell is also questioning it.
Bucking The Current Trend, Cigna Decides To Expand Into ACA Markets
In other health law news, Iowa’s largest insurer says its accountable care organization contracts have saved $35 million in costs last year, a study finds that Covered California policyholders are being rejected by doctors and the court case that could spell trouble for insurers.
How A Democrat Who’s Against Abortion Became Clinton’s VP Pick
Tim Kaine’s personal beliefs on abortion are in contrast with Hillary Clinton’s and the Democratic platform. But it’s his actions that have assuaged any fears from abortion rights groups. “He’s been not only a solid vote but really an ally,” Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards says.
Clinton Veep Pick Tim Kaine Bolstered Mental Health System After Va. Tech Shooting
As a Democratic senator and governor, Tim Kaine has backed the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid expansion and better access to mental health treatment for people in crisis.
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Congressman Decries Olympus’ Failure To Warn U.S. Hospitals About Tainted Scopes
U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) renews his call for tightened laws that would force manufacturers to notify the Food and Drug Administration when they issue safety warnings in other countries related to the design and cleaning of their devices.
Some Seniors Surprised To Be Automatically Enrolled In Medicare Advantage Plans
Concerns raised as health insurers automatically move members of their marketplace or individual plans who are eligible for Medicare.
Warning: Government Listing Of Clinical Trials Doesn’t Disclose Costs To Patients
Some clinics on NIH’s website charge people to participate in testing of unproven treatments — and it can come as a surprise to unsuspecting patients.
Kentucky And Feds Near Possible Collision On Altering Medicaid Expansion
By Aug. 1, Republican Gov. Matt Bevin is expected to ask the Obama administration to approve significant changes on many Medicaid enrollees, including monthly premiums and a work requirement.
Gov’t Task Force Finds Evidence Lacking to Support Visual Skin Cancer Screenings
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concluded that insufficient evidence exists regarding the benefits and harms of visual skin cancer exams.
Para muchos en la creciente comunidad latina de Baltimore, el cuidado de salud es un desafío
Los latinos, con o sin seguro, enfrentan muchos desafíos cuando se trata de encontrar cuidado médico.
Viewpoints: Trials Of Pro-Life Democrats; ‘Wake-Up Call’ On Drug-Resistant Superbug
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Texas, Colorado, Minnesota, California and Georgia.
Colorado ERs, Poison Control See Spike In Cases Of Kids Exposed Marijuana: Report
Medical personnel had expected more such cases when the state legalized recreational use of the drug, but “we were not prepared for the dramatic increase,” according Dr. Genie E. Roosevelt, a the senior author of the study published in JAMA Pediatrics.
Children With Disabilities Or Serious Illness Are Moving Into Limelight To Be Advocates
With better care often extending lives, many children can speak out as they grow older. Also, a study explores how patients’ observations about their health is frequently right.
Bystander Effect Of The Modern Age: Cries For Help Falling Into Social Media Abyss
Options are limited when a social media contact posts a message that sounds a lot like someone with a mental illness asking for help. But often, it’s simply ignored. In other public health news, sometimes cancer is genetic and sometimes it all just comes down to chance.
Silent Epidemic: Older Americans With Addiction Forsaken As Opioid Crisis Grips Nation
The many ramifications of the opioid epidemic on older adults range from a lack of beds in treatment facilities to a generational reluctance to seek help. In other news, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is setting up a program as an alternative to jail for those convicted of nonviolent crimes related to an opioid addiction, and advocates call for jails and prisons to offer more comprehensive treatment options.
Trendy Knee Surgery May Be Fixing A Ligament That Doesn’t Even Exist
After researchers discovered a new knee ligament, a procedure to fix it gained popularity. But now experts say it’s a “leap of faith” to think the procedure does anything to help the knee — and are even questioning if the ligament exists.