Latest KFF Health News Stories
Dispute Over Contract Reportedly Threatens Anthem, Yale Medicine Alliance
Anthem, the largest insurer in Connecticut, tells The CT Mirror that Yale Medicine, which has 1,400 physicians, said it will pull out of the insurer’s network if they haven’t settled terms by Oct. 7. Also, some people buying high-deductible plans are purchasing a separate policy to help cover the deductible.
Molina Healthcare Expands Its Medicaid Business To Become Key Player On Marketplaces
While other insurers are pulling out of the health law marketplaces, Molina is expanding. This year it is expected to be in 12 states. Meanwhile, the premiums on the Colorado marketplace will rise 20 percent on average in 2017.
Congress Still Battling Over Funding Bill That Includes Zika Money, But Optimism Grows
Republicans have already agreed to drop some controversial provisions that had been holding up Zika funding, but the deal is still not quite ready yet.
After 30 Years Of Stagnation, Big Pharma Jumps Back In Antibiotics Game. But Is It Too Late?
Developing antibiotics isn’t profitable. But with the looming threat of resistance sparking concerns globally, pharmaceutical companies may be starting to pay attention.
FDA Staffers Troubled By Top Official’s Rush To Approve Muscular Dystrophy Drug
Documents show that there were concerns Drug Center Director Janet Woodcock was influenced by public pressure. Meanwhile, Sarepta’s stock is soaring on the approval news.
Mylan CEO: We Wish We Had Better Anticipated Fallout, But Price Hikes Were Warranted
Mylan CEO Heather Bresch will face congressional fire Wednesday at a hearing to investigate the EpiPen price spike. In prepared testimony, Bresch defends the costs as a necessary investment. Meanwhile, Bresch’s mother, as National Association of State Boards of Education, spearheaded an effort to get EpiPens in schools.
First Edition: September 21, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Veterans Courted In California’s Ballot Fight Over Curbing Drug Prices
The initiative would prohibit California state agencies from paying more for a prescription drug than what the Department of Veterans Affairs pays. Both sides are deploying veterans’ sympathetic and trusted image to win over voters.
Would You Like Some Insurance With Your Insurance?
Gap insurance plans, used to cover out-of-pocket health expenses like high deductibles, are becoming increasingly popular among consumers and businesses.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Connecticut, Maryland, Kansas, Oregon, Georgia, Illinois, Florida and California.
In Wake Of Layoffs, N.H. Hospital Chief Announces Departure
Dr. David Folks, who has been the top doctor at the state psychiatric hospital for the past eight years, will step down at the beginning of 2017. In other hospital and health system news, Minnesota’s Allina Health and its striking nurses continue to test each other’s patience and resolve while Missouri-based Ascension Health is seeking to become a household word.
Community Health System Explores Options To Shed More Hospitals
The company continues to feel financial pressure from a $14.9 billion net debt load.
Georgia Nursing Home Company Faces Long List Of Troubles
Meanwhile, a California nursing home chain will pay $30 million to settle claims that it billed the federal government for unnecessary care and, in Florida, an administrative law judge upheld a state decision to approve a new 103-bed facility.
The Health Benefits Of Owning A Dog
Dogs hijack the same oxytocin-bonding pathway parents feel with children, helping owners reduce stress and anxiety levels just by gazing into their eyes. In other public health news, sweat can hold the answers to many of the body’s mysteries, bright light increases testosterone production, a study finds vasectomies are not linked to prostate cancer and more.
Experts Fear Vaccination-Like Backlash From Study Linking Ultrasounds, Autism
There hasn’t been much recent testing on the potential dangers of ultrasounds, which are being used at ever-rising rates beyond medical guidelines. However, experts caution against putting weight behind the study, which relied on anecdotal reporting instead of records.
DEA Chief: Putting People In Prison Isn’t The Answer To Opioid Crisis
“I’ve been saying this ever since I was brand-new 25 years ago: we’re not going to prosecute or enforce our way out of this mess,” says Chuck Rosenberg, the head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has recruited coders to create an app to help people find naloxone in times of need, and recovery high schools are helping teenagers who are addicted to drugs graduate.
Troubled VA Hospital Faces Congressional Scrutiny Over Fraud, Abuse Allegations
The Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center in New York has been plagued with problems, including having to close its operating rooms because sand-grain-sized black particles fell out of air ducts. In other veterans’ health care news, a top official declares a program to speed access to health care for veterans a success.
New GlaxoSmithKline CEO Will Be First Woman To Head A Major International Pharmaceutical Firm
The British company names Emma Walmsley as its next chief executive. In other industry news, Bayer raises forecasts for sales of its new medications, and research finds that a blood pressure treatment may work on malaria.
Medicare’s Bundled Payments Program Produces Mixed Results, Study Finds
Under the bundled payments program, doctors and hospitals are paid a set amount per patient for a single episode of care, such as a hip replacement, rather than paying for individual services. The report found that of the 15 types of care studied, 11 had potential to save the government money.