Latest KFF Health News Stories
Allina Brings In Traveling Nurses During Strike
Meanwhile, the striking nurses highlighted some aspects of the hospital’s financial strategies.
State Officials Seek Feds’ OK To Expand Covered California To People In The Country Illegally
California will be the first state to seek federal permission to allow these immigrants to buy health insurance through the state-based exchange.
Positive Drug Tests Among U.S. Workers Reach Highest Level In A Decade
In related news, as the opioid abuse epidemic continues, law enforcement officers are increasingly facing challenges in protecting themselves from exposure to lethal substances.
Prostate Cancer Study Offers Insights Regarding Value Of Treatments
Researchers hailed findings that indicate the survival rate for early-stage prostate cancer is 99 percent after 10 years, regardless of whether men opted for surgery, radiation or were actively monitoring their conditions.
The Uphill Battle Of Fighting Zika: Americans Just Aren’t Worried Enough
A recent survey showed that two-thirds of Americans were “not too” worried or “not at all” worried about the disease. And without proper funding, public education becomes a crucial element to battling Zika. If people don’t care, though, that leaves officials at a loss. Meanwhile, a new poll shows that there are shifting views on late-term abortions now that the virus is spreading.
While Clinton Reveals More Details On Pneumonia, Trump Admits He’s Overweight
The campaign’s spotlight has shifted toward the candidates’ health in recent days, but the underlying concern has more to do with transparency issues.
Capitalizing On Renewed Interest From Clinton, Senators Launch Public Option Effort
The resolution to focus on building out a public option — introduced by Sens. Jeff Merkley, Chuck Schumer, Patty Murray, Dick Durbin and Bernie Sanders — follows several tumultuous months for the exchanges.
Those Drugmaker Coupons Cut Costs In The Short-Term, But Are Actually Driving Up Prices
The Associated Press breaks down the pros and cons of the coupons, which are facing increased scrutiny because of the EpiPen controversy. Meanwhile, Allergan strengthens its skin-care pipeline by acquiring Vitae.
EpiPen-Maker’s CEO To Face Congressional Fire At Hearing On Price Gouging
Chief Executive Heather Bresch will testify in front of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee next week. Meanwhile, senators plan to introduce a bill requiring drugmakers to give a 30-day notice and justification of any prescription drug price increase of more than 10 percent.
HHS Unlikely To Approve Changes To Kentucky’s Expanded Medicaid Program
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin has sought a waiver to reshape the program put in place by former Gov. Steve Beshear. In other news, a federal report criticizes South Dakota’s efforts to fight Medicaid fraud, and a federal appeals court finds that some Medicaid patients who sued over the Arizona plan should be able to recover attorneys’ fees.
Lawmakers Voice Concerns About 2017 Premiums And Overall Performance Of Health Law
Republicans criticize insurer participation and co-op closures at a hearing of two House Energy and Commerce subcommittees while acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt defends the law. In other ACA news, Centene files to sell plans in two Arizona counties next year, Sen. Lamar Alexander introduces a bill to extend subsidies to some private plans and the Obama administration and insurers discuss payments.
Survey Of Employers Finds Modest Rise In 2015 Health Premiums, But Deductibles Soared
The Kaiser Family Foundation analysis finds that premiums for health insurance family plans offered through a workplace grew about 3 percent. Yet that was partly the result of employers shifting costs to workers through increased deductibles, which have grown nearly six times as fast as wages.
First Edition: September 15, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
The Ads Say ‘Get Your Flu Shot Today,’ But It May Be Wiser To Wait
The flu vaccine is available for longer windows of time. Experts say to weigh convenience and science in deciding when to roll up your sleeve.
Key Steps Can Help Patients Recover From A Stay In The ICU
Chances of recovering after an ICU stay rise when families keep patients oriented, stay on top of care plans and encourage seniors to get moving.
As Aerial Spraying Continues In Miami’s Zika Fight, Effectiveness Up In Air
As Miami-Dade doubles down on aerial spraying of the insecticide naled to combat the mosquitoes that spread Zika, experts question that approach.
Geographic, Racial Disparities In Stroke Treatment Tracked In New Study
Patients living in the Northeast are more than twice as likely to get a powerful drug than those in the Midwest or South and African-Americans were 26 percent less likely to get the medicine, a study in the journal Neurology finds.
Studies: Employer Costs Slow As Consumers Use Less Care, Deductibles Soar
Cost pressures may induce patients to forego needed care, some worry.
Viewpoints: Despite Drop In Uninsured, Poor Americans Need Help; Trump’s Plan For Moms
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Thoughts On Presidential Health: More Details Needed; A Woman’s Effort To Power Through
Commentators examine the national debate about Hillary Clinton’s health.