Latest KFF Health News Stories
Outlets report on health news from California, Texas, New York, Minnesota, Iowa, Virginia, Arkansas and Ohio.
Damage To Vermont Hospital In 2011 Hurricane Helped Revitalize Mental Health Care
Rising flood waters forced the evacuation of the troubled state mental hospital, and eventually it was demolished. The state instead implemented a regional system of care for those with severe mental health problems. Also in the news, a look at Kansas’ effort to get people into mental health treatment and efforts to recruit volunteers for a suicide prevention project in Ohio.
N.H. Attorney General Accuses Purdue Pharma Of Stonewalling OxyContin Probe
In its refusal to comply with a New Hampshire subpoena, Purdue cites objections to the state’s use of a private law firm in an ongoing investigation of the company and other opioid makers. In other news, a recent heroin deaths spike in several states leaves officials scrambling.
Experts: ‘Exceptional Responders’ To Cancer Treatments Shouldn’t Be Dismissed As Just Outliers
Often categorized as statistically insignificant, patients who see dramatic results from treatments that don’t work on others could hold a key to better understanding cancer. In other public health news are stories on sleep apnea treatment, brain-eating amoeba, super lice and colonoscopies.
Pediatricians Push Back Against Rising Tide Of ‘Vaccination Hesitancy’
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released guidelines for doctors facing parents who are resistant to getting their children vaccinated. A new survey shows that 87 percent of pediatricians have encountered issues with a parent refusing to vaccinate his or her child.
Ala. Legislature Kills Lottery Plan That Would Have Boosted Medicaid Funding
The state’s Medicaid program faces a deficit of at least $85 million in the budget beginning Oct. 1. Legislators may try to patch that hole with money from an oil spill payout. Outlets also reported Medicaid news from Iowa, Virginia, Puerto Rico and Maryland.
Medicare Advantage Audit Uncovers Rampant Overcharging
All but two of the 37 health plans audited for 2007 were overpaid — typically several hundred thousand dollars too much.
How Unbranded Ad Campaigns Helped EpiPen Maker Skirt Regulations
The ad campaigns are a stealthy way for pharmaceutical companies to raise consumer awareness of a need for a drug without explicitly mentioning the drug itself, which allows them to avoid disclosing side effects. Meanwhile, a generic for the pricey EpiPen could be coming out as soon as next year.
Documents Reveal Congressional Advocacy On Behalf Of Controversial Cancer Doctor
From 2011 to 2016, 37 members of Congress wrote to the Food and Drug Administration asking the agency to grant constituents access to Stanislaw Burzynski’s cancer treatment. Critics say that congressional advocacy is giving the doctor unearned legitimacy and the patients a false sense of hope for a treatment that has been cited as potentially fatal to those who partake in the treatment.
Clinton Introduces Mental Health Plan Focusing On Early Diagnosis, Intervention
Hillary Clinton also is promising to create a national initiative for suicide prevention, hold a mental health conference within her first year in office, enforce mental health parity laws and prioritize training for law enforcement officers.
FDA: All Donated Blood Should Be Screened For Zika
The agency — in an effort to safeguard the nation’s blood supply — says even centers in states where Zika is not circulating should take precautions. Meanwhile, the Obama administration is warning that all funding will be exhausted by the end of September.
Threat Of Monopolies Looms As Insurers Withdraw From ACA Markets, Analysis Shows
More than 60 percent of counties in the United States could have only one or two options for coverage in 2017, according to a new analysis.
More Employers Moving Toward High-Deductible Plans And Prescription Drug Limits
A survey of D.C.-area employers shows that they are following the same health care cost-sharing trends as other businesses nationwide.
Protecting California’s Seniors From Surprise Hospital, Nursing Home Bills
Lawmakers approve bill to help Medicare patients with “observation care” costs.
FAQ: Hospital Observation Care Can Be Costly For Medicare Patients
A guide to help Medicare patients receiving observation care.
First Edition: August 29, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Hospital Surprise: Medicare’s Observation Care
You’re in a hospital and think you’re admitted. Maybe not. Many Medicare beneficiaries are surprised to learn that even after spending a couple of days, they are receiving observation care, which Medicare considers an outpatient service, so the seniors’ costs can be more than expected.
Teaching Medical Teamwork Right From The Start
In a joint project, the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University are banking on a new building to kick start efforts to bring health professionals together by introducing collaboration into medical training.
Viewpoints: Repairing Marketplaces After Aetna Leaves; American Diet; Ky. Medicaid Changes
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Debate On EpiPens: Health Care System At The Heart Of The Problem; Hollow Promises
Commentaries on the controversy about the high prices for the drug that helps people with severe allergies.