Latest KFF Health News Stories
People With Obamacare Plans Filled More Prescriptions, But Had Lower Costs
A study explores how coverage gains resulting from the federal health law may have changed people’s health care habits and spending.
Viewpoints: Will Obamacare Survive Or Collapse?; DEA ‘Reefer Madness’
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On Drug Costs: Congress Must Say Enough Is Enough
Recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Drugmakers Pump Donations Into 2016 War Chests — Here’s Where It’s Going
News outlets report on the pharmaceutical drug industry.
Outlets report on health news from Massachusetts, Colorado, Connecticut, California, Florida, Virginia and New York.
Kentucky AG Sues Johnson & Johnson, Says Company ‘Chose Profits Over People’
Kentucky is the third state to sue the company over its vaginal mesh products.
Majority Of Americans Concerned Government Isn’t Prepared For Zika Outbreak
A recent poll shows that about 1 in 4 Americans are very concerned about the Zika virus, but more than double have qualms about the federal government’s ability to adequately handle an outbreak.
Public Health Roundup: Discarded Organs; Elevated Cancer Risks; And Superbugs From Pets
Media outlets also report on efforts to use fitness apps to make exercise more enjoyable and the risk that strollers and car seats pose to children.
Michael Bromberg, Former Head Of The Federation Of American Hospitals, Dies
Bromberg was a leading health-care lobbyist who often avoided the spotlight but cultivated support from both political parties. He unsuccessfully sought to get the Clinton administration to modify its plan for health reform and then played a key role in fighting the proposal.
Colorado Didn’t Qualify For $38 Million Bonus It Got From Medicaid, Federal Audit Finds
The Health and Human Services inspector general’s office says the state received money for children who didn’t qualify. Meanwhile, in Kansas, state officials cancel public meetings on plans to cut reimbursements for Medicaid providers.
The Woman Behind The Changing Face Of Planned Parenthood
A lightning rod in the charged atmosphere of the current debate on abortion, Planned Parenthood head Cecile Richards is viewed as a heroic defender of women’s health care or a cunning puppet-master — depending on who is doing the talking.
New Osteoporosis Drug Would Offer An Additional Treatment Option
The drug, which garnered promising results in a large clinical trial, is expected to win approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Meanwhile, another article examines why medicating kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder makes them safer.
Justice Can’t Prosecute Medical Marijuana Cases If State Law Not Broken, Appeals Court Rules
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco orders that pot growers, suppliers and users cannot be prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice if their actions are not illegal under state law. Meanwhile, Arizona receives 750 applications for 31 dispensary licenses that will be granted in October.
SEC Cracks Down On Health Net For Its Attempts To Silence Whistleblowers
The insurance provider had departing employees sign illegal severance agreements that stripped away their financial incentives to blow the whistle on any questionable activities.
Aetna Exit Brings Health Law — Largely Absent On Campaign Trail — Back Into Play
Though candidates haven’t been beating the repeal and replace drum as loudly this cycle, Aetna’s withdrawal from a majority of ACA exchanges brings the topic back into the election spotlight.
Some States To Be Left With Few Or No ACA Options After Aetna’s Pullback
Media outlets report from Arizona, Iowa, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas on what Aetna’s exit from most health law marketplaces means for the states.
Long-Term Stability Of ACA In Doubt As Insurers Continue To Jump Ship
“The exchanges are a mess as they exist today,” says Aetna’s CEO Mark Bertolini. The company is the latest insurer to announce it is pulling out of most markets.
First Edition: August 17, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Licensing Logjam For California Nurses
A big backlog of applications at the state’s licensing board is holding up hiring by hospitals and making it difficult for recent nurse graduates — and experienced nurses from out of state — to work.
Medical Providers Try Uber, Lyft For Patients With Few Transportation Options
Some hospitals and other medical providers are experimenting with ride-hailing services to help patients without access to cars get to their appointments.