Latest KFF Health News Stories
The measure approving limited use of the drug now goes to Gov. John Kasich. Polls show nearly 90 percent of Ohioans support medical marijuana.
Closing Arguments Held In Illinois Hospital-Merger Antitrust Case
In other news, an alliance of Georgia hospital systems is in talks with a large physician organization while Connecticut officials give the temporary OK to a hospital purchase.
Alaska Temporarily Delays Medicaid Payments To Doctors, Hospitals
State officials say claims will still be paid according to the timetable mandated by the federal government and the delays will be brief as they grapple with a shortfall at the end of the fiscal year.
Study: Risk Of Microcephaly ‘Substantial’ For Pregnant Women Infected By Zika
A new report reveals that up to 14 percent of women who contract the Zika virus while pregnant will have babies born with the birth defect. In other news, CDC head Tom Frieden talks about his outbreak worries while U.S. officials take steps to protect Olympic athletes heading to Brazil.
Researchers Zero In On Toxic Debris From Infections As Potential Cause Of Alzheimer’s
In “an innovative and novel study,” scientists will investigate the way the brain fights invaders: a defense response that could leave behind the plaque that is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
The Facts That ‘Vaxxed’ Leaves Out
The controversial movie presents itself as a scientific documentary about vaccinations and autism, but it skates over backstory and events that could challenge its portrayal of a link. The Washington Post puts those in context.
Despite Being ‘Very Much Alive,’ 4,200 Veterans’ Benefits Cut Off After Being Declared Dead
The Veterans Administration has since restored their benefits and has changed its protocols for confirming deaths. In other news, PBS NewsHour tracks the fallout from Secretary Robert McDonald’s comments about wait lines.
S.C. Governor Signs 20-Week Abortion Ban
Legislation banning the procedure at 20 weeks is now in effect in at least 13 states and blocked by court challenges in several others. Elsewhere, some are criticizing Oklahoma’s focus on issues such as abortion as the state struggles under deep financial burdens, and the Michigan Senate sends its governor a bill making coercing a woman into an abortion a misdemeanor.
A New Machine For Manufacturing Medicine
Kaiser Health News reports on a prototype machine that produces 1,000 pills in 24 hours and takes up the space of a refrigerator rather than a large factory.
Justice Department Joins Lawsuit Accusing Calif. Hospital Chain Of Improper Medicare Billing
The federal agency is joining a whistle-blower in alleging that Prime Healthcare Services overbilled Medicare by improperly admitted patients.
Beginning Days Of Walgreens-Theranos Partnership In The Spotlight
The Wall Street Journal reports that Walgreens never fully validated Theranos’ technology before striking up their partnership even though some executives and outside advisers had doubts.
Missouri Is First State To Rebuke Proposed Aetna-Humana Merger Over Antitrust Concerns
The insurers have 30 days to “submit a plan to remedy the anti-competitive impact of the acquisition,” according to the Missouri Department of Insurance’s preliminary order, or stop selling certain plans in the state.
W. Va. Medicaid Expansion Advocates Worry About Future Costs
Under the federal health law, West Virginia and the other states that expanded their Medicaid programs will begin to pick up some of the costs next year, adding to already burdened state budgets.
IRS Officials Reportedly Raised Questions About Health Law Payments At Center Of Court Battle
The cost-sharing subsidies for low-income people buying coverage on the online insurance marketplaces are at the heart of a lawsuit filed by Republican members of the House, who say they were never approved by Congress. Also in the news, House Republicans find fault in how Oregon set up its enrollment website.
Insurers Seeking Rate Hikes Of 20 Percent Or More For 2017
The proposed increases are an indicator of how the big health plans are adapting to the Affordable Care Act’s transformation of the way health coverage is priced and sold in the U.S.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Missouri Hospitals Seek To Focus Readmission Penalties On Patient Poverty
The Missouri Hospital Association objects to the formula for setting the federal penalties because it does not factor in the number of patients who are poor or in bad health. It is seeking to generate consumer interest in the penalties.
Inventing A Machine That Spits Out Drugs In A Whole New Way
A refrigerator-sized machine could someday make lifesaving drugs on site when outbreaks occur or where medicine is in short supply, like on the battlefield.
Viewpoints: A Critical View Of Obamacare; The Hard Facts Of The Aetna-Humana Merger
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On Drug Costs: Increased Prices Jeopardize Shift To Fee-For-Value System
Editorial and opinion writers offer their take on drug-cost issues.