Latest KFF Health News Stories
After Serious Losses On Marketplaces, Some Insurers Likely To Sharply Raise Premiums
Some of the companies priced their plans too low in the early years of the health marketplaces. In other news, a preview of the possible fallout for insurers if a court rules against the Obama administration on cost sharing subsidies, several outlets look at UnitedHealth’s pullback and California lawmakers weigh a measure to allow immigrants in the country illegally to buy coverage on the state marketplace.
Despite Pleas From Patients, FDA Panel Votes Against Drug For Muscular Dystrophy
The panel members said the trial was not well-controlled, noting that it only involved 12 patients without an adequate placebo control.
CMS’ Sweeping Medicaid Managed Care Rules Set New Quality Standards
The long-awaited regulation, the biggest for Medicaid managed care in a decade, changes many aspects of how large insurance contractors who administer care for some of the most vulnerable patients.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Will Covered California Sell Health Coverage To The Undocumented?
California is inching closer to a first-in-the-nation request for a federal ruling that would allow the state’s Obamacare exchange to sell health plans to immigrants who are living in the country illegally.
High Court Ruling May Hinder Plans’ Efforts To Recoup Consumers’ Legal Awards
When consumers who have been injured sue and win an award, insurance plans routinely demand that they be reimbursed for medical costs that they covered. The Supreme Court this term threw a small chink into that strategy.
Administration Says New Rules For Medicaid Plans Will Improve Service For Enrollees
Private insurers that administer Medicaid for the poor also face limits on profits and requirements to provide sufficient doctors.
United’s Departure From Marketplaces Could Impact Consumers’ Costs, Access
Florida and Oklahoma counties are among the hardest hit by UnitedHealthcare’s pullout from health law exchanges.
Viewpoints: Extending Sanders’ Health Mission; The Future Of Single-Payer?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Texas, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington, New Hampshire and Missouri.
Only 6 Southeast Michigan Hospitals Get ‘A’ Grades For Patient Safety
However, some urge caution when using ratings from the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog, that judge the quality of the facilities. Media outlets also offer hospital coverage from Florida, Virginia, New Hampshire, California and Texas.
Experts Hammer Home Importance Of Treatment And Education At Hearing On Opioid Crisis
At a hearing in Ohio hosted by the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, law enforcement officials and experts spoke about ways of addressing and curbing the epidemic that is gripping the state and the rest of the country. “We cannot arrest our way out of this problem,” Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said. In other news, a Missouri lawmaker threatens to filibuster a bill establishing a prescription drug monitoring program, and a Detroit man is recognized for his drug recovery program.
Health Officials Release Guidelines For Employers In Effort To Protect Workers From Zika
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued the rules on Friday, which include providing insect repellent to employees, urging them to wear protective clothing, and allowing flexibility in travel to Zika-affected areas. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell will travel to Puerto Rico to talk about the virus.
The Shifting Definition Of Healthy Eating
Foods with fat and salt may not be as bad as once thought — and businesses are pivoting to keep up. Meanwhile, Bernie Sanders opposes a soda tax, saying it hurts poor families.
Under Okla. Bill Sent To Governor, Doctors Could Lose License For Performing An Abortion
Gov. Mary Fallin, a Republican, has not indicated if she will sign the legislation, which critics call unconstitutional. Elsewhere, Missouri lawmakers are blocking federal funds to Planned Parenthood, and anti-abortion activists protest in Virginia and California.
States Filling In Gaps In Veterans’ Mental Health Care
Several states are moving legislation and introducing PTSD programs to target what they see as holes in the care offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. In other news, lawmakers and veterans are speaking up about the dangers of the military’s “burn pits.”
Patients, Advocates To Flood FDA Panel Hearing On Experimental Muscular Dystrophy Treatment
The panel will hear from scientists and patients alike on Monday as it decides whether to recommend that the FDA approve the drug, called eteplirsen. More than 800 patient advocates have registered to appear, making it among the best attended FDA advisory committee meetings in history.
‘All Humankind Is Waiting And Watching’: Mania Erupts Over Potential Fountain Of Youth Pill
Scientists announce a clinical trial to see if a common Type 2 diabetes treatment could stave off some of the most devastating diseases of advanced age — and seniors are coming out of the woodwork in droves to be involved.
Drug Companies To Pour $100M Into Battle Against California’s Price Control Ballot Initiative
The initiative, likened by one lobbyist to a “grenade being rolled into the conversation,” would require the state to pay no more for prescription drugs than the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the industry is gearing up to fight back. In other news, Novartis’ heart-failure drug is getting a warmer welcome in Europe than America, and the company is considering its options in selling its stake in Roche.
Despite Success In Extending Medicaid Expansion, Ark. Gov. Faces Obstacles Ahead
Opposition to the program is still strong in some areas, and funding in the future could be difficult. News outlets also report on Medicaid developments in Oklahoma and New Mexico.