Latest KFF Health News Stories
Massachusetts Gets Approval To Delay Federal Rule On Small-Business Insurance
The agreement postpones for a year implementation of federal rules that require Massachusetts to switch to a smaller set of factors that can be considered in setting rates. Also, a study examines the health law’s surcharge on smokers, and new details come out about the closing of the Illinois insurance co-op.
Gubernatorial Races In 3 States May Affect Decisions On Medicaid Expansion
Bloomberg surveys the chances of Medicaid expansion in Missouri, North Carolina and Utah. Also, a new study by the Urban Institute looks at the impact Medicaid expansion could have in the 19 hold-out states.
UnitedHealth’s Q2 Profits Beat Estimates But Insurer Reports Obamacare Losses
Meanwhile, pharmaceutical business growth helps Johnson & Johnson to also top expectations. And in other marketplace news, Intuitive Surgical reports strong second-quarter earnings.
Insurer Mega-Mergers To Be Challenged By Justice Department On Antitrust Concerns
Lawsuits are expected to be filed this week to block the proposed Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana acquisitions, according to news reports.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
New Funding Seeks To Help Clinics Swamped By Demand For Dental Care
HHS awarded $156 million to 420 health centers around the country in the first grants ever specifically geared to dental care.
Anti-Abortion Forces Regroup In Wake Of Supreme Court Decision
The setback prompts some to change direction, others to stay the course.
What Do Covered California’s Big Rate Hikes Mean For You?
We answer some key questions to help consumers make sense of the news about large premium increases in the state’s Obamacare exchange.
California Announces Sharp 2017 Rate Increases To Obamacare Plans
Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange, says that its premiums will balloon by a statewide average of 13.2 percent next year — more than triple the roughly 4 percent increases in each of the previous two years.
Covered California Health Plan Rates To Jump 13.2 Percent In 2017
A double-digit increase, which follows two years of moderate rate hikes, is likely to resonate across the country in debate over Obamacare.
Viewpoints: Trump, Ryan And The GOP Health Policy Platform; Growing Debate Over Medical Errors
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from California, Oklahoma, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Texas.
If Placebos Have No Pharmaceutical Effect, Why Do They Still Deliver Health Benefits?
The latest research finds that the fake drugs may cause changes in the body, not just the mind. Meanwhile, news outlets report on other public health developments related to Alzheimer’s, hepatitis C and the effect of heat on prescription drugs.
Number Of Incurable Prostate Cancer Cases On The Rise: Report
Meanwhile, in California, pathologists at a dozen hospitals team up to improve the state’s cancer database.
U.N. Chief: Progress Against AIDS ‘Inadequate – And Fragile’
His comments came on the opening day of the 21st International AIDS conference. News outlets also report on both international and domestic issues related to curbing the disease’s spread.
Benefits Of Electroshock For Some Depression Patients Outweigh Risks: FDA
In other mental health treatment news, free counseling is offered by black doctors in Atlanta for racial trauma and in Minneapolis for children coping with a loss while groups find that kids and seniors both benefit from intergenerational activities.
More Than 1 In 4 LGBT Adults Could Not Afford Food In Last Year: Report
In other news related to Americans’ eating habits, a new app aims to help consumers navigate nutrition and exercise, farm subsidies go toward crops that contribute to obesity and more states consider a soda tax.
Addiction Law Fails To Adequately Strengthen Opioid Tracking System, Critics Say
Language was eliminated from the final bill that would have only provided grants to states that required physicians to check drug databases before they wrote a painkiller prescription. Doctors lobbied against the provision, saying it was too burdensome. And marijuana laws make news in Texas and New Hampshire.
Hospital Roundup: Ransomware Attacks Worry Congress; A Rise In ‘Microhospitals’
In other news related to the hospital industry, a Georgia court case tests privacy laws, CEOs discuss gun violence and race relations, a nasty budget fights hits a Massachusetts agency that tracks health care costs, Catholic Health System works on turnaround plan and a Florida family sues a hospital for forcing a patient release.
Health Innovations: Tiny Robot Could Mend Stomach Troubles; Growing A Hip Replacement
Gene editing and a new spinal surgery guidance system also make headlines.