Latest KFF Health News Stories
Judge’s Ruling Against FTC In Hospital Merger Case An ‘Unexpected Twist’
However, speculation now surrounds whether the Federal Trade Commission will take the unusual tact of continuing its challenge to the proposed merger despite the federal judge’s ruling. Meanwhile, in other hospital news, an Illinois state review board has approved the University of Chicago Medical Center’s expansion plan, and a Georgia safety-net hospital is regrouping after Novant Health decided to back away from a possible partnership.
Doctors In Utah Don’t Know How To Comply With Utah’s New Fetal Pain Law
Providers say there is no science laying out how to administer anesthesia or painkillers to a fetus, as the state law now requires for any abortion at 20 weeks or later. In other reproductive health news, a Maryland law makes birth control less expensive and the national economy feels the pinch from lower birth rates.
Not Just Kids Being Kids: Panel Warns Of Serious Public Health Consequences Of Bullying
Bullies and their victims can suffer short- and long-term consequences, including anxiety, depression and a higher risk of suicide for those who are bullied, experts say.
Experimental Texas Clinics Treat Emotional And Physical Trauma Of Foster Kids
The models provide mental health services at every point of a child’s medical treatment, as well as guidance for caregivers. Meanwhile in Chicago, telehealth startup Regroup Therapy raises $1.8 million for virtual mental health services.
Patients Saved By Naloxone Too Often Succumbing Quickly To Another Overdose
If Prince died from opioids, he follows a dangerous pattern that is a growing frustration for first responders: saving a life only to lose it shortly after to another overdose. Meanwhile, a warrant reveals that Prince was seeing a doctor in the month before his death.
Opioid Epidemic Becomes Key Talking Point For Vulnerable Senate Candidates In Hard-Hit States
Republican senators such as Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, Rob Portman of Ohio and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania have all run ads or talked about their experience in combating the issue. In other news, the House overwhelmingly passes the first three pieces of an 18-bill opioid package slated for consideration this week, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo appoints a task force to address the crisis.
NIH To Overhaul Leadership At Flagship Hospital Following Report On Patient Safety Failures
National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins is recruiting for three new positions: a chief executive, a chief operating officer and a chief medical officer.
Long-Term Care’s Ever-Increasing Price Tag: $100,000 A Year
The cost of private nursing home rooms has increase nearly 19 percent since 2011, a new study finds. It’s part of a trend of Americans paying more for long-term care.
House GOP Task Force Is Looking At Possible Medicaid Changes To Offer In 2017
Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., says rising costs will force states and the federal government to look at the issue soon.
Opposition Fierce For Medicare Plan To Cut Pay For Drugs As Comment Period Ends
The plan, which affects drugs such as cancer treatments given in outpatient settings, has drawn more than 1,300 comments.
With Medicare-For-More Argument, Clinton Shifts Left On Health Care
As Hillary Clinton looks to wrap up the Democratic presidential primary, she is floating the idea of a Medicare buy-in option for those in their 50s.
Obama Administration Rushing To Finish Work On Health Care Initiatives
Among the issues officials are still trying to iron out are efforts to cut drug prices and improve primary care delivery. Nonetheless, Democrats are nervous that insurance premiums coming out in October could have an impact on the election. And industry and health experts are unsure what effect the proposed mergers in the insurance industry would have on the market.
Perspectives On Drug Costs: To Lower Prices, Consumers Need To Walk Away
A selection of opinions on drug costs from around the country.
Cigna To Get Price Discounts If Drugs Don’t Perform As Well As Expected
News outlets from across the country report on the pharmaceutical drug industry.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Sounds Like A Good Idea? Selling Insurance Across State Lines
Republicans have long touted a proposal to allow insurers to sell across state lines as a way to help keep coverage costs down. But there are some significant obstacles to making such a system work, as this video points out.
Viewpoints: FDA’s Legal Test; What To Believe About Medical Errors?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news in Ohio, California, Arizona, North Carolina and Kansas.
Memorial Hospital, BJC HealthCare Seek Regulatory OK For $22M Medical Office
News outlets also report on other hospital-related developments in Pennsylvania, Florida, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Montana and Minnesota.
N.M. Officials Say Medicaid Reimbursement Cuts Will Help Shrink Shortfall
The expected payment reductions to hospitals, physicians and other health providers — as well as accounting changes — will get the budget gap down to $24 million, state officials said. Also, Medicaid advocates in Iowa are urging vigilance on the efforts of the new private managed care plans in that state.