Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare Pays Bonuses To 231 Hospitals With Lower Quality Because Of Cheaper Costs
New research highlights the paradox in the federal program to improve hospital quality.
For Hospitals, Prestige Leads To Profits
A new study explores why the most profitable U.S. hospitals are who they are.
Opioid Epidemic Fueling Hospitalizations, Hospital Costs
New research sheds light on the growing costs to the health care system associated with painkiller and heroin abuse.
Viewpoints: What Cops Know About Mental Health Situations; Home Birth In America
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in New Hampshire, Maryland, Kansas, Ohio, Texas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska and Washington.
In S.D., 2 Reservation Hospitals Agree To Undertake Significant Quality Measures
By taking these steps, the government-run hospitals on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Indian Reservations will keep receiving federal funding. News outlets report on other hospital-related developments in Minnesota, New Jersey, Washington, Colorado, Texas, Florida and Hawaii.
Flint’s Water Crisis Takes Mental Toll On Residents
With people experiencing high anxiety and distress, health workers are scrambling to provide “psychological first aid.” In other lead contamination news, parents and health providers in Washington state are being warned that water is not the only risk for exposure.
As Patients Make Transition From Hospital To Home, Simple Mistakes Can Turn Fatal
It’s one of the most dangerous junctures in medical care, and, despite multiple safeguards in place, the issue continues to endanger patient safety leading to deaths that could have and should have been prevented. In other public health news, a study finds that tighter alcohol restrictions lead to fewer deaths, and an expansive heart disease study turns 30.
Facing Down An Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: ‘The Beginning Is Like Purgatory’
Geri Taylor could not ignore the problem any longer when she looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize her own face. That day she started — with her husband — down the path of navigating Alzheimer’s.
Term ‘Opioid Epidemic’ May Hinder Efforts As Two Distinct Drug Addictions Plague U.S.
Americans are dying in startlingly high numbers from overdoses, but heroin victims and prescription opioid victims are very different. And attempts to find a one-size-fits all to the problem may exacerbate each. Meanwhile, Massachusetts has been particularly hard hit by both epidemics.
‘We Are A Dying Breed’: Even In Democratic States, Abortion Clinics’ Doors Are Closing
A combination of the economic difficulties of operating a clinic, a generally hostile atmosphere and declining demand means that many clinics are shutting down. In other news, Oklahoma’s House of Representatives approves a bill threatening the medical license of any doctor who performs an abortion, and Hillary Clinton speaks out against an Indiana abortion ban.
Medicaid Rules On Managed Care Could Put Power Of Reform In States’ Hands
New federal proposals show some of the challenges for states as Medicaid managed care operations grow. Also news on Medicaid from Iowa, New York, Kansas, Oklahoma and Michigan.
Math Error At Rural Hospital Could Cost All Mass. Hospitals $160M In Medicare Funding
A mistake in a consultant’s report on wages at the state’s only rural hospital affects the complicated formula for Medicare payments to the state. Also in the news is an analysis of the new proposals for Medicare payments to doctors and an article on the controversial plan to change how the government pays for some intravenous drug treatments.
As FDA Turns Watchful Eye On Silicon Valley, Health-Related Tech Companies Adjust Mindset On Agency
Those in the highly competitive industry have begun to think of the Food and Drug Administration as an ally instead of a powerful brake on progress.
Premium Increases This Fall Could Inject Health Law Concerns Into Election Campaign
Politico looks at how an expected rise in health premiums coming out shortly before the November election could bring the health law back into the political debate. Also, Morning Consult examines Speaker Paul Ryan’s plan for high-risk pools.
Documents From Senate Hearing Reveal The Driving Force Behind Valeant’s Price Hikes
Outgoing CEO J. Michael Pearson went against suggestions from the top leaders in the company to push for aggressive increases, documents show. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal takes a look at incoming CEO Joseph Papa’s strategy as head of a pharmaceutical company — and it looks very similar to the course Valeant has set.
First Zika-Linked U.S. Death Reported; Congress Leaves For Recess Without Approving Funding
Doctors say deaths caused by Zika complications are rare. Meanwhile, lawmakers left several unresolved issues, including a compromise that could allocate more than a billion dollars toward efforts to fight the virus, as they left on a week-long break.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Hospital Discharge: It’s One Of The Most Dangerous Periods For Patients
Bad coordination and communication can put patients at risk as they’re discharged from a hospital.
Viewpoints: Paul Ryan And High Risk Pools; Why Is Congress Delaying Zika Funding?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.