Latest KFF Health News Stories
Federal Ethics Panel Approves First Study Of Gene-Editing Tech CRISPR
The experiment would use the technology to create genetically altered immune cells to attack three kinds of cancer.
Some Say For-Profit Med Schools Will Help Solve Doctor Shortages — But Not Everyone Is So Sure
As more crop up around the country, for-profit medical schools are — according to proponents — a solution to a problem plaguing rural health care. But others say they’re the equivalent of Wal-Mart coming into a small community and impacting local mom-and-pop businesses.
Pending Mega-Mergers Among Insurers Face Different Levels Of Resistance
The Connecticut Mirror reports that Aetna appears to be clearing regulatory issues in its merger with Humana more easily than Anthem’s efforts to merge with Cigna. Outlets also report developments related to not-for-profit integrated health systems, spending trends regarding complementary medicines and the link between salaries and health insurance.
Dems Try To Force Vote On Zika Funding In Last-Ditch Effort Before Recess
Filing a discharge petition could signal that bipartisan negotiations are not moving forward. In other news, the CDC works to offer Zika-planning blueprints to cities and states, researchers launch a massive study of 10,000 pregnant women to better understand the virus, Microsoft joins the fight against carrier mosquitoes and 10 pregnant women in Texas test positive for Zika.
Study: Medicaid Expansion Could Cut Down On Uncompensated Care Rates In Hospitals
Researchers found that the number of uninsured patients seeking care at hospitals dropped after Michigan expanded its Medicaid program. This means hospitals are actually getting paid for the services they provide.
Administration To Use IRS In Efforts To Enroll Healthy But Uninsured Millennials
Through tax records, HHS will find people ages 18 to 34 who had to pay the individual mandate fee, and reach out to them directly to try to woo a generally healthier population that could balance out the exchanges.
Long-Awaited GOP ‘Replace’ Health Plan Offers Broad Outline, Few Financial Details
Many of the ideas presented by Speaker Paul Ryan and other Republicans are familiar — such as health savings accounts, high-risk pools and selling insurance across state lines. They would also raise the Medicare eligibility age to 67. However, the plan left a lot of questions about costs unanswered.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Politics Makes Abortion Training In Texas Difficult
The hostile climate surrounding abortion in Texas has made it hard for doctors-in-training to learn to do abortions. Professors feel intimidated, and there are fewer clinics where residents can train.
Can Doctors Learn To Perform Abortions Without Doing One?
Accredited medical residency programs have to teach doctors how to perform abortions. But interpretation of the requirement varies, especially in a state like Texas where training options are scarce.
House Republicans Unveil Long-Awaited Plan To Replace Health Law
The proposal includes many details, but key questions about cost remain unanswered.
Boeing Contracts Directly With California Health System For Employee Benefits
Aerospace giant’s Southern California employees will have access to MemorialCare’s network of hospitals and clinics, in addition to UC Irvine Health and other providers.
HHS Targets Young Adults In 2017 Obamacare Enrollment Plan
The Obama administration’s strategy to attract young under-insured adults includes targeted direct mailings and discounted Lyft rides to open enrollment events this fall.
Study: ‘It’s Not So Simple That Alcohol Is Good For You Or Alcohol Is Bad For You’
Researchers find a link between alcohol consumption and an elevated risk for a heart rhythm disorder, but the analysis also indicates that a lot depends on the individual. In other public health news, a new study on fat could help doctors prescribe the best diet for their patients and KHN looks at the uncertainty surrounding the health effects of donating eggs.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
In Comments On Ark. Medicaid Revisions, Groups Object To Plan To End Retroactive Coverage
The change would leave poor residents with more medical debt and make it harder for doctors to collect for services, according to the responses, which will be forwarded to federal officials who will have to approve any changes to the state’s Medicaid program. Also in the news, Indiana and federal officials are tussling over reviewing that state’s Medicaid system, and Louisiana ends one group’s work with Medicaid.
Fort Worth’s Regency Hospital To Close; Allina Nurses Strike In The Twin Cities
Also, SSM Health plans to build a new academic medical center to replace St. Louis University Hospital. In other hospital-related news, Marketplace explores why it is so hard for hospitals to share patient data and The New York Times reports on a Boston hospital’s conflicting ideas about growth.
Advocacy Group Releases Report Ranking States On Children’s Well-Being
Media outlets cover this year’s Kids Count Data Book’s data on California, Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, New Hampshire and Iowa.
In Search For PTSD Treatment, Gene Identified That May Influence Fear Factor
Researchers are looking for genes to target that influence people’s reactions to stress and anxiety. In other news related to veterans’ health, employees at a Houston VA facility have been understating appointment waiting times.
Baby Born With Brain Outside Skull Had Little Chance Of Survival — But No One Told Him That
Mom Sierra Yoder thought she would meet her son and then have to bury him. Now, months later, Bentley Yoder continues to defy the odds.