Latest KFF Health News Stories
At Hearing, Burwell Promises ‘Pro-Active Approach’ On Regulations For Drug-Dependent Babies
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said an investigation by Reuters triggered a review of how states were complying with the law, and that action was taken “where we found wrongdoing.” In other news from Capitol Hill, Senate Democrats denounce Republicans for holding an abortion hearing while refusing to consider a Supreme Court nominee, and, in the House, a panel is pressing ahead with a proposed budget that includes cuts to health care despite conservative protests.
Concurrent Surgeries To Come Under Senate Scrutiny
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, is launching a “fact-finding exercise” investigating the practice of a surgeon performing on more than one patient.
Former EPA Official Says Agency Did Nothing Wrong On Flint, But ‘Could Have Done More’
Members of a congressional oversight committee blasted Susan Hedman’s testimony. “You screwed up and you ruined people’s lives,” said Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
CDC Releases Guidelines To Rein In Opioid Prescriptions
The recommendations are nonbinding, and initial versions have faced push back from critics who worry patients will not get the pain relief they need.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Doctors Ponder Delicate Talks As Medicare Pays For End-Of-Life Counsel
Physicians can now bill Medicare $86 for up to 30 minutes of counseling given to patients about end-of-life planning, but many doctors may need training to have those talks.
Viewpoints: Clinton’s Obamacare Riddle; The Affordable Care Act? Maybe Not
A selection of opinions from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Virginia, Florida, California, Kansas, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Effort To ‘Carve Out’ Pediatric Dental Services From Florida Medicaid Program Takes Step Forward
The Florida Legislature’s bill calls for a study of dental services in the state’s managed care system. If lawmakers take no action by July of 2017, the program would “carve out” dental by 2019 and revert it to the independent, prepaid system that existed before managed care. Meanwhile, in Kansas, a House subcommittee recommends delaying a plan to combine Medicaid waiver services.
Doctors Telling Patients To Hit The Gym, Not The Pharmacy
Instead of treating chronic problems with medication, health care providers are increasingly prescribing exercise for their patients. In other public health news, pregnant women who traveled to Zika-infected areas are facing tough decisions at home, a new study finds that it might be discharged patients who are spreading “superbug” infections, and an oncologist talks about the choice she had to make after she discovered she was predisposed to breast and ovarian cancer.
Experts Worry Eating Disorder Centers Are Sacrificing Treatment For Profit
In an ever-expanding industry, some worry that the residential programs are taking advantage of vulnerable patients.
Getting Drugs To Treat Addiction Harder Than Getting The Drugs To Feed It
A shortage of doctors able to prescribe anti-addiction medications means those who need help are struggling to get it. In other news, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill targeting the state’s opioid crisis into law.
Democrats Call Out GOP Action On Late-Term Abortions, Yet Inaction On High Court Vacancy
“While they say they won’t even hold a hearing on a Supreme Court nominee to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities— they were eager to hold a hearing to attack women’s constitutional rights,” Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., will say when she takes the battle to the Senate floor. Meanwhile, in Indiana, abortion rights advocates ask Gov. Mike Pence to veto a bill that would ban the procedure if the fetus has a genetic abnormality.
New Rules Aimed At Helping Consumers On Federal Exchanges
Among other things, the new regulations would give patients slightly more warning before they get hit with surprise medical bills. In other health law news, one-third of Floridians say their health care has become less affordable in the two years since the Affordable Care Act was implemented.
Report: 21 Million Would Lose Insurance Under Donald Trump’s Health Plan
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a Washington-based fiscal watchdog, said the Republican presidential candidate’s proposals would also drive up the deficit by as much as $500 billion over the next 10 years.
Marijuana-Based Drug Helps Reduce Seizures In Children, Study Finds
Justin Gover, chief executive of GW Pharmaceuticals, said the trial result “validates the proposition that cannabinoids can play a meaningful role in modern medicine.”
Specialty Medicines Contribute To 5 Percent Increase In Drug Spending For 2015, Report Finds
The rate is half of the 2014 spike, but Express Scripts, the company that issued the report, forecasts that the prices will only continue to climb for the next two years.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Three Changes Consumers Can Expect In Next Year’s Obamacare Coverage
The Department of Health and Human Services issues new rules designed to simplify health coverage consumers buy through Healthcare.gov.
Fear Of Future Health Problems Plagues Porter Ranch, Calif., Gas Leak Victims
Even after the gas leak in Porter Ranch has been sealed, worries persist about the long-term health risks for residents.