Latest KFF Health News Stories
Should Federal Retirees Opt For Medicare?
When people retire from federal government jobs, they can keep their federal plan as primary coverage but may face penalties for late Medicare sign-ups later on.
It’s Not Just Doctors And Nurses, Patients Need To Wash Their Hands, Too
New research indicates that patients who leave the hospital for post-acute care facilities carry superbugs with them.
For Terminally Ill In California, End Of Suffering Is Now In Sight
Terminal patients and doctors prepare themselves for California’s new assisted suicide law, which takes effect June 9.
Viewpoints: A Medicaid Funding Tutorial; Michigan And Mental Health Services Privatization
A selection of opinions from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Michigan, Puerto Rico, Washington, Virginia, California, Illinois, Ohio and North Carolina.
Indiana Abortion Ban Goes To Governor’s Desk
The legislation would ban abortion in cases where the fetus has a genetic abnormality and in cases based on gender, race or ancestry. Conservatives believe Gov. Mike Pence will sign it. Elsewhere, the Georgia House passes a measure to provide funding to “pregnancy resource centers” that discourage abortion.
FDA Tentatively Approves Field Trial Using Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes To Battle Zika
The agency will make its final decision after it has given the public time to comment on the experiment but says it has concluded that the mosquitoes would not cause harm to the people or environment. In other Zika outbreak news, the CDC releases new guidance about how elevation affects risk of contracting the disease, and health officials confirm 201 cases in Puerto Rico.
As Heroin Epidemic Swells, Some States Consider Safe Injection Sites
Proponents say the facilities save lives and make it easier for users to get treatment. In other news, a growing number of states are passing legislation to address opioid addiction, PBS NewsHour looks at the growing number of babies being born going through withdrawal, and a small town’s fight against the epidemic is representative of the crisis spreading across the country.
Legal, Ethical Concerns Arise Over Mandated On-The-Job Wearables
As they gain prominence, wearable devices — and the health data that comes with them — are provoking questions about how much information employers can collect and just what they can do with it. In other technology news, New York is going all digital when it comes to writing prescriptions.
Medical Costs Can Mount Quickly Through Surprise Bills, Long-Term Care
PBS NewsHour and The Fiscal Times report on the challenges consumers face through these types of health expenses.
Powerful Genetic Testing Provides Patients With Plenty Of Data, But Few Concrete Answers
Patients are left to decide what to do when doctors can’t reach a consensus on a course of action when genetic tests turn up a higher risk for diseases like breast cancer.
Hospitals Employ New Strategies In Attempt To Control Rising Drug Costs
In related news, 11 Democratic senators – including presidential candidate Bernie Sanders — are urging the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services to examine the impact of the drug company practice of selling “one-size-fits-all” vials of drugs to treat cancer and other deadly diseases.
Bristol-Myers Outflanks Merck By Embracing Old, Mass-Marketing Approach On Cancer Drug
The two companies are offering a comparable drug, but doctors are flocking to Bristol’s to bypass the testing process required for Merck’s. In other pharmaceutical news, Valeant is trying to calm wary investors as its Tuesday earning report draws near, the stock market reflects the uncertainty surrounding the Pfizer-Allergan deal and Martin Shkreli’s old drug company gets an offer.
A spokesman for Bernie Sanders released a photo and video clip from 1993 showing the candidate standing directly behind Hillary Clinton at an event to promote health care reform.
By End Of 2015, Obamacare Enrollment Off Target By 3 Percent
Over the course of the year, the number of people signed up and paying premiums on exchange plans went down 25 percent, from 11.7 million to 8.8 million. In other health law news, a few of the troubled insurance cooperatives could turn profits in 2016. And Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois hopes for a financial turnaround after last year’s flop.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Saving Amanda: One Family’s Struggle To Deal With A Daughter’s Mental Illness
It took eight years for Amanda Lipp to get adequate care for her mental illness. Now, she and her mom, Pam, are sharing their story to fight stigma around mental illness so others don’t have to go it alone.
Viewpoints: Strengthening Medicaid; ERISA And The Goals Of Transparency
A selection of opinions from around the country.
Research Roundup: Medicare Drug Plans; ACA Patient Losses; Hospital Readmissions
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health issues in Florida, Arizona, Kentucky, California, New York, Michigan and New Jersey.