Latest KFF Health News Stories
Wyoming Senate OKs Medicaid Expansion Alternative
In addition, a coalition of police agencies and health care providers in Maine is again pushing to expand the health insurance program for low-income people. This time, they are linking their plan to efforts to combat the heroin crisis.
As First Blush Of Health Law Fades, Hospitals’ Profits Drop Back To Modest
Hospitals at first were seeing more new patients because of the Affordable Care Act, but now, with debt from large mergers climbing and the rise of high-deductible plans, some think hospitals have been “left holding the bag.” But one health system in Wisconsin credits the health law for an increase in its profits.
Investigators Find HHS Officials Missed Warnings About Healthcare.gov’s Early Troubles
The Washington Post reports that 18 written warnings that the online insurance marketplace was off course were overlooked. Meanwhile, Connect For Health Colorado, the state’s health exchange, is contemplating shifting some operations to its federal counterpart, and many Connecticut residents who signed up for coverage missed their first payments.
First Edition: February 23, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Dueling Star Ratings May Confuse Some Home Health Patients
Medicare offers star ratings of agencies’ quality and of patients’ perceptions, but often they don’t match up.
As Rural Hospitals Struggle, Some Opt To Close Labor And Delivery Units
Facilities for delivering babies are costly to run and hard to staff, so some small, rural hospitals are closing them, forcing pregnant women to travel for care.
Viewpoints: ACA’s Post-Election Future; Making Insulin Affordable; Planned Parenthood Probe
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Governors Focus On Opioid Abuse; Mass. Court To Hear Nursing Home Case
News outlets report on health issues in Massachusetts, Ohio, Maryland, South Carolina, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Indiana, Florida and California.
Fight Expected Over Georgia Bill To Repeal State’s Certificate-Of-Need Requirements
Meanwhile, in other state legislative news, a provision in Kansas’ temporary budget is linked to the state’s support of an interstate health care compact, and California lawmakers are weighing a $2.4 billion tax package on the state’s managed-care organizations.
Hospitals Nationwide Agree To More Than $270 Million Settlement In Medicare Cardiac-Implant Suit
The settlements stemmed from the biggest whistle-blower suit to date, which was filed in 2008, alleging health care fraud in hospitals that inserted implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Other state-based hospital news includes more developments regarding the ransom paid by a California hospital to hackers, as well as reports from Florida and Pennsylvania.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich Signs Bill To Cut Planned Parenthood Funding
The GOP presidential hopeful Sunday signed the measure intended to block the reproductive health organization from receiving funding for services it provides in health clinics around the state, although the new law would have no impact on abortion services. Meanwhile, a Texas health official who criticized state policies for reducing access to reproductive health services will retire next month.
Are Drug Developers Experiencing An R&D Revival?
The Wall Street Journal reports on big pharma’s “delicate dance.” Meanwhile, news outlets also explore market trends related to orphan drugs and more on questions regarding the association between cancer and some diabetes drugs.
Donald Trump’s Health Policy Plans Under The Microscope
Meanwhile, the GOP campaign trail became less crowded this weekend as Jeb Bush withdrew his bid to be the Republican nominee for president.
Sweeping Medicaid Managed Care Rule Sent To OMB For Review
Modern Healthcare reports that the 653-page proposed rule could be the biggest change in the regulations in more than a decade. Meanwhile, Reuters reports on a policy review suggesting that Medicaid premium increases may leave more children uninsured. Reuters also reports on another paper that finds states that expanded Medicaid without covering new enrollees’ non-emergency transportation could disadvantage the poorest patients.
Federal Officials Propose Small Rise In Medicare Advantage Rates
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed an average 1.35 percent increase in the rate the government pays private Medicare Advantage plans for 2017.
It’s Tax Season … And New Health Law Tax Forms Are Coming To You Soon
USA Today offers consumer tips regarding the three new tax forms mandated by Obamacare.
Amidst Political Pressures, Ark. Gov. Hutchinson Makes Push To Keep Medicaid Expansion Plan
In related news, the Wyoming Senate — in what is viewed as the legislature’s last word on the issue this session — rejected a budget amendment that would have expanded Medicaid for two years. Lawmakers in Virginia appear to be closing the door as well on the idea of expanding the state-federal health insurance program for low-income people. News outlets from Indiana, Idaho and Florida also report on Medicaid expansion developments.
Women Increasingly Having Outpatient Mastectomies, New Federal Data Show
Agency For Healthcare Research and Quality data show that more women with breast cancer are opting for mastectomies over less-invasive options, and more are having the procedure in outpatient facilities where they don’t spend even one night in the hospital.
First Edition: February 22, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Urging Openness About Superbug Infections, Doctor Omits Cases In Own Hospital
In a respected medical journal, a specialist advises colleagues on protecting patients but doesn’t mention potential infections from a contaminated scope at his Philadelphia cancer center.