Latest KFF Health News Stories
Foreign Investors See Opioid Epidemic As Pathway To Green Card
The EB-5 program allows foreigners who invest at least $500,000 in a development that creates jobs to qualify for U.S. visas, and those investors are turning keen eyes toward substance abuse and mental health facilities — a marketplace that is booming because of the crisis sweeping the country.
Jury Awards $55M In Talcum Powder Suit, While More Than 1,000 Other Cases Wait In The Wings
Women contend the company knew the risk of its product being linked to ovarian cancer.
Shkreli’s Ex-Company Sued Over Drug It Marked Up 5,000 Percent
Impax Pharmaceuticals says Turing Pharmaceuticals breached its sales contract by failing to reimburse $20 million in Medicaid rebates and provide pricing data for the drug, Daraprim.
Gilead Allowed To Submit New Evidence In Patent Case After Claiming Merck’s Lawyer Lied
The company alleges the lawyer misused what he learned on a conference call to change pending applications. In other pharmaceutical news, three newcomers have been tapped to join the Valeant board, and a study finds that drug shortages continue to plague emergency departments.
231 Hospitals With Subpar Quality Awarded Bonuses From Medicare
The hospitals were rewarded because caring for their patients during their stays and in the 30 days following their discharge cost Medicare less than what it cost at half of hospitals evaluated in the program. In other news, a jury convicts the owner of a health care company for her role in a Medicare fraud scheme.
In Scathing Report, DOJ Says South Dakota’s Long-Term Care System Fails Thousands With Disabilities
In the latest investigation into states’ care of those with disabilities and mental illnesses, the Department of Justice has signaled it may sue South Dakota. The state, it says, has forced people unnecessarily into nursing homes in violation of federal law.
Covered California’s Unique Negotiating Power Helps Slow Premium Increases
Other states and the federal marketplace accept any plan that seeks to participate, but California’s exchange negotiates prices with insurers to help consumers get better prices. Meanwhile, pregnant women with Covered California plans are being transferred from the exchange into Medi-Cal without any consent or notice.
Governor Unveils ‘Healthy Louisiana’ Name For Medicaid Expansion
Meanwhile, Gov. John Bel Edwards faces key challenges as his administration rolls out the program to expand Medicaid coverage to more low-income residents while also battling to fix the state’s budget shortfall.
Tenet Predicts Other Insurers Will Absorb UnitedHealth’s Share Of Exchange Market
The hospital operator downplayed the effect UnitedHealth’s departure from many Affordable Care Act marketplaces will have, saying insurers are expected to make adjustments.
Nonprofit Hospitals Dominate Top 10 Most Profitable Ranking
Market muscle — whether gained from size, prestige or a lack of competition — plays a key part in hospitals’ power to negotiate with insurers, the study finds.
Pregnant Women Dumped By Covered California Into Medi-Cal, Without Notice Or Consent
The problem won’t be fixed until September, though the state’s congressional delegation calls for quick action.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Shortages Of Essential Emergency Care Drugs Increase, Study Finds
The problems persist even after Congress in 2012 gave the FDA enhanced powers to respond when drug levels are low.
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.