Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: Long-Term Care Needs; Publishing All Research Results; Surprise Bills
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health care developments in Florida, New Jersey, South Carolina, Connecticut, Michigan, North Carolina and Illinois.
Courtroom Clash: Health Care Companies, Iowa Officials Spar Over State’s Medicaid Privatization Plan
Thursday’s courtroom action centered on Gov. Terry Branstad’s plan to privatize Iowa’s $4.2 billion Medicaid program. Also, Democratic state legislators are pushing to ensure that accountability is part of the effort to shift the program’s management to private companies. One report estimates that oversight could cost as much as $17 million.
Teen-Specific Addiction Treatment Options Lag, But New Efforts Aim To Fix The Disparity
Many programs are geared toward adult care, but communities are now adopting strategies to meet the unique needs of young people suffering with addiction. Elsewhere, new research finds warning labels on sugary drinks might actually work, and a cafe for Alzheimer’s patients opens.
Watchdog Blasts FDA’s Lax Drug Safety Oversight
The Government Accountability Office highlights the lack of post-market monitoring of drugs that were cleared in expedited approval programs. In other pharmaceutical news, Anthem is turning the tables on Express Scripts over drug pricing, and the FDA rejects a drug application for a muscular dystrophy treatment.
In Undercover Video Suit, Planned Parenthood Alleges Conspiracy, Fraud By Activists
The organization argues that the Center for Medical Progress acted illegally when it secretly recorded videos alleging the reproductive health organization profited from selling fetal tissue from abortions. The center fired back, calling the lawsuit “frivolous.”
Ryan: Mental Health Legislation Has Fighting Chance Even In Election Year
The political realities of 2016 shortens the list of what House Speaker Paul Ryan will be able to accomplish. But Ryan highlights a bill making it easier for people with addiction, depression and other mental illnesses to get treatment as one that has promise. Elsewhere on Capitol Hill, acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt will testify on co-ops and the Medicare Payment Advisory Committee will look at a drug discount program.
Ky. Governor’s Plan To Revamp Medicaid Raises Concerns About Poor Communities
Some people worry that Gov. Matt Bevin’s plan to replace Kentucky’s traditional Medicaid expansion with one that would require enrollees to contribute financially to their health care could undermine gains made in the “neediest corners of America,” the Louisville Courier-Journal reports. Other outlets look at Louisiana’s decision to expand Medicaid and the Obama administration’s proposal to extend federal funding for the program.
Consumers Who Opt Against Health Coverage May Be Surprised At Tax Penalty’s Size
Going without health insurance will cost $695 or 2.5 percent of income, whichever is greater. But some consumers who did pick up coverage on the health law’s marketplaces still find their share of costs is hefty.
Realist Vs. Crusader: Health Care Tussle Reflects Divergent Leadership Styles Of Dem Candidates
Hillary Clinton in recent days has fired up attacks on Bernie Sanders’ health care plan, but the battle goes deeper than a single policy issue. Some say it demonstrates what kind of governing style — pragmatism versus a political revolution — each would bring to the White House. In other news, the Republican field duked it out at Thursday’s debate, with Donald Trump and Ted Cruz exchanging the harshest volleys.
First Edition: January 15, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Hispanic Children’s Uninsured Rate Hits Record Low, Study Finds
About 300,000 Hispanic children gained insurance in 2014 from 2013, dropping the number of uninsured to 1.7 million, researchers said, and two-thirds of 1.7 million uninsured Hispanic kids live in five states.
Study: Some Marketplace Customers Spend 25 Percent Of Income On Health Expenses
Urban Institute researchers found that premiums and out-of-pocket costs are still a major concern for people seeking coverage on the health care marketplaces.
Viewpoints: Kentucky’s Obamacare Escape Route; What Are The GOP Replacement Plans?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: LSD For Psychotherapy; Opioids And Pregnant Women; Fighting Cancer
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
News outlets report on health care developments in Kansas, Florida, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, and California.
Bay Area Health System Consolidation — How Will It Impact Costs?
Elsewhere, Cincinnati health systems report profits went up, while for some Ohio insurers they went down. And, in New Hampshire, a hospital is planning to increase nurses’ pay in order to draw new talent and address a staffing shortage.
Alabama Officials Seek 23 Percent Increase In Medicaid Funding
The growing costs are the result of medical inflation, a transition to Medicaid managed care and refunds to the federal government for past overpayments. In Nevada, officials sought to reassure advocates that a plan to privatize Medicaid programs will be transparent and move slowly.
High-Fat, Low-Fiber Diets Are Killing Off Healthy Gut Microorganisms Over Generations: Study
Meanwhile, CNN spotlights potential child heart surgery policy changes that could result from its investigative report of a Florida hospital. And in reproductive health news, media outlets report on the climbing age of first-time mothers and the benefit of doulas on birth outcomes.
Researchers Study Impact Of Opioid Prescription Crackdowns On Heroin Use
As state and federal officials struggle with the deadly increase in drug abuse, the New England Journal of Medicine rounds up the latest research on the link between prescription painkiller and heroin addictions. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, state lawmakers pass a bill targeting opioid overdoses.