Latest KFF Health News Stories
Report: Dozens Of Deficiencies Found At Reservation Hospitals
The Associated Press reports on federal findings that hospitals on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Indian Reservations are providing substandard care for their patients. The Department of Health and Human Services calls the deficiencies “unacceptable” and says it is working with Indian Health Services to improve the facilities.
When There’s Only Enough For One, Doctors Faced With ‘Tragic Choice’: Who Gets The Medication?
Drug shortages are the new normal in American medicine, but the decisions around which patient gets the medication is causing murky ethical quandaries and questionable medical practices for physicians. In other patient news, STAT examines why mix-ups, which can lead to fatal errors, happen with such frequency.
Partners HealthCare To Reward Employee Ideas For New Drugs, Devices And Patient Care Innovations
These innovation grants that Partners plans to award are designed as part of an effort to commercialize research done in its labs and hospitals. Meanwhile, in other news, in an effort to gain more accountability for workplace wellness programs, employee health scorecards are getting attention.
In Latest Blow To Theranos, Walgreens Halts Use Of California Lab
Walgreens said the blood testing startup “must immediately cease sending any clinical laboratory tests” to the company’s Palo Alto lab, which is facing federal scrutiny for deficient practices that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services say pose immediate jeopardy to patient health and safety.
FDA Approval Of New Hep C Drug Could Help Curb Sky-High Costs
Merck has not listed the price of the drug yet, but the extra option could help bring down prices on the expensive treatments. In California, Gilead’s hepatitis C drug Sovaldi has cost the state $387.5 million. But a ballot initiative to limit the high price of prescription drugs will let voters weigh in on this issue this November.
At Retreat, Obama Attempts To Rally Battle-Tired Democrats
President Barack Obama’s speech to the congressional Democrats on Thursday touted the results of their accomplishments, including the 18 million people who gained health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. But the much-diminished audience showed the political cost the Democrats have paid for their support to the president.
Key House Republican Dismisses Chances For Obama’s Plan To Offer Extra Medicaid Funding
President Barack Obama has called for the federal government to cover the full funding of Medicaid expansion for three years for any states that move to expand the program. That would give them the same benefits that states that moved earlier received. Also in the news are reports on expansion debates in New Hampshire and Idaho.
Enrollment Deadline Is Sunday And Officials Say Business Is Still Brisk
Federal officials say sign-ups are going strong in the final hours of open enrollment and remind consumers that failing to get a policy could result in a hefty fine.
First Edition: January 29, 2016
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Study Finds ‘Mortality Gap’ Among Middle-Aged Whites
A Commonwealth Fund report says that stalled progress in fighting leading causes of death for this group is a bigger culprit than substance abuse and suicide for worse-than-expected rates.
Federal Officials Clarify Rules On Getting New Health Coverage After A Move
The new rules should help make sure people understand when they are eligible for a special sign-up period if they move.
Combined Effects Of Maternal Obesity, Diabetes ‘Substantially’ Raise Autism Risks
A study published in the February issue of Pediatrics examines both the independent and combined effects of these two maternal health factors on children’s likelihood of developing autism spectrum disorder.
Obamacare Sign-Ups Strong In N.C., Despite High Rate Hikes
Health law insurance costs went up across the board in North Carolina, yet sign-ups remain strong heading into the final days of open enrollment.
California Voters Will Have Their Say On Drug Prices
Heated battle expected over November ballot proposal to curb state’s prescription drug costs, as pharmaceutical industry opens its pocketbook to defeat the measure.
Viewpoints: Fiorina’s Obamacare Replacement Plan; The Clinton-Sanders Clash
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Nullifying Pain, Zika, Anti-Abortion Activists
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
News outlets report on health care developments in California, Virginia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Connecticut and Florida.
Iowa Critics Argue Private Medicaid Plan Doesn’t Provide Consumers Chance To Voice Complaints
The lawmakers say a complaint system will not be in place when private oversight is expected to start. In addition, outlets report on Medicaid news in Kansas, Florida, Alaska, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
Insiders Say Wounded Warrior Project Has Drifted From Original Mission
Excessive fundraising and marketing have former employees questioning if the charity has lost its way.
Doctors And The Malpractice Lawsuit Cycle
A study of 15 years of malpractice cases that resulted in payments to patients found that one percent of physicians accounts for 32 percent of all paid claims and if a doctor pays out once, the chances are good he or she will pay again.