Latest KFF Health News Stories
Utah Lawmakers Approve Modest Medicaid Expansion
The compromise bill would provide Medicaid coverage for 16,000 of the state’s poorest residents. Democrats had tried to get the program expanded to 105,000 people. Also, New Hampshire’s House approves reauthorizing that state’s Medicaid expansion plan, and Montana gets more enrollees than expected.
Health Law Has Sparked Interest In Christian Health Care Sharing Ministries
The ministries, which require members to share colleagues’ major medical costs, have seen a surge in growth following the implementation of the federal health law since it exempts members from the requirement to have health insurance. Also in health law news, a new Senate report looks at the failed state health co-operatives, news outlets report on the difficulties Minnesota’s marketplace has had in getting out tax forms and a consumer guide helps answer tax questions on the health law.
At Debate, Clinton Defends Support For Universal Coverage, Sanders Praises Cuba’s Health System
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders jabbed at each other over health care and immigration in the eighth Democratic debate, which came a day after Clinton’s surprising loss in Michigan.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Hospital Closures Rattle Small Towns
More than 50 shuttered rural hospitals mean a loss of jobs and other commerce for municipalities and uncertain care for residents.
FAQ: What Are The Penalties For Not Getting Insurance?
A consumer’s guide to the tax penalties for not having insurance.
N.H., Calif. Seek To Help Consumers Get Details On Health Care Prices
New Hampshire is expanding its website that lists the cost of specific medical procedures to include dental treatments and 65 prescription drugs. California is expanding its report cards on large medical groups to include cost of medical services by an average patient.
Viewpoints: Medicare’s Art Of Compromise; Consumerism And Health Care
A selection of opinions from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Wisconsin, Washington, Ohio, New Jersey and California.
Mass. Legislators Compromise On Bill To Restrict First-Time Opioid Prescriptions
Gov. Charlie Baker had pushed for a three-day limit, but the bill released this week caps it at seven days. The legislation contains other provisions to try to fight Massachusetts’ growing painkiller epidemic. In Florida, the legislature plans to reform the way mental health is handled in the criminal justice system.
A Growing Problem For Hospitals, Medical Practices: Unpaid Bills
The Tennessean examines the issue of unpaid medical bills. Also in the news, more than a million doses of controlled drugs have been stolen from Emory University Hospital Midtown, and a controversial ballot issue in Massachusetts is causing a split within the hospital industry.
Study: Health Apps Often Sell Medical Information To Marketers
Apps are becoming a larger part of the health care landscape — one-fifth of smartphone users had health apps in 2012 — but it’s rare for them to have privacy policies that actually protect patient data, a study finds. In other health technology news, a simple wand could make it easier for doctors to receive updates on their patients, and new software lets home care aides and non-medical workers spot potential problems before they get worse.
Valeant May Add As Many As Three New Board Members This Week
The possible appointments come as the pharmaceutical company tries to reassure investors after its stock has fallen 38 percent this year.
Even With Insurance, Many Can’t Keep Up With Health Care Bills
In a recent poll, 26 percent of people said health care expenses have taken a serious toll on their finances, with 7 percent of those respondents ending up in bankruptcy.
Administration Official, Seeking To Allay Insurers’ Concerns, Says Market Is Stabilizing
Kevin Counihan, the Obama administration’s top insurance exchange official, told a forum of insurance executives, “We’re seeing the maturing of a marketplace — people getting a bit more experienced and comfortable on how to buy coverage.” Also, a poll examines attitudes about the law in Florida.
Tax Time Crunch: Health Law Penalties Catching Up To Many Taxpayers
H&R Block reports that among its customers, 60 percent of filers who were getting tax credits to help pay their health insurance premiums in 2015 end up owing money back to the government and the average fine for people who didn’t buy insurance is doubling.
Expensive Specialty Drugs Help Drive Up U.S. Drug Spending
After years of slower growth, drug spending rose a “remarkable” 12.6 percent in 2014, according to a new federal report.
U.S. To Test The Waters With Medicare Drug Reimbursement Proposal
The proposal affects drugs administered in doctors offices or outpatient clinics. It is aimed at current reimbursement incentives that may encourage doctors to select higher-priced medications but not add benefits for patients.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Medicare To Test New Payment Approaches For Some Prescription Medications
Regulators unveiled a two-part plan that will change payments and test ways in which the Medicare Part B program can change the incentives that some policy experts say encourage doctors to choose higher-cost medications.