Latest KFF Health News Stories
Flint Resident’s Lead Levels Five Times What Is Considered Toxic
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends intervention for anyone with elevated blood levels above 5 micrograms — Aaron Stinson’s are at 27 micrograms. Meanwhile, Flint’s chief financial officer warns the city’s water fund will run out of cash soon without help from the state.
Pope Remains Silent On Zika During Mexico Visit
The country has confirmed six pregnant women have been infected with the virus, but the pontiff did not mention the outbreak during his trip there. In other Zika news, health officials urge Congress to act quickly on approving funding.
Medical Care For Elderly: When ‘Can We Do Something?’ Becomes ‘Should We Do Something?’
In a culture that overuses high-tech medicine to extend life, medical professionals and elderly patients are starting to look at end-of-life care differently. “Some people think giving up on treatment is tantamount to suicide,” one doctors says, but in many cases it can be the right choice. In other news, working past age 65 can take a toll on an employee’s health.
More VA Troubles: Suicide Hotline Calls Go To Voicemail; Whistleblower Retaliation Charges
Veterans calling an overloaded crisis hotline run by the Department of Veterans Affairs can encounter long wait times or voicemail, according to a watchdog report. And media outlets cover other developments related to U.S. senators’ demands for an end to alleged retaliation against a Phoenix VA whistleblower; the firing of an Albany hospital director; and an investigation into veteran care at the Cincinnati VA hospital.
Industry’s Eyes Turn Toward Utah Health System As It Rolls Out ‘Innovative’ Plan To Cut Costs
Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City is guaranteeing a long-term lock on price increases, a move only a few other systems in the country have tried.
DOJ Reaches Settlements With 51 Hospitals In Final Stage Of False Claims Investigation
The Justice Department was looking into the overuse of implantable cardiac defibrillators, which cost about $25,000.
California Hospital Held Hostage By Hackers Pays $17,000 Ransom To Unlock Records
The cyberattack forced Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center to return to pen and paper for its record-keeping.
Faith Leaders Press Virginia Lawmakers To Rethink Medicaid Expansion
Meanwhile, in Georgia, a Senate health committee held a hearing on a proposal that would create a Medicaid expansion alternative.
Based On Latest Enrollment Numbers, Covered California Now ‘Running In Place’
Also regarding Covered California, the exchange may require its health plans to pay broker commissions to try to avoid discrimination against higher-cost consumers. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, MNSure data indicates exchange shoppers are getting older.
In Latest Critique, Economists Slam Health Savings Claims Cited By Sanders
Their letter states that there is no credible research that backs up the overly rosy projections of economic growth touted by Bernie Sanders’ campaign. In other 2016 election news, Donald Trump, when asked about Americans having access to health care, says as president he would work out a deal with the hospitals.
Ark. Governor: Feds Back Plan To Preserve Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Asa Hutchinson says HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell “accepts the framework” of his proposals but negotiations are continuing.
First Edition: February 18, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California Marketplace May Require Insurers To Pay Agent Commissions
Covered California’s Executive Director Peter Lee said the measure is needed to keep insurers from slicing commissions to avoid enrolling the sickest patients.
Selling The Health Benefits Of Tap Water, In An Age Of Flint
Public health officials in Colorado are battling a stigma against drinking tap water, especially in some Latino communities.
Viewpoints: Insurers’ Health Law Secret; How Scalia’s Death Impacts Pending Cases
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Kentucky, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, California, Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Michigan and Florida.
Georgia House Approves Measure To Allow Dental Hygienists To Practice In Safety-Net Settings
In other state legislative news, Minnesota House Democrats are proposing steps aimed at reducing drug costs and Florida’s Senate narrowly confirms a new surgeon general. News outlets also report on developments from Pennsylvania, Missouri and Ohio.
State Auditor Raises Concerns Over Covered California’s No-Bid Contracts
The auditors found nine contracts where the exchange did not sufficiently justify why it used a sole-source contract. Meanwhile, a report finds that three out of five Californians could have had data stolen, in part due to the breach at Anthem.
Iowa’s Medicaid Program Continues Move Toward Privatization
News outlets report on Iowa’s continuing privatization transition. Also in the news, the latest on Alabama’s Medicaid waiver.
Wellness Firms Mining Data On Workers’ Habits To Help Stem Health Care Costs
The theory is that companies can determine their employees’ health care needs from the information, like that an employee who spends money at a bike shop is more likely to be in good health than someone who spends on videogames. In other news, misuse of ADHD drugs are driving up ER visits; transgender patients have unique challenges when seeking care at hospitals; and Congress has lifted a ban on funding for needle exchanges.