Latest KFF Health News Stories
Justices Could Announce Today If They Will Hear Abortion Case
The case stems from challenges in Texas and Mississippi that examine how states regulate abortion clinics.
Smoking Rates Fall To Lowest Point But Numbers Mask Troubling Trend For Poor Americans
Nationwide the number of adults who smoke dropped to 16.8 percent in 2014. But cigarette use was still reported by 43 percent of less educated Americans and about a third insured by Medicaid. Meanwhile, a proposed rule by the Department of Housing and Urban Development would ban smoking at more than 3,100 public housing properties. The agency says the move would improve public health and save $153 million each year.
Cyber Firm: Health Care Industry Falls Short In Protecting Consumer Data
CNBC reports on this finding from cyber firm Forrester. Meanwhile, other news outlets report on health-related, high-tech gadgets and computer apps.
Rite Aid Aims At Prescription Drug Effectiveness In Genetic Tests
The new kits allow customers and their doctors to determine if some prescription drug doses are optimal and if there are other drugs better suited to a patient. Elsewhere, Zenefits, a human-resources startup, misses revenue targets.
Doctors, Consumer Groups Urge Antitrust Regulators To Block Insurer Mergers
Two consumer groups are forming a coalition with New York labor unions to oppose the proposed megamergers of Aetna with Humana and Anthem with Cigna. The American Medical Association has also asked the Justice Department to stop the acquisitions.
Alabama Governor Says He Is Weighing Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Robert Bentley, a doctor, says his administration is “looking at” expanding the program for low-income residents under the federal health law. Meanwhile, Kentucky awaits details from the governor-elect on how he wants to change the state’s health insurance marketplace and Medicaid.
Silver-Level Health Insurance Plans’ Coverage Of HIV Drugs Limited, Study Finds
Only 16 percent of the popular plans cover all 10 of the most common drug regimens and charge less than $100 a month in consumer cost sharing, according to a report by Avalere Health. Elsewhere, Connecticut’s co-op is staying in business but plans changes to sustain operations.
Healthcare.gov Enrollments Up Over This Time Last Year; Two-Thirds Are Repeat Customers
Of the 543,000 people who submitted applications for health law exchange insurance and chose plans, 34 percent are first-time users, according to the Obama administration. Meanwhile in Congress, a move by some Republican senators to repeal Obamacare is snagged on complex Senate rules.
Study Finds Marketplace Silver Plans Offer Poor Access To HIV Drugs
Only 16 percent of the popular plans cover all 10 of the most common drug regimens and charge less than $100 a month in consumer cost sharing, according to a report by Avalere Health.
Depressed? Look For Help From A Human, Not A Computer
Researchers asked people with depression to use an online cognitive behavioral therapy program at home. It helped no more than primary care visits. Most said they were too depressed to use it.
Viewpoints: VA Still Missing Many Vets’ Mental Health Needs; Finding Abortion Help
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Inequality; Paying For Alzheimer’s; The Case For Melancholy
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
News outlets report on health issues in Connecticut, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, California, Pennsylvania, Texas and New York.
In Pittsburgh Battle, Arbiters Order Highmark To Pay UPMC Hospital More For Oncology Care
The decision, which UPMC says could expand to all its facilities, is the latest skirmish in a long-term battle between the two health giants. In other news, one New Jersey hospital files suit against an insurer, while another New Jersey hospital agrees to a settlement for a tax dispute.
As Furor Over Medicaid Managed Care Grows In Iowa, Officials Postpone Public Forum
The state has signed contracts to move the program to managed care, but hospitals are suing to stop the transfer and patients are asking the federal government to block the change.
Gene Therapies Likely To Offer High Hopes, Big Price Tags
The Washington Post reports that the controversy surrounding soaring drug prices may also touch this type of therapy. Meanwhile, The California Health Report highlights how Kaiser Permanente in Northern California is creating a database for use in research related to genetics and precision medicine.
Ongoing VA Health Care Troubles Highlighted In Obama’s Proposals For Veterans
While progress has been made in improving benefits, President Barack Obama said “I am still not satisfied” during a Veterans Day speech. To address the long wait vets face for medical services, Republicans have been increasingly supporting the privatization of the VA health system. But some veterans groups have concerns about the idea.
AMA Urges Government To Block Insurance Megamergers
Arguing that reduced insurer competition will lead to higher consumer prices and compensation issues for medical providers, the doctors group wrote a letter asking the Justice Department to block Aetna from acquiring Humana and Anthem from acquiring Cigna.
Workers’ Health Costs Skyrocket As Employers Reduce Benefits, Study Shows
Health care costs for mid-sized and large companies rose 3.2% in 2015, the lowest rate increase in 20 years. Employee costs, meanwhile, rose 134% over the past decade. Experts say deductible and out-of-pocket increases stem in large part from the health law’s pending “Cadillac tax.”
Horizon Pharma Stock Tumbles As Relationship With Express Scripts Unravels
The latest developments come as part of the continuing drama between pharmaceutical companies like Horizon and bill payers such as Express Scripts over how some drugs are priced and sold.