Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicaid Directors Urge Congress To Intervene On Specialty Drug Costs
In an eight-page letter to key congressional leaders, state Medicaid directors said the high-cost of pharmaceuticals like the Hepatitis C treatment Sovaldi and other new drugs require “an immediate federal solution.” Meanwhile, Sanofi and Gilead Sciences Inc., the maker of Sovaldi, reported lower-than-expected sales in the third quarter.
As Election Nears, Polls Tighten And GOP Plans For Senate Control Take Shape
Also in the news, Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., who is locked in a tight challenge for her Senate seat, is sticking to her support for the health law despite attack ads.
With Good Hospital Practices, Emory Rises To Ebola Challenge
The same Atlanta hospital that treated the first U.S. Ebola patient in August discharged its fourth patient Tuesday. All survived. Patients in isolation need extra emotional support, the team says.
First Edition: October 29, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Soda Makers Battle Proposed Taxes In Berkeley, San Francisco
Voters could impose a penny per ounce tax on sugary drinks in Berkeley and a two-cent per ounce tax in San Francisco. Research shows that when soda prices go up, people drink less.
Medicare Changes Could Limit Patient Access To ALS Communication Tools
Patient advocates say that, because of an official coverage reminder “the door is closing” for ALS patients who depend on Medicare to get speech-generation devices.
The Lowdown On Open Enrollment For Medicare Advantage And Part D
Kaiser Health News’ Julie Rovner hosted a webinar Tuesday to provide background to reporters covering Medicare Advantage and Part D issues through open enrollment and beyond.
Viewpoints: Panic And Ebola; Elton John On AIDS Crisis; Insurers Fight Calif. Proposition
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from Kansas, California, Missouri, New York and Massachusetts.
Physicians Contemplate Future Business Decisions Under ‘Doc Fix’ Cloud
In other Medicare news, an advocacy group analysis finds that seniors in six Michigan counties will pay more than others in the United States for their Medicare Advantage Plans. Also, the latest news on a Medicare class action suit.
Big Insurers, Hospitals, See Increased Earnings
Aetna, the nation’s third-largest health insurer, raised its profit forecast as enrollment continues to increase and as it prepares to expand its reach into government insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. Hospital operator Universal Health Services Inc., also saw its third-quarter revenue rise as it benefits from a rebound in admissions from the growth in insured patients.
CDC Issues Guidelines For Tracking Ebola Risks Of Health Workers Returning From Africa
The guidelines are less restrictive than quarantines put in place by New York and New Jersey. On the other hand, the Pentagon said Monday that military personnel returning from Liberia to their home base in Italy will be quarantined for 21 days.
Senate Democrats Warn Of Medicare, Social Security Threats In New Ads
The Associated Press reports the ads are part of a Democratic push to preserve the party’s Senate majority. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times notes that a number of key races will be determined by whether voters mistrust the president or Congress more. Finally, CBS News reports on what a GOP-controlled Senate agenda might include.
Some Doctors Limit Obamacare Patients
Some health plans purchased on government insurance exchanges pay physicians less, so doctors are limiting the number of new patients they take with such coverage, reports USA Today. Meanwhile, a Kansas doctor sets up a boutique practice to avoid insurance hassles, and Reno, Nev., copes with a big surge in Medicaid enrollment.
N.H. Insurance Exchange Will Have 60 Health Plan Choices This Year
The state’s tally is up from 11 plans during the first year of the health law. Also in the news, health exchange shoppers in Colorado and Minnesota could experience some cost increases.
After Year-Long Delay, Small Business Health Exchange Goes Live In Five States
The early access to the marketplace for businesses in Delaware, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey and Ohio is a “soft launch” that will allow Obama administration officials to troubleshoot the system before it becomes more widely available when the health law’s open enrollment season begins Nov. 15.
First Edition: October 28, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Hepatitis C Patients May Not Qualify For Pricey Drugs Unless Illness Is Advanced
Many insurers are restricting access to new drugs that promise higher cure rates because the price tags can run $95,000 or more.
Reno Finds Medicaid Expansion Tough Hand To Play
The community saw its Medicaid enrollment nearly double under the health law, and many new enrollees are experiencing long waits for care.
Disabled Vt. Senior Who Led Class Action Suit Sues Medicare — Again
The landmark settlement was supposed to be a victory for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions and disabilities who had been denied coverage for skilled care because they didn’t meet “the improvement standard” — meaning they were unlikely to improve. But when Glenda Jimmo was denied coverage this spring for that same reason, her lawyers filed a second lawsuit.