Latest KFF Health News Stories
One of the common sense ideas that is rejected by health experts is letting patients become smarter shoppers and search out deals. But the idea just doesn’t work.
CVS Pocketed Difference After Improperly Reporting Generic Drug Prices To Government, Lawsuit Claims
CVS Caremark allegedly paid pharmacies lower prices for generic drugs than what Medicare Part D plans were charged, according to the whistle blower lawsuit filed by an actuary at Aetna.
Following Thousands Of Complaints From Women, FDA Puts Restrictions On Bayer’s Birth Control Implant
The FDA said only women who read and have the opportunity to sign a brochure about the risks of the device will be able to receive the implant made by Bayer. The move comes two years after the agency ordered the company to place a “black box warning” on the product package.
California Leads Coalition Of States To Intervene In Texas Suit That Challenges Health Law
“It is a legally unsound action, and it is a dangerous action for millions of Americans who left the bad days of pre-existing conditions and the inability to get care for their children,” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said of the Texas lawsuit that is challenging the constitutionality of the health law saying the mandate no longer counts as a tax.
Administration Relaxes Essential Benefits Regulations, Creates New Mandate Exemptions
Overall, the Trump administration’s rules addressing the standards for insurers planning to participate in health law marketplaces give more control and further flexibility over to states.
Naloxone Is A Lifesaver For Many, But Its Flaws Have Scientists Calling For New Alternatives
Many experts believe “naloxone is being outgunned” in the opioid crisis that’s fueled by potent drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil. In other news, Congress is set to hold more hearings on the epidemic as lawmakers work toward a bill they want to bring to the floor next month.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these and other health topics.
Media outlets report on news from California, Michigan, West Virginia, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Arkansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, Maine, Louisiana and Ohio.
State Auditor Faces Lawsuit In Battle Over Small Rural Missouri Hospital
Nicole Galloway’s scathing audit of Putnam County Memorial’s billing practices sparked a fight about control of the hospital.
Many who try to quit say they cannot because of withdrawal symptoms they were never warned about. In other public health news: TB, brain disorders, cancer treatment, strokes, high blood pressure, and more.
Following the surgeon general’s rare public health advisory, The New York Times offers a look at common questions surrounding the anti-overdose medication. In other news on the epidemic: Congress is wrapping up work on legislation aimed at fighting the crisis; a panel of advisers warns NIH about accepting money from drug manufacturers; a study finds that accidental drug overdoses in Rhode Island have declined; and more.
G. Ford Gilbert’s IV insulin infusions for diabetes wounds have been called scams, but still his nationwide system of clinics that offer the procedures has been thriving.
Pharma’s Defeat In Doughnut Hole Battle Possible Harbinger Of Things To Come For Powerful Industry
Despite an intense lobbying push, drugmakers weren’t able to convince lawmakers to let them off the hook for beneficiaries that fall into the doughnut hole, raising questions about the industry’s current clout. Meanwhile, a drug distributor has been accused of illegally pooling leftover cancer medications to sell to providers; Norvatis is buying gene-therapy company AveXis; a powerful pharmaceutical company dabbles in vineyards; and more.
Since then-Gov. Terry Branstad transferred management of the state’s Medicaid program to for-profit companies back in April 2016, the system has come under fire from critics.
Virginia Republicans’ Resistance To Expanding Medicaid Starting To Crack
Two Republican state senators said this week they would accept some form of broader Medicaid benefits. The issue has sparked a fiery debate in the state, with the Senate blocking the House’s attempts to expand the program. Lawmakers are holding a special session to try to resolve the fight.
Medical Device Industry Could Be Hit Hard By Potential China Tariffs
A growing number of products, as well as their components, are now manufactured in China. One report estimated that if the proposed 25 percent tariffs took effect, the move could cost the medical device industry up to $1.5 billion each year.
Primary Care Doctors Being Pushed To Brink Of Extinction By Mega Mergers And Urgent Care Clinics
The face of the health care industry is changing, and more people are flocking to quick-fix urgent clinics over hard-to-get-into doctors offices.
Reinsurance is geared toward helping insurance companies protect themselves when they are hit by an unexpectedly high claim, which helps lower premiums for consumers. But Minnesota’s fix, while successful, is just temporary for now. Meanwhile, voters continue to rank health care as a top issue for the upcoming midterms.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
