Latest KFF Health News Stories
Maine Governor Reiterates New Taxes Can’t Pay For Medicaid Expansion
Maine voters approved a referendum in November to expand Medicaid but Gov. Paul LePage again laid out his objections in a letter to lawmakers. In Michigan, a new study looks at the number of Medicaid enrollees who are working.
Medical Labs Sue Over Reductions In Medicare Payments
The trade association that represents clinical labs says the administration is misapplying a 2014 law that sought to set market-based pricing for certain lab tests.
With Flurry Of Mergers, Hospitals Are Building Muscle, But They Face Uphill Battle In Industry
Mergers can only accomplish so much for struggling hospitals in the ever-evolving landscape that is the health industry these days.
FDA’s Plans To Speed Medical-Device Approval Process Has Some On Edge Over Patient Safety
Doctors are also worried about the lack of oversight after the product gets to the market. “The [Food and Drug Administration’s] track record on post-market surveillance is not reassuring, most post-marketing studies are not started or not completed, and the data remains unavailable to clinicians and patients,” said Rita F. Redberg, editor of JAMA Internal Medicine.
Sen. Murray Questions CDC Chief’s Ability To Perform Role Due To Financial Conflicts
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Brenda Fitzgerald is legally obligated to maintain some investments in cancer detection and health information technology. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) raises concerns since, as a result, Fitzgerald must recuse herself from “matters pertaining to cancer and opioids, two of the most pervasive and urgent health challenges we face as a country.”
Despite Ryan’s Enthusiasm To Overhaul Medicare, GOP Senators More Wary Just Months Before Elections
“We’re talking about Medicare, and that’s a pretty big bite in the middle of an election year. I’m not saying no, but there are other things that could happen,” said Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.).
For some families, the Children’s Health Insurance Program makes the difference between being able to get their children care or not. Meanwhile, the government’s CHIP funding delay prompts Jimmy Kimmel to once again speak out about health care on his show.
Automatic Re-Enrollment Could Leave Customers On Hook To Pay Thousands For Plans They Don’t Want
“It’s as if I went to a Ford dealer to buy a Ford car, and then I get a call from Chevy saying, ‘Your Chevy truck is ready, and we need the money,'” said Robert Holub after he received a bill for $3,483 to pay for a plan he didn’t choose. Like many other enrollees, Holub’s current coverage will not be available in 2018 so the government automatically switched him over to a new one. Meanwhile, the deadline for the federal and some state exchanges is quickly coming up.
First Edition: December 12, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Move To ‘Trumpcare’; GOP’s Threat To Medicare; Opioid Epidemic’s Hidden Threat
A selection of opinions on health care from news outlets around the country.
Media outlets report on news from Massachusetts, Texas, California, Colorado, Texas and Missouri.
Health Officials, Hospitals On High Alert As Wildfires Burn Across California
Officials advise that people limit their outdoor activity, close windows and use air conditioning that recirculates inside air to avoid the negative health consequences of the fires.
Groundbreaking Drugs Could Revolutionize Cancer Treatment. But There’s One Big Hold-Up.
Only a small percentage of patients are willing to test them out. In other public health news: the dangers of blinds; the link between sugary diets during pregnancy and asthma; vaping; probiotics; the human brain; yoga; and more.
Buckle Up, This Flu Season Could Be Long And Vicious
It’s still too early to predict, but there have been indicators that it’s going to be a rough ride this year.
Chronic Pain Patients Become Collateral Damage To Crackdown On Opioids
“Pendulums swing both directions,” said Dr. David Thorson, resident of the Minnesota Medical Association. “Sometimes when they are swinging, they go too far.” In other news on the crisis: a lawsuit claims McKesson didn’t audit controls for painkillers; the FDA is being urged to crack down on medications touting that they ease addiction side effects; with shortage on execution drugs, states are starting to eye opioids; and more.
Looking To Compare Prices For Health Care? The Internet Is Not Your Friend
New research shows that patients who are trying to be savvy consumers are not going to have much luck if they turn to the internet.
The program — a part of the Affordable Care Act — created financial penalties for hospitals whose readmissions exceed the national average for patients with certain ailments. But even though the research shows it helped improve rates, critics say that’s because hospitals are taking shortcuts that don’t help the patient. Meanwhile, Ascension Health and Providence St. Joseph Health are the latest to spark rumors about a possible merger.
Drugmakers Files Lawsuit Fighting California’s Drug Pricing Law
The drug industry’s primary lobbying group is challenging the constitutionality of a California law intended to make prescription drug pricing more transparent.
Fed Up With Drug Cost Sticker Shock, Consumers Finding Medication Online For Nearly Half The Price
Consumers are turning to sites such as GoodRx to see if their prices can beat the ones they get through their insurance. And in some cases they’re finding success.
GOP Plans To Revise Medicare Signal Bitter Political Fight In 2018
Key Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, have said that once they pass their tax bill they would like to turn to restructuring the country’s entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid and welfare.
