Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hospitals in Massachusetts, Colorado, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Illinois make news today.
Georgia Medicaid Director And Aide Leave; State Officials Offer No Explanations
Linda Wiant’s departure appeared to come suddenly and followed the exit of a deputy, Marcey Alter, earlier in the week. News outlets also report on the trial involving the Mississippi Medicaid director and developments in New Hampshire and Maine.
Texas Governor Signs Law That Cuts Insurance Coverage Of Abortion
The measure, which passed the Legislature on a party-line vote, does not offer exceptions for cases of rape or incest. Meanwhile, in Oregon, the governor signs a bill expanding coverage for the procedure and other reproductive health services.
South Carolina Files Lawsuit Against Maker Of OxyContin Over Alleged Deceptive Marketing
The suit accuses Purdue Pharma of violating the state’s Unfair Trade Practices Act. With similar cases recently filed in Birmingham, Ala., and Cincinnati, the litigation is following in the court path used against Big Tobacco. In other news on the national crisis: teen overdose deaths rise; the lure of “body brokers”; when antidotes fail against synthetic drugs; and more.
Physicians Increasingly Support Single-Payer Health Care, Survey Finds
Fifty-six percent of doctors either expressed strong support or were somewhat supportive of a single-payer system, according to a survey by the physician recruitment firm Merritt Hawkins.
What To Do If A Medical Bill Triggers Sticker Shock?
The Wall Street Journal suggests that consumers should negotiate medical costs, question charges and move quickly to resolve disputes or arrange payment plans. In another story, the Journal notes a trend in which consumers appear less anxious for the latest treatment or medical technology when it also is the most expensive.
Startup Aledade’s Ambitious Goal: Reduce Health Care Costs While Improving Care Quality
The New York Times profiles the progress the company has made at two primary care practices in Kansas. In other industry news, health insurer Oscar posts a $57.6 million first-half loss. And Sabra Health Care shareholders approve a proposed merger with Care Capital Properties.
HHS Rolls Back Two Programs Designed To Test New Medicare Payment Models
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said it will cancel the Obama-era pilot programs that required Medicare providers to participate in new care delivery models for things such as heart attacks, bypass surgeries, and some hip and femur fractures.
Nevada’s Insurance ‘Bare Market’ Now Appears Covered
The health insurer Centene Corp. decided to expand its reach in Nevada, offering health plans in rural counties that were at risk of having no options next year. The step is viewed as a victory for Obamacare supporters.
At August Recess Town Hall Meetings, Colo. Sen. Faces Health Policy Heat
Sen. Cory Gardner faced cheers and boos from constituents — along with lots of questions about his support for efforts on Capitol Hill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Other members of Congress are finding themselves in similar circumstances.
White House Tries To Push Congress To Try Again On Obamacare Repeal
One key Trump administration target is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), but the president is also keeping up his attacks on Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), whose no vote last month was pivotal to preventing Senate passage of any legislation to undo the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) is meeting with White House officials on his repeal-and-replace plan.
CBO: Trump’s Threat To Stop Health Subsidies Would Increase Premiums And The Deficit
The Congressional Budget Office found that if President Donald Trump opts to halt certain insurance subsidies it would increase the federal deficit by $194 billion and cause the premium costs for a popular Obamacare plan to increase significantly.
First Edition: August 16, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Short-Term Health Fix; Sabotage To Marketplaces; VA Hospital Director Should Go
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Media outlets report on news from Ohio, California, Texas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Iowa.
In other hospital news, hospital and health system executives’ compensation continues to soar; a Kansas official details the privatization plan for Osawatomie State Hospital; and more.
Funding For N.H.’s Medicaid Expansion Now In Jeopardy
The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services informed New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu that a fund helping to pay expansion costs, which is partially supported by voluntary donations from hospitals, violates federal law. Meanwhile, federal officials approved changes that will allow Nebraska to continue its Health Insurance Premium Program, through which the state’s Medicaid program helps people pay the costs of private health insurance. Also, Mississippi’s Medicaid director is in the hot seat.
More VA Doctors Can Practice In N.H. Hospitals As Governor Loosens Licensing Requirements
Gov. Chris Sununu signs an executive order amidst a state of emergency at Manchester VA Medical Center due to flooding. In other veteran health care news, a VA enrollment office in Atlanta is hit with controversy over unprofessional and racially charged instant messages by a staffer.
Standard Advice On Finishing Antibiotics Is Being Challenged By Disease Experts
The infectious disease specialists are making the case that taking the drugs once they are not needed may be helping lead to antibiotic resistance. In other public health news, some big-name companies are working to destigmatize mental health problems, Amazon recalls some solar eclipse glasses, music may help some dementia patients and articles on the benefits of work and alcohol.
Enough Painkillers Sold In One Town To Medicate Every Man, Woman, Child For 136 Days
A first-time release of CDC prescribing data shows vast regional disparities. Stateline reports on the numbers and the town — Martinsville, Va. — that topped the list. In other news on the national opioid epidemic: Massachusetts police test a new overdose database; experts wait on the impact of White House action; and the deaths of two sons drive one mother’s mission to fight back.
