Latest KFF Health News Stories
Kansas Lawmakers Press Officials, Contractor On Medicaid Application Backlog
As legislators express frustration, state officials report that the list of people waiting more than 45 days has been whittled down from nearly 11,000 to about 3,500. Outlets also report on Medicaid issues in Iowa, Alabama and Florida.
GOP Governor Labeled ‘Traitor’ After Signing Abortion, Birth Control Bills
The measures, signed by Illinois Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, extend insurance coverage for nearly all contraceptives and require physicians who won’t perform abortions to provide information on where the patient can receive one. Media outlets also offer stories on abortion out of Texas and Ohio.
Illinois Health System Agrees To $5.55 Million Settlement Over Data Breach
The settlement HHS reached with Advocate Health Care Network is the largest ever by a single company for potential violations of the federal patient privacy law.
Hospital Customer Surveys Creating Powerful Incentive To Prescribe Opioids, Some Worry
Surveys asking patients about their experience also include a question about how their doctor helped manage their pain. But in the midst of a raging opioid crisis, some think it’s creating pressure on the providers to get the best ratings possible. Meanwhile, insurance rules make it tough for patients to get a drug that helps ease cravings.
Orphan Drugs’ Transformation From Neglected Niche To Tantalizing Moneymaker
Critics are worried that a law that was originally created as an incentive for the industry to develop drugs to treat rare diseases has backfired, because it offers companies a period of market exclusivity that prevents competition.
N.C. Democrats Take Aim At Sen. Burr’s Plans To Revise Medicare, Social Security
Republican Sen. Richard Burr’s rival, former Democratic state legislator Deborah Ross, accuses the senator of writing “his own plan to privatize Medicare and give it to the insurance companies.” Burr’s spokesman says the senator has always voted to protect retirees.
‘Irresponsible Slap In The Face’: Hospitals Continue To Rail Against U.S. Star Ratings
Following last week’s release of federal quality ratings, hospital executives focus on the flaws in the technology and criteria used to judge facilities.
Anthem Asks Court For Quick Trial On Merger Because Cigna Deal Is In Danger Of Collapsing
But the judge assigned to the case — and to the Aetna-Humana merger case — says it would be difficult to complete both cases by the end of the year.
NIH Mulls Lifting Ethics-Induced Moratorium On Human-Animal Stem Cell Research
Some bioethicists had been concerned about the possibility that animals could start thinking like humans or about what would happen if the chimeras were allowed to breed.
Scientists Optimistic About Zika Vaccine After ‘Striking’ Results From Monkey Trial
But researchers warn that an approved-vaccine for humans could still be years away.
California Confirms 2 Babies Born With Zika-Linked Microcephaly
“This is a sobering reminder for Californians that Zika can cause serious harm to a developing fetus,” says Dr. Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health. Meanwhile, blood banks take steps to protect the nation’s supply, few mosquitoes are seen in Rio as Olympics get started, spraying begins in Miami and more.
Obama To Congress Over Zika: Do Your Job
The president stops short of explicitly calling for a special summer session, but implores lawmakers to act on the “critical” public health situation.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Marketplaces And The Health Law’s Fate; Privacy, Data And Health Apps
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Different Takes On Zika And Other Public Health Crises
Opinion writers offer different perspectives on efforts to combat Zika, antibiotic resistance and tuberculosis.
Longer Looks: Mental Health In Massachusetts; Treating Cancer; Demystifying Zika
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Outlets report on health news from Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Washington, Missouri and California.
Federal Medicaid Officials Encouraging States To Use Home Care Instead Of Nursing Homes
The effort comes as states begin moving toward more home-based care. Also, consumer advocates in Alabama decry the effects of Medicaid budget cuts there.
Flint’s Federal Emergency Declaration Soon To Expire, But Much Work, Support Still Necessary
Federal, state and local officials say they remain committed to fixing Flint’s drinking water system.
Low-Cost Device To Create Artificial Airway May Reduce Preventable Battlefield Deaths
Students have invented a device, relying on a 3D printer, that would pump air into the lungs of someone whose airway is obstructed — a condition that is attributed to 10 to 15 percent of preventable battlefield deaths.
