Latest KFF Health News Stories
Insurers In Maryland, Pennsylvania Seek Rate Increases
In Maryland, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield tells state regulators that it misjudged in its earlier 12-percent increase request and now wants to increase rates by at least 27 percent. In Pennsylvania, insurers say double-digit increases are needed because costs are going up.
DOJ Launches Criminal Investigation Into Alere’s Billing Practices
The diagnostic-testing company, which is in the middle of trying to sell itself to Abbott Laboratories, received a subpoena seeking information on its efforts to collect copayments from patients.
With Upbeat Earnings Report, Anthem Vows To Fight Federal Opposition To Merger With Cigna
The insurance giant tops analysts’ expectations for the second quarter. It says that the planned $45 billion merger with Cigna is needed to help provide leverage to negotiate better prices for consumers and make it easier for the company to keep selling plans on the health law’s online marketplaces.
Medicare Issues Delayed Hospital Star Ratings Despite Criticism
Many of the nation’s best-known hospitals fail to nab 5 stars. But some in the industry say the ratings are an oversimplified judgment of quality. “Hospitals cannot be rated like movies,” says Dr. Darrell Kirch, president of the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Truth About Health Insurance Premium Costs; The Collapse Of A Co-Op
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On Drug Costs: PhRMA’s Big Talk On Price Gouging Seems To Be Just That
Editorial and opinion writers offer their takes on drug-cost issues.
Drug Cost Transparency Bills Shopped Around To States Keep Getting Squashed
News outlets report on the pharmaceutical drug industry.
Outlets report on health news from Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Connecticut, Georgia and Virginia.
Prosecutors Drop Charges Against Activists Behind Planned Parenthood Videos
They agreed with defense attorneys that the grand jury exceeded its authority by investigating the activists after clearing Planned Parenthood of wrongdoing.
Copper: An Unlikely Weapon Against Hospital Infection
The metal kills 99.9 percent of bacteria on its surface within two hours. In other news, the World Health Organization moves toward changing its classification of transgender identity as a mental disorder, Americans are shrinking and a lawmaker pushes for tighter requirements on medical devices after more information comes out about the Olympus tainted scope outbreak.
In Specialized Facilities For Dementia Patients, Each Reminder Carries A Price Tag
When a daily prompt to take medication costs $25 a month, the bills can add up quickly. In other news, a smell test may help doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s and a new study links gut bacteria to the disease.
N.H. Court Questions Law To Report Mental Health Info To Federal Guns Background Check System
In other news on the health care challenges to policing efforts, a New Orleans man diagnosed with schizophrenia and manic depression was shot and killed by police during a breakdown. And CityLab reports on how environmental health issues connect to police violence.
Med Schools Scramble To Adjust How They Teach Opioid Treatment As Epidemic Sweeps Nation
Addiction has been treated as a side note for budding doctors, but experts agree there needs to be an increased focus on the issue as the crisis gains momentum across the country. In other news, naloxone still has its critics even as it saves lives, an Obama administration official visits a Rhode Island women’s prison to learn more about its opioid program and other regional stories.
Task Force: There’s Insufficient Evidence To Recommend Routine Skin Cancer Screenings
There was immediate push back following the announcement. “Dermatologists know that skin cancer screenings can save lives,” said Abel Torres, president of American Academy of Dermatology.
FDA Signals Willingness To Shift On Blood Donation Restrictions For Gay Men
The agency opens the issue for public comment, encouraging alternative policy suggestions that are backed by scientific evidence. Meanwhile, other regulations are causing a severe blood shortage this year.
Only 3 States Get An ‘A’ On Health Care Price Transparency Report Card
Meanwhile, 43 states got failing grades, according to the 2016 Report Card on State Price Transparency Laws.
Growth In Medicaid Business Helps Anthem Beat Q2 Profit Estimates
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch also covers news regarding insurer Centene. And The Washington Post looks at changes to premiums in the long-term care insurance program held by many federal employees.
Democratic Lawmakers In Iowa Call Payment Delays By Private Medicaid Firms ‘Shocking’
Some health care providers say the wait for payments is causing financial hardship. In other news, Kansas providers also raise concerns about the managed care Medicaid program, two new insurers plan to offer Medicaid plans in California and the Texas attorney general’s ties to a managed care firm raise questions.
New Medicare Payment Plan For Heart Attacks Will Press Hospitals To Monitor Post-Acute Care
The plan, which will be implemented in nearly 100 communities, will bundle Medicare reimbursements for coronary bypass surgery and heart attack treatments to include care delivered by skilled nursing and rehab facilities. Also in the news, some Medicare beneficiaries are surprised to find out that they have been automatically enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
