Latest KFF Health News Stories
Schemes By Md., Pa. Providers Defrauded Medicaid Of Millions Of Dollars: Courts
A Maryland couple has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty by a jury of fraudulent D.C. Medicaid claims of more than $80 million. In Pennsylvania, a former hospice manager pleads guilty to false Medicare and Medicaid billing.
North Carolina Medicaid Poised To Change With Reform Plan Pitched To Feds
Ahead of anticipated negotiations over the proposal, North Carolina Health News examines the state’s Medicaid budget surplus.
Gov’t Panel Urges Medicare To Find Ways To Make Hearing Loss Treatment More Affordable
A prestigious advisory panel recommended that other government agencies take steps to make better hearing more possible for older Americans.
DOJ Won’t Contest Fired VA Official’s Challenge, But Will Fight Against Her Reinstatement
Sharon Helman argues in court papers that a key portion of a 2014 law passed in response to the wait-time scandal is unconstitutional. Lawmakers are not pleased with the Department of Justice’s “reckless” decision not to defend that part of the law. In other news, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ proposal to expand nurses’ scope of practice could draw professionals to a sector that struggles with shortages.
StemExpress Accused Of ‘Systematic Violations’ By Head Of House’s Fetal Tissue Special Panel
The panel outlines its privacy and ethics charges in a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services, urging the feds to investigate the company’s fetal tissue transfers. In other news from Capitol Hill, lawmakers discuss adding the mental health bill to reconciliation on opioid legislation.
Fact Checker: Trump’s Mixed Up Obamacare Calendar
The Associated Press looks at Donald Trump’s claims that the administration plans to keep consumers in the dark about premium increases for 2017 until after the election.
Solicitor General Who Won Landmark Obamacare Case Stepping Down
Donald Verrilli Jr.’s two most important wins will most likely be remembered as the Supreme Court’s 2012 decision upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, and its decision last year declaring a constitutional right to same-sex marriage.
As Baby Boomers Age, Concerns About The Strain On Family Caregivers Deepen
About 40 million U.S. family caregivers provided unpaid care, valued at $470 billion, to an adult with limitations on daily activities in 2013. And those numbers are only going to increase. In other public health news, a needle-stealing scare highlights health system vulnerabilities and young people are not being tested for STDs.
A Stigma With Life And Death Consequences: Doctors Not Looking Past Patients’ Weight
Even when obese patients turn to their provider for concerns not related to their weight, it can seem that’s all the doctor cares about. Eventually, tired of hearing the same advice, they stop going to the appointments. And that can have fatal consequences.
Dems On Zika Funding: ‘We’re Not Going To Stop Talking About It Until We Get Some Money’
They will try to force a vote in the Senate next week, Sen. Harry Reid says. In other news, researchers say it is possible for Zika to be transferred via oral sex, the surgeon general talks about the need for proper funding to curb the spread of the virus, and an American athlete considers pulling out of the Olympics.
Prince Died From Fentanyl Overdose
The music icon’s death shines a spotlight on an epidemic that’s ravaging the country.
A Silver Lining In Lower ACA Exchange Enrollment?
In other health law news, The Hill reports on a Commonwealth Fund study concluding that many insurers still see opportunities in the marketplace. News outlets also report on related developments in Florida, North Carolina and Delaware.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Prince Died Of Accidental Fentanyl Overdose, Medical Examiner Says
The day before his death, Prince was treated by a local doctor for withdrawal symptoms from opioid addiction.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Experimental Marijuana Treatments; Assisted Dying; The Burden On Patients
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Outlets report on health news from Tennessee, Florida, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Oregon.
Florida Changes Medicaid Policy To Provide Costly Hepatitis Drugs To Patients Earlier
The change comes after three groups filed suit alleging that the old policy violated patient rights. Also in the news, North Carolina sends its proposal for revamping its Medicaid program to federal officials for review and a shortfall in Kansas tax receipts raises fears of more cuts to Medicaid.
Smartphone App Empowers ‘Citizen Responders’ To Report Cardiac Emergencies In Seattle
Local medical and fire department officials want 15,000 to download the PulsePoint CPR app that allows bystanders to report a cardiac arrest happening nearby. In other information technology news, Politico interviews Karen DeSalvo, the White House’s point person on digitizing health care.
Med Student Finds Strength In Not Hiding Her Mental Illness
Medical schools often struggle with finding the balance when it comes to mental health. One woman, when applying, was advised not to show “any kind of weakness,” but instead she chose to be upfront about her struggles.
