Latest KFF Health News Stories
La. Hospitals, Fearing Budget Cuts, Welcome Medicaid Expansion
Thousands of people are expected to sign up for Medicaid under the expansion, which is part of the federal health law. Hospitals, especially those that serve low-income residents, are hoping that will help cut their costs for providing uncompensated care.
Insurers Request 2017 Obamacare Rate Hikes
Meanwhile, House Republicans and the Obama administration are at odds over subpoenas.
Medicaid Can Pay For Mosquito Repellent, Condoms In Effort To Curb Zika
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sent the guidance to states to clarify how money could be used to fight the virus. In other news, underlying issues with Texas women’s access to health care could complicate its efforts against Zika, and Florida’s governor wrote a letter to President Barack Obama warning of a “disaster” if funding isn’t approved.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Congress’ Dithering On Zika; Fixing Medicare Drug Spending; Doctor Pay
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On Drug Costs: Are Prices Actually Too Low?
Editorial and opinion writers offer their take on drug-cost issues.
Former Valeant CEO Gets $9M In Severance, Will Stay On As $83K-A-Month Consultant
News outlets report on the pharmaceutical drug industry.
State Highlights: La. Budget Woes Endanger Doctor Training Programs; Kansas Passes Major Health Laws
Outlets report on health news from Louisiana, Kansas, Colorado, Tennessee, Florida, New York, Texas and New Hampshire.
Contract Expires Between Minnesota Nurses And Twin Cities’ Largest Health System, Allina
In its final offer during renewal negotiations, Allina Health says the Minnesota Nurses Association must give up its union-backed health plans and accept the less expensive ones offered to other employees. The nurses are scheduled to vote on June 6 whether to accept the deal or strike.
St. Louis Establishes Drug Monitoring Program
The program creates a database where pharmacies and other drug providers report prescriptions on a daily basis. In other news, a woman pleads guilty to fraud charges over dislocating her shoulder to obtain painkillers, and KHN explains the best way to get rid of unused prescription drugs.
Arizona Measles Outbreak: Health Officials Predict Uptick In Cases
There have been 11 confirmed so far, but officials say, “there has been significant [potential] exposure at public places.”
N.J. Counties Due $37 Million From State Because Of Medicaid Overpayments, Congressman Says
Rep. Bill Pascrell says federal officials have informed the state about the overpayments, which came during the recent recession. Gov. Chris Christie’s administration plans to appeal. Outlets also report on concerns about rising Medicaid costs for hepatitis C treatments and other developments in North Carolina and Ohio.
No Smoking Gun In Rare Rise In Americans’ Death Rate, Researchers Say
CDC’s report shows the an increase in U.S. deaths for the first time in a decade. Although scientists say it could be a fluke, they say they are surprised by the trend. “We are not accustomed to seeing death rates increase on a national scale,” said Andrew Fenelon, a researcher at the CDC.
Conspiracy Theories, Myths And Rumors: How Misinformation Can Sabotage Fight Against Zika
Researchers worry that misinformation — or as one scientist calls it, “the lifeblood of epidemics” — about the virus, especially as it is amplified via social media, can undermine efforts to curb an outbreak. Meanwhile, a woman from Honduras has given birth to the first baby in the continental U.S. to have Zika-linked birth defects.
How To Pay For Long-Term Care? Most Americans Surveyed Not Confident They Can
Confusion over what Medicare covers and beliefs that such services will not be needed have led many to forgo setting aside money for long-term care, an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll finds.
Portman Promises To ‘Turn The Tide’ Of Opioid Epidemic In First TV Campaign Ads
The Ohio senator is in a tough reelection fight against former Gov. Ted Strickland and is focusing on touting his work fighting the crisis that has hit his state particularly hard.
185,000-Strong Nurses Union Digs In Behind Sanders
The nurses want the party to embrace a single-payer, government-run health plan that Sen. Bernie Sanders touts.
La. Begins Medicaid Expansion Enrollment With Federal Approval Of Novel Sign-Up Initiative
Louisiana becomes the 31st state to expand its Medicaid program under the federal health law. HHS officials have given approval to Louisiana’s plan to use eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps, to more quickly find and enroll people.
House Republicans Voice Frustration Over HHS’ Response To Health Law Subpoenas
Ways and Means Committee members say they have received only one heavily redacted page in response to their subpoenas over an initiative known as the Basic Health Program. In other news, the California Assembly has taken the next step toward allowing those living in the country illegally to buy health insurance from the state’s exchange, and insurers in North Carolina are proposing big rate increases for 2017.
UnitedHealth To Leave California’s Obamacare Exchange
Although it’s a key market, the decision will affect less than one-tenth of a percent of consumers on the exchange, a Covered California official says. UnitedHealth will also pull out of the Illinois exchange.
