Latest KFF Health News Stories
Those Drugmaker Coupons Cut Costs In The Short-Term, But Are Actually Driving Up Prices
The Associated Press breaks down the pros and cons of the coupons, which are facing increased scrutiny because of the EpiPen controversy. Meanwhile, Allergan strengthens its skin-care pipeline by acquiring Vitae.
EpiPen-Maker’s CEO To Face Congressional Fire At Hearing On Price Gouging
Chief Executive Heather Bresch will testify in front of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee next week. Meanwhile, senators plan to introduce a bill requiring drugmakers to give a 30-day notice and justification of any prescription drug price increase of more than 10 percent.
HHS Unlikely To Approve Changes To Kentucky’s Expanded Medicaid Program
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin has sought a waiver to reshape the program put in place by former Gov. Steve Beshear. In other news, a federal report criticizes South Dakota’s efforts to fight Medicaid fraud, and a federal appeals court finds that some Medicaid patients who sued over the Arizona plan should be able to recover attorneys’ fees.
Lawmakers Voice Concerns About 2017 Premiums And Overall Performance Of Health Law
Republicans criticize insurer participation and co-op closures at a hearing of two House Energy and Commerce subcommittees while acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt defends the law. In other ACA news, Centene files to sell plans in two Arizona counties next year, Sen. Lamar Alexander introduces a bill to extend subsidies to some private plans and the Obama administration and insurers discuss payments.
Survey Of Employers Finds Modest Rise In 2015 Health Premiums, But Deductibles Soared
The Kaiser Family Foundation analysis finds that premiums for health insurance family plans offered through a workplace grew about 3 percent. Yet that was partly the result of employers shifting costs to workers through increased deductibles, which have grown nearly six times as fast as wages.
First Edition: September 15, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Despite Drop In Uninsured, Poor Americans Need Help; Trump’s Plan For Moms
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Thoughts On Presidential Health: More Details Needed; A Woman’s Effort To Power Through
Commentators examine the national debate about Hillary Clinton’s health.
Perspectives: Before Crowning CEO As Champion Of Consumers, Let’s Check Allergan’s Record
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
High Hep C Prices Force States To Choose Between Treating Inmates And Salvaging Budgets
Only those who are the sickest are given the treatment, in most places. Meanwhile, Illinois will begin providing the pricey drugs to more Medicaid beneficiaries.
Patients With High Deductible Plans Sometimes Face EpiPen Cost Issues
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
State Highlights: Health Prices In Mass., Fla.; No Bonuses For Philadelphia-Area ACOs
Outlets report on health news from Massachusetts, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Missouri, Tennessee, California, Virginia and Maryland.
Southern California Gas Agrees To $4M Settlement Over Massive Porter Ranch Gas Leak
The company still faces a lawsuit by the California attorney general, which charges alleged violations of the state’s health and safety laws by failing to promptly control the leak and alert authorities.
In other news, disabled tenants of some federally-supported housing filed suit in U.S. District Court in Denver against a prohibition on service animals.
Hospitals and medical centers in New Hampshire, South Dakota, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, Minnesota, Florida, Missouri, Wisconsin and Washington are in the news.
Lavizzo-Mourey Steps Down As President And CEO Of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The announcement was made Tuesday. Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, who has held the position for nearly 14 years, said she will remain in her role until a successor is chosen.
FDA May Begin To Crack Down On Stem-Cell Therapies
Also in public health news, the penicillin shortage endangers people with syphilis. Meanwhile, in tobacco news, black health experts target menthol cigarettes and questions are raised about Newport’s aggressive campaign aimed at younger smokers. And Stat reports on transplant ethics when the donor overdosed.
Mylan Ranks No. 2 In Executive Pay Among Drug Companies, Far Outpacing Others Its Size
The top five managers took home almost $300 million over the past five years, The Wall Street Journal reports amid continuing questions about the manufacter’s EpiPen pricing. News outlets also report on an FDA warning to doctors about drug risks, the pros and cons of pharmaceutical ads and a drop in the cost of generics.
Hillary Clinton Returns To The Campaign Amidst Continued Speculation About Her Health
And, because the public appears to have great interest in news about presidential candidates’ well-being, Donald Trump joins Dr. Oz on television. Meanwhile, Trump also appears to signal new support for vaccines.
Congressional Talks Over Zika Funding Stall Again
The Hill reports that progress has snagged on a stopgap funding measure that includes a rider to provide emergency Zika funding among other things. Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Rick Scott blasted congressional Democrats and the Obama administration as he made his case to Republicans to approve the federal resources to combat the virus.
