Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: Risk Of Microcephaly ‘Substantial’ For Pregnant Women Infected By Zika
A new report reveals that up to 14 percent of women who contract the Zika virus while pregnant will have babies born with the birth defect. In other news, CDC head Tom Frieden talks about his outbreak worries while U.S. officials take steps to protect Olympic athletes heading to Brazil.
Researchers Zero In On Toxic Debris From Infections As Potential Cause Of Alzheimer’s
In “an innovative and novel study,” scientists will investigate the way the brain fights invaders: a defense response that could leave behind the plaque that is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
The Facts That ‘Vaxxed’ Leaves Out
The controversial movie presents itself as a scientific documentary about vaccinations and autism, but it skates over backstory and events that could challenge its portrayal of a link. The Washington Post puts those in context.
Despite Being ‘Very Much Alive,’ 4,200 Veterans’ Benefits Cut Off After Being Declared Dead
The Veterans Administration has since restored their benefits and has changed its protocols for confirming deaths. In other news, PBS NewsHour tracks the fallout from Secretary Robert McDonald’s comments about wait lines.
S.C. Governor Signs 20-Week Abortion Ban
Legislation banning the procedure at 20 weeks is now in effect in at least 13 states and blocked by court challenges in several others. Elsewhere, some are criticizing Oklahoma’s focus on issues such as abortion as the state struggles under deep financial burdens, and the Michigan Senate sends its governor a bill making coercing a woman into an abortion a misdemeanor.
A New Machine For Manufacturing Medicine
Kaiser Health News reports on a prototype machine that produces 1,000 pills in 24 hours and takes up the space of a refrigerator rather than a large factory.
Justice Department Joins Lawsuit Accusing Calif. Hospital Chain Of Improper Medicare Billing
The federal agency is joining a whistle-blower in alleging that Prime Healthcare Services overbilled Medicare by improperly admitted patients.
Beginning Days Of Walgreens-Theranos Partnership In The Spotlight
The Wall Street Journal reports that Walgreens never fully validated Theranos’ technology before striking up their partnership even though some executives and outside advisers had doubts.
Missouri Is First State To Rebuke Proposed Aetna-Humana Merger Over Antitrust Concerns
The insurers have 30 days to “submit a plan to remedy the anti-competitive impact of the acquisition,” according to the Missouri Department of Insurance’s preliminary order, or stop selling certain plans in the state.
W. Va. Medicaid Expansion Advocates Worry About Future Costs
Under the federal health law, West Virginia and the other states that expanded their Medicaid programs will begin to pick up some of the costs next year, adding to already burdened state budgets.
IRS Officials Reportedly Raised Questions About Health Law Payments At Center Of Court Battle
The cost-sharing subsidies for low-income people buying coverage on the online insurance marketplaces are at the heart of a lawsuit filed by Republican members of the House, who say they were never approved by Congress. Also in the news, House Republicans find fault in how Oregon set up its enrollment website.
Insurers Seeking Rate Hikes Of 20 Percent Or More For 2017
The proposed increases are an indicator of how the big health plans are adapting to the Affordable Care Act’s transformation of the way health coverage is priced and sold in the U.S.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: A Critical View Of Obamacare; The Hard Facts Of The Aetna-Humana Merger
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On Drug Costs: Increased Prices Jeopardize Shift To Fee-For-Value System
Editorial and opinion writers offer their take on drug-cost issues.
Big Pharma Reaps Rewards As Mainstream Medicine Embraces New, Expanded Conditions
News outlets report on the pharmaceutical drug industry.
Concordia Healthcare bought a drug to treat irritable bowel syndrome when a prescription for the medication cost about $87. Now it sells at $782.
Outlets report on health news from Vermont, California, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Florida, Detroit, Wisconsin, Delaware, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Washington, California Sue J&J In Latest Legal Action Against Vaginal Mesh Implants
The plastic mesh is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse. In response to thousands of injuries from the mesh, the Food and Drug Administration early this year re-labeled the products high risk instead of moderate and announced new federal scrutiny for them.
Kansas Medicaid Proposal To Designate Preferred Providers Brings Complaints
A proposal by state officials to let the private insurance companies that manage the Medicaid program designate preferred providers and pay them more was questioned by consumers and providers at a public hearing. Also, the recent decision on Medicaid services by Arizona’s high court did not resolve a key issue.
