Latest KFF Health News Stories
Quarrels Between Anthem, Cigna Officials Complicate Merger Plans
The Wall Street Journal reports on problems developing between the two health insurers that are seeking to combine operations. Also in the news is a look at the growth of UnitedHealth.
Okla. Governor Vetoes Bill Making Abortion Procedure A Felony, Calling It ‘Ambiguous,’ ‘Vague’
Gov. Mary Fallin also said the legislation would not survive a constitutional challenge. Meanwhile, Oklahoma isn’t the only state moving on measures that curb abortion access.
Survey: CEOs Want Next President To Stay The Course On Health Law
In Modern Healthcare’s second-quarter CEO Power Panel poll, CEOs are rejecting the idea of the Republicans’ “repeal and replace,” in favor of improving the Affordable Care Act.
Virginia Governor Vetoes Legislation That Would Prevent Him From Expanding Medicaid
Gov. Terry McAuliffe has been trying to expand the health program for low-income residents, but the Republican-controlled legislature has fought him fiercely on the issue.
The ‘Cadillac Tax’ Controversy Continues
CBS News details the current state of play regarding this tax, which was intended to help reduce health care costs. Meanwhile, The Richmond Times-Dispatch examines escape routes for the state’s Medicaid coverage gap.
CDC Reports Nearly 300 Pregnant Women In U.S. Infected With Zika
Due to a new method in reporting the cases, the known number of pregnant woman who have been affected has nearly tripled. Meanwhile, calls for proper funding to battle the outbreak have increased in urgency, as states try to get control of the virus without the money to do it.
FDA Puts Sugar In Cross Hairs With New Nutrition Fact Labels
Among other changes, the labels will be required to list added sugars and reflect accurate serving sizes. Manufacturers have until July 2018 to comply with the new rule.
Din Erupts Over Obama’s Proposed Medicare Payment Plan
Patient advocates, doctors and drug companies have all come out strongly against the new payment model that they say focuses more on the costs than quality of care for those who need the medication. In other Medicare news, ever since the program announced it would pay for end-of-life talks the once-controversial conversations have become more common, and an old way of practicing medicine may be a new way to cut costs.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Doctors And Gun Violence; In Funding Scrum, Lawmakers Pit One Virus Against Another
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Costly Mental Health Care; Doctors And Prices; Effects Of Health Coaching
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Outlets report on health news in Virginia, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont, New York, Florida, California, Michigan, Wisconsin and New Mexico.
Louisiana Governor Signs Bill To ‘Kick Start’ State’s Medical Marijuana Program
Also, news outlets report on efforts to use marijuana to treat PTSD and menstrual pain.
States Eye E-Cigarettes As Source Of Revenue As Traditional Smoking Rates Fall
Between 2011 and 2014, revenue collected from taxes on traditional cigarettes decreased by nearly $1 billion. While that’s a positive sign for the country’s public health, states are feeling the loss and turning toward vaping to make up for it.
Number Of Utahns Covered By Medicaid Expansion Plans Pared Down
Gov. Gary Herbert says he is “disappointed” that even fewer Utahns would be covered under the plan going forward, but he suggested the state may be able to do more in the future. In other Medicaid news, Texas wants to urge women on Medicaid to use long-term contraception.
First Successful Penis Transplant Surgery Raises Unusual Questions
Among them, how do organ procurement teams approach a dying patient’s loved ones to ask if they would like to donate their son’s or husband’s penis?
Genetic Testing Company Myriad Accused Of Withholding Data From Patients
A complaint filed on behalf of four patients alleges that the company is not providing the patients with access to their full test results. Myriad says that genetic information is not covered by HIPAA rules. Meanwhile, scientists are closer to identifying genes that could lead to “designer babies.”
Prescient 2006 Report Warning Of Prison Health Problems Was Buried With ‘Top-Drawer Veto’
The surgeon general report was a call to action for the government to address substance abuse and mental illness within the prison systems — problems that are now in full bloom throughout the country.
Analysis: 40 Percent Of Cancer Deaths In U.S. Are Preventable By Adjusting Lifestyle Habits
Unhealthy eating habits, smoking and heavy alcohol use are just some of the factors that can be modified to decrease a person’s chance of getting cancer. Meanwhile, melanoma survivors speak out during Melanoma Awareness Month, and a new study finds that people with HIV are less likely to get cancer treatment.
Even As Observers Write Its Obituary, Theranos Pushes Expansion Narrative
The bedeviled blood-testing startup has posted 200 job openings and has recently made several higher-level moves as well.
