Latest KFF Health News Stories
Most Recent Closing Of Insurance Co-Op Leaves Some Customers In Illinois Facing Higher Costs
Customers switching plans may not be able to keep the same doctors and will not be credited for money that they’ve already paid toward their deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
House Passes Bill To Shield Insurers From Paying For Abortions In Largely Symbolic Vote
A California order requiring health insurance companies to pay for elective abortions was upheld by the Obama administration, so it is unlikely the House-passed “Conscience Protection Act” would become law during his presidency. In other news, a Democratic lawmaker proposes a bill that would protect information about workers’ birth control use.
Despite Discord Over Funding, Congress Sends Opioid Bill To President’s Desk
The legislation, which passed the Senate 92-2, focuses on treatment and recovery efforts but the authorized spending has not been appropriated. This is “the first time that we’ve treated addiction like the disease that it is,” says Sen. Rob Portman, Republican of Ohio.
National Health Spending Expected To Hit New High Of $10,000 Per Person
CMS estimates that the 5.5 percent increase in 2015 totals $3.2 trillion. After several years of lower growth, the acceleration is largely attributed to a stronger economy, an uptick in medical prices and an aging baby boomers, as well as specialty drug costs.
Note to readers: We would also love to hear your thoughts on our newsletters. Click here to take a short survey to tell us what you think. Here are today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Public Option Returns; Medicaid’s Family Planning
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On Drug Costs: It’s A Drugmaker’s World And We’re All Just Living In It
Editorial and opinion writers offer their takes on drug-cost issues.
How Big Pharma Dodged An Obamacare Overhaul
News outlets report on the pharmaceutical drug industry.
Outlets report on health news from Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Utah, California, Texas, Colorado and Massachusetts.
Study Of California Suicide Hotlines Finds Room For Improvement
Most of the hotlines studied follow best practices, but researchers point to areas — such as Increasing the availability of chat and text services — where services can be enhanced. In other news, the CDC releases recommendations for the California county that was struck by a pair of suicides clusters.
CDC Partners With WHO To End Violence Against Children
The plan includes a seven-point strategy that consists of measures, such as implementing and enforcing laws that limit young people’s access to firearms; changing beliefs and values around gender roles; and creating safe environments by doing things like improving housing.
Proper Pain Management From Parents Can Take Sting Out Of Vaccinations For Kids
More often than not, parents are unaware of the vast amount of children’s pain and anxiety management research they can pull from when their kids are getting vaccinated. And doctors aren’t providing the information because they say they aren’t being asked. In other news, advocates in California want adults to make sure they’re getting vaccinated, too.
How A Tough-On-Crime Politician’s Opioid Policy Shifted Toward Treatment Over Punishment
“Once you have the facts, it’s very clear to you,” says Frank Guinta, a New Hampshire politician who used to have a single-minded focus of ridding the state of drug dealers. His view has shifted to seeing addiction as an illness rather than a crime.
The Golden Age Of Antibiotics Is Staring Down Its Own Demise
Common ailments are regaining the power to kill as bacteria evolves to resist antibiotics. The Los Angeles Times offers an in-depth look at the issue.
Disability Advocates Press Federal Officials To Get Kansas To Fix Medicaid Backlog
The Disability Rights Center is asking the Obama administration to force Kansas to prove that it is notifying applicants of their right to a hearing if their application isn’t processed within 45 days. Also, another group is staging meetings across the state to rally support for Medicaid expansion.
Theranos’ Downfall Serves As Cautionary Reminder To Silicon Valley Investors
If something seems too good to be true, it just might be. Don’t buy into the hype. Pay attention to red flags. These are just some of the lessons investors may take away when they evaluate what happened with the blood-testing startup.
Consumers Can Search Prices For Medical Services With New Online Tool
USA Today spotlights the expanded search from Amino, a data company that launched last year to help patients find doctors. In other health IT news, a new computerized biopsy tool may help pathologists and a Nashville, Tenn., tech company teams up with Uber to transport people to appointments.
With Proper Drugs, HIV-Positive Patients Have Low Risk For Sexual Transmission
A new study finds that patients who are HIV-positive and taking antiretroviral drugs have a low risk of spreading the virus to their partner, even if they are not using condoms. Doctors, however, warn about placing too much weight on the findings. In other news, a look at why the South is so disproportionately hard hit by AIDS.
Merck Plans R&D Layoffs At East Coast Locations
The pharmaceutical company’s reorganization also includes new laboratories near Boston and San Francisco with an increased focus on microbiome research.
After 3 Patient Deaths, Juno Therapeutics To Resume Modified Trial Of Anti-Cancer Treatment
The FDA is allowing the continuation after the company said that the deaths of the three young leukemia patients — who developed fatal brain swelling — stemmed not from its treatment but from a chemotherapy drug also used. Juno will drop that chemo drug in the modified trial.
