Latest KFF Health News Stories
Alabama Governor Proposes Lottery To Help Fund Medicaid, Other State Services
Gov. Robert Bentley will call the legislature into a special session to consider the plan. Also, a report finds that profits rose for Michigan’s Medicaid managed care plans.
As Superbug Threat Looms, Scientists Discover New Antibiotic In Human Nose
The new antibiotic can kill MRSA, the poster child for drug resistance and the culprit behind the most pernicious hospital-acquired staph infections.
Two More Possible ‘Home-Grown’ Zika Cases Spark Concerns Virus Is Spreading
Officials still do not expect a widespread outbreak in the continental U.S., but Florida is particularly vulnerable to the virus because of its climate.
Hour Of Exercise Can Make Up For Health Hazards Of Sitting All Day
A new study calculates a formula — 30 minutes of exercise for every 4 hours of inactivity — that can lower the risk of an early death from a sedentary lifestyle. In other public health news, the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ actually helped those with ALS, doctors tackle the question of what happens to the brain while a patient is under hypnosis and more stories.
In Midst Of Opioid Crisis, Quietly Passed Law Relaxes Rules For Drug Companies
Critics of the legislation say it takes pressure off companies to detect and report drugs flowing to the black market. In other news, after fatal overdoses, advocates say dealers should face punishment, the use of an elephant sedative that’s 100 times as potent as fentanyl is spreading and Ohio’s attorney general says law enforcement officers should be protected from field testing street drugs.
Vertex’s Cystic Fibrosis Drug On Track To Become ‘Blockbuster’ In Its First Year
The sales from Orkambi helped the company narrow its second-quarter losses. In other pharmaceutical news, Brexit is a mixed bag for GlaxoSmithKline and Teva wins approval to purchase Allergan’s generics business.
Highly Anticipated Alzheimer’s Drug Fails Final Trial Stage, But Glimmer Of Hope Remains
The drug, called LMTX, was no more effective for most people than a sugar pill, but did work for a small subset of patients.
‘Affordability, Affordability, Affordability’: Clinton Allies Eye Health Costs As Top Priority
At the Democratic National Convention, some of Hillary Clinton’s top supporters are talking about spiking health care costs as the next step in reform. Meanwhile, as abortion remains at the forefront of convention conversation, the Los Angeles Times looks at the states where the biggest battles are being fought.
Insurers In Maryland, Pennsylvania Seek Rate Increases
In Maryland, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield tells state regulators that it misjudged in its earlier 12-percent increase request and now wants to increase rates by at least 27 percent. In Pennsylvania, insurers say double-digit increases are needed because costs are going up.
DOJ Launches Criminal Investigation Into Alere’s Billing Practices
The diagnostic-testing company, which is in the middle of trying to sell itself to Abbott Laboratories, received a subpoena seeking information on its efforts to collect copayments from patients.
With Upbeat Earnings Report, Anthem Vows To Fight Federal Opposition To Merger With Cigna
The insurance giant tops analysts’ expectations for the second quarter. It says that the planned $45 billion merger with Cigna is needed to help provide leverage to negotiate better prices for consumers and make it easier for the company to keep selling plans on the health law’s online marketplaces.
Medicare Issues Delayed Hospital Star Ratings Despite Criticism
Many of the nation’s best-known hospitals fail to nab 5 stars. But some in the industry say the ratings are an oversimplified judgment of quality. “Hospitals cannot be rated like movies,” says Dr. Darrell Kirch, president of the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Truth About Health Insurance Premium Costs; The Collapse Of A Co-Op
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On Drug Costs: PhRMA’s Big Talk On Price Gouging Seems To Be Just That
Editorial and opinion writers offer their takes on drug-cost issues.
Drug Cost Transparency Bills Shopped Around To States Keep Getting Squashed
News outlets report on the pharmaceutical drug industry.
Outlets report on health news from Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Connecticut, Georgia and Virginia.
Prosecutors Drop Charges Against Activists Behind Planned Parenthood Videos
They agreed with defense attorneys that the grand jury exceeded its authority by investigating the activists after clearing Planned Parenthood of wrongdoing.
Copper: An Unlikely Weapon Against Hospital Infection
The metal kills 99.9 percent of bacteria on its surface within two hours. In other news, the World Health Organization moves toward changing its classification of transgender identity as a mental disorder, Americans are shrinking and a lawmaker pushes for tighter requirements on medical devices after more information comes out about the Olympus tainted scope outbreak.
In Specialized Facilities For Dementia Patients, Each Reminder Carries A Price Tag
When a daily prompt to take medication costs $25 a month, the bills can add up quickly. In other news, a smell test may help doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s and a new study links gut bacteria to the disease.
