Latest KFF Health News Stories
N.H. Court Questions Law To Report Mental Health Info To Federal Guns Background Check System
In other news on the health care challenges to policing efforts, a New Orleans man diagnosed with schizophrenia and manic depression was shot and killed by police during a breakdown. And CityLab reports on how environmental health issues connect to police violence.
Med Schools Scramble To Adjust How They Teach Opioid Treatment As Epidemic Sweeps Nation
Addiction has been treated as a side note for budding doctors, but experts agree there needs to be an increased focus on the issue as the crisis gains momentum across the country. In other news, naloxone still has its critics even as it saves lives, an Obama administration official visits a Rhode Island women’s prison to learn more about its opioid program and other regional stories.
Task Force: There’s Insufficient Evidence To Recommend Routine Skin Cancer Screenings
There was immediate push back following the announcement. “Dermatologists know that skin cancer screenings can save lives,” said Abel Torres, president of American Academy of Dermatology.
FDA Signals Willingness To Shift On Blood Donation Restrictions For Gay Men
The agency opens the issue for public comment, encouraging alternative policy suggestions that are backed by scientific evidence. Meanwhile, other regulations are causing a severe blood shortage this year.
Only 3 States Get An ‘A’ On Health Care Price Transparency Report Card
Meanwhile, 43 states got failing grades, according to the 2016 Report Card on State Price Transparency Laws.
Growth In Medicaid Business Helps Anthem Beat Q2 Profit Estimates
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch also covers news regarding insurer Centene. And The Washington Post looks at changes to premiums in the long-term care insurance program held by many federal employees.
Democratic Lawmakers In Iowa Call Payment Delays By Private Medicaid Firms ‘Shocking’
Some health care providers say the wait for payments is causing financial hardship. In other news, Kansas providers also raise concerns about the managed care Medicaid program, two new insurers plan to offer Medicaid plans in California and the Texas attorney general’s ties to a managed care firm raise questions.
New Medicare Payment Plan For Heart Attacks Will Press Hospitals To Monitor Post-Acute Care
The plan, which will be implemented in nearly 100 communities, will bundle Medicare reimbursements for coronary bypass surgery and heart attack treatments to include care delivered by skilled nursing and rehab facilities. Also in the news, some Medicare beneficiaries are surprised to find out that they have been automatically enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Ky. Governor’s Plan To Revamp Medicaid Expansion Raises Concerns
Patient advocates have told federal officials that the Kentucky plan is “a giant step backward for Kentucky.” HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell is also questioning it.
Bucking The Current Trend, Cigna Decides To Expand Into ACA Markets
In other health law news, Iowa’s largest insurer says its accountable care organization contracts have saved $35 million in costs last year, a study finds that Covered California policyholders are being rejected by doctors and the court case that could spell trouble for insurers.
How A Democrat Who’s Against Abortion Became Clinton’s VP Pick
Tim Kaine’s personal beliefs on abortion are in contrast with Hillary Clinton’s and the Democratic platform. But it’s his actions that have assuaged any fears from abortion rights groups. “He’s been not only a solid vote but really an ally,” Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards says.
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Viewpoints: Trials Of Pro-Life Democrats; ‘Wake-Up Call’ On Drug-Resistant Superbug
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Texas, Colorado, Minnesota, California and Georgia.
Colorado ERs, Poison Control See Spike In Cases Of Kids Exposed Marijuana: Report
Medical personnel had expected more such cases when the state legalized recreational use of the drug, but “we were not prepared for the dramatic increase,” according Dr. Genie E. Roosevelt, a the senior author of the study published in JAMA Pediatrics.
Children With Disabilities Or Serious Illness Are Moving Into Limelight To Be Advocates
With better care often extending lives, many children can speak out as they grow older. Also, a study explores how patients’ observations about their health is frequently right.
Bystander Effect Of The Modern Age: Cries For Help Falling Into Social Media Abyss
Options are limited when a social media contact posts a message that sounds a lot like someone with a mental illness asking for help. But often, it’s simply ignored. In other public health news, sometimes cancer is genetic and sometimes it all just comes down to chance.
Silent Epidemic: Older Americans With Addiction Forsaken As Opioid Crisis Grips Nation
The many ramifications of the opioid epidemic on older adults range from a lack of beds in treatment facilities to a generational reluctance to seek help. In other news, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is setting up a program as an alternative to jail for those convicted of nonviolent crimes related to an opioid addiction, and advocates call for jails and prisons to offer more comprehensive treatment options.
Trendy Knee Surgery May Be Fixing A Ligament That Doesn’t Even Exist
After researchers discovered a new knee ligament, a procedure to fix it gained popularity. But now experts say it’s a “leap of faith” to think the procedure does anything to help the knee — and are even questioning if the ligament exists.
Gilead’s Hep C Revenue Slips As Competition Increases And Pricing Pressure Mounts
In other news, many children who have hepatitis C are not getting treatment because they don’t realize they have the disease, and inmates file a lawsuit alleging the Tennessee Department of Correction is denying them hep C treatment because the best available medication is too expensive.
