Latest KFF Health News Stories
Justice Lawyers’ Quest Convinces 500 Hospitals To Settle Claims On Cardiac Implants
The eight-year effort centered on allegations of false claims submitted to Medicare for inappropriately implanting the cardioverter defibrillators. Also in the news: a look at for-profit hospitals, an Indian Health Service hospital in South Dakota comes up with a plan for fixes and Louisiana safety net hospitals may take a budget cut, a new study on critical access hospitals and controversy about a Nashville hospital.
Expert: Relax, There’s No Need To Panic Over Antibiotic-Resistant Superbug
Yohei Doi, an infectious disease doctor at the University of Pittsburgh, says that although it’s good to be careful, it’s not time to worry yet. In other public health news, cancer deaths saw an uptick during the recession, hidden heart disease is a deadly threat for women, positive thinking over aging has an effect on life expectancy and an organization aims to better protect kids’ chests when they play sports.
Senator Calls On Feds To Launch Probe Of Purdue Pharma Over OxyContin Allegations
The Los Angeles Times reported that the manufacturer knew the painkiller didn’t last for 12 hours for some people, which could lead to addiction. In response, Sen. Edward J. Markey is asking the Department of Justice and the FDA to investigate. In other news, Prince’s death puts buprenorphine in the spotlight, the accuracy of tests predicting opioid addiction is questioned, New York lawmakers consider drug prescription limits, and naloxone will be available in Florida CVS stores without a prescription.
WHO: There’s No Public Health Justification For Adjusting Olympics Timing, Location
About 150 health experts called on the organization to consider postponing or moving the Rio Summer Olympics because of the virus to no avail. Meanwhile, Congress has left for recess without approving funding to fight Zika, and local health departments are scrambling.
Trump Promises Vets Private Doctor Option In Face Of VA Delays
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee spoke at the Rolling Thunder rally in Washington, D.C., over the Memorial Day weekend. Meanwhile, The Hill looks ahead to the potential impact anticipated Obamacare premium increases could have on Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
ACOs Will Face ‘Uphill Battle’ In Qualifying For Exemptions After IRS Ruling
The agency recently denied a tax exemption sought by an accountable care organization that coordinates care for people with commercial insurance, saying the network negotiated agreements with insurers on behalf of doctors — and that is not a charitable activity. The decision could impact ACOs that do not coordinate care for Medicare beneficiaries. Meanwhile, The New York Times offers a look at a clandestine meeting that took place with IRS officials over the Affordable Care Act.
VA Considers Expanding Scope Of Practice Of Nurses In Effort To Address Wait Times
The plan came under immediate fire from some of the country’s largest doctors’ groups. Meanwhile, a Senate investigation raises questions about the inspector general’s ability to police veterans’ health care access.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Health Insurers Find Ways To Limit Patient Choice; The VA Empowers Nurses
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Preventive Care; End-Of-Life Discussions; Wellness Programs
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Outlets report on health news from Florida, Iowa, New York, California, New Hampshire, Arizona, Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois and Ohio.
Mass. Leaders Join Forces To Prevent Ballot Initiative On Hospital Prices
News outlets also report on other hospital developments in Massachusetts, Colorado, Florida and Texas.
At Trial For Ala. House Speaker, Medicaid Officials Say They Opposed Bill Aiding His Client
The officials said they were never consulted about the measure, which would have set criteria for a pharmacy benefit manager for the Medicaid program.
Doctor Pushes For Trauma-Associated Sleep Disorder Diagnosis To Be Accepted
Col. Vincent Mysliwiec proposes a set of conditions that present in veterans when they’re sleeping be recognized as its own diagnosis.
Clerical Errors And Confusion: No One Realized When Ga.’s 20-Week Abortion Ban Went Into Effect
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kimberly M. Esmond Adams dismissed a lawsuit that was blocking the ban, but doctors and clinics didn’t seem to know that happened. In other news, women are speaking out about their abortions to try to combat any stigma around the procedure.
Valeant Rejects Takeover Approach
The beleaguered pharmaceutical company rejected a joint takeover bid this spring by Takada and private-equity firm TPG.
Blue Shield Of California For First Time Releases Compensation Data Of Top 10 Paid Officials
CEO Paul Markovich made $3.5 million last year – a 40 percent increase since he took the top job in 2013. And in Texas, an Arlington health care provider and Aetna forge a partnership.
Senators Optimistic About Bipartisan Mental Health Bill Deal
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has indicated that he is willing to put the bill from Sens. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., on the floor if enough support exists so that debate time will be limited. In other news from Capitol Hill, Vice President Joe Biden hints that Republican lawmakers may support his cancer funding request, while a Democratic congressman calls out Red Cross struggles.
Ohio Health Insurance Co-Op Becomes 13th To Close
InHealth Mutual was one of 23 co-ops set up by the federal health law to offer more options for consumers, but many of them have run into financial problems. Also in health law news, a new insurer is looking to Colorado, Massachusetts leaders to get federal officials to reconsider a hospital funding issue and an insurer’s decision to discontinue bronze plans in Virginia raises some concerns.
Report Prompted By Sandy Hook Offers Police Best Practices To Deal With Psychological Fallout
The U.S. Justice Department is recommending police departments put mental health programs in place to help their officers cope with trauma, including the aftermath of mass shootings.
