Latest KFF Health News Stories
Even Amidst Outcry Against Costs, Pharmaceutical Companies Are Still Hiking Prices
News outlets from across the country report on the pharmaceutical drug industry.
Outgoing Valeant CEO To Issue Mea Culpa For ‘Mistake’ Of Aggressively Boosting Drug Prices
At a Senate Committee on Aging, J. Michael Pearson will testify that he regrets pursuing transactions just to increase the price of the drugs.
News outlets report on health issues in New York, California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, New York, Tennessee, Georgia, Connecticut and Missouri.
N.M. Plans To Cut $33.5M In Medicaid Reimbursements To Doctors, Hospitals, Dentists
The cuts are part of an effort to close an $86 million state funding gap. Also in the news, a look at funding problems for California’s Medicaid program for patients with HIV.
Despite Initiatives Targeting Childhood Obesity, Researchers See No Downward Trend In Rates
The numbers have remained steady for childhood obesity, but the rate of teens with morbid obesity has increased. The lead researcher, Asheley Skinner of the Duke Clinical Research Institute, says she doesn’t know what the trend would look like without the numerous public health campaigns and White House efforts directed at the epidemic, but “we’re certainly not seeing a reversal.”
‘You’re Going To Have Deaths’: Opioid 10,000 Times More Potent Than Morphine May Be Next Big Threat
The powerful synthetic drug W-18 is slowly seeping into North America, and there are currently no tests to detect it in a person’s system, making it difficult for doctors to help someone who is overdosing. Meanwhile, in California, the 14th fentanyl-related death is confirmed in a recent outbreak of overdoses, and in New England, there’s a growing movement to treat painkiller addiction with marijuana.
U.S. Makes Progress On Health Emergency Preparedness, But Gaps Remain
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released a report that uses such measures as vaccination rates and number of hospitals to reflect “the most comprehensive picture of health security preparedness available.” Media outlets report on the results from individual states.
VA Considering Adding Bladder Cancer To List Of Conditions Linked To Agent Orange
The agency is evaluating a report issued by scientists last month that suggests a link between the toxic herbicide and the cancer. In other news, an advocacy group files an ethics complaint against the VA Portland Health Care System.
Senate Democrats Appeal To Colleagues To Fund Lead Testing In Schools
The senators argue that investing in testing and prevention now will avoid future health care and education costs. Meanwhile, the Senate reaches an agreement to authorize $100 million in grants and loans to replace contaminated pipes that caused the crisis in Flint, Michigan.
Potential Political Fallout Lurks On Edges Of Zika Fight As Feuding Derails Funding Progress
Senate negotiators moved closer to a deal on funding to fight zika but Republicans are split on the effort, with Florida Sen. Marco Rubio leading the charge for increased funding. His state, an election battleground, is one that is most threatened by the virus.
Three Prominent Hospital Systems Set Surgeon Requirements For High-Risk Procedures
Meanwhile, in other hospital system news, media outlets cover the latest safety ratings for local facilities.
Insurance Warrior Wages Battle Over Expensive Treatments
Laurie Todd, a 66-year-old former massage therapist, has become a crusader for patients whose insurance companies refuse to pay for a medical treatment. “I’m sitting here in my pajamas making decision-makers who get $20 million a year do the right thing,” she says.
Health Insurer Centene Reports Better-Than-Expected Profits
CEO Michael Neidorff said the company, which recently closed its $6 billion takeover of Health Net, is “achieving margins at the higher end of our targeted range” on its plans offered on the health law marketplace. Also, news outlets report on developments with Anthem and Express Scripts.
Last Ditch Legislative Effort To Kill Medicaid Expansion Fizzles In Arkansas
Senators failed to override the governor’s maneuvers to extend the health program for low-income residents. Also, a poll in Utah suggests that a majority of residents want the legislature there to agree to expand Medicaid.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘Out Of The Shadows’: For Kasich, Mental Health Issues Hit Close To Home
The candidate for the Republican presidential nomination’s only brother, Richard, 59, has struggled with depression disorders since college.
Viewpoints: Detailing The Cadillac Tax; Health Care And Longevity’s Decline
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Minnesota, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, California, Washington, Wyoming, Kansas, Colorado, Maryland and Alabama.
States’ Budget Woes Taking A Toll On Health Care And Medicaid Services
News outlets report on efforts around the country to close state budget gaps that may cut health services for low-income residents.
Sen. Brown, Opponents Slam Ohio Medicaid Plan
The proposal would require Medicaid recipients to pay a monthly premium of 2 percent of their income to receive benefits.
