Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Strengthening Medicaid; ERISA And The Goals Of Transparency
A selection of opinions from around the country.
Research Roundup: Medicare Drug Plans; ACA Patient Losses; Hospital Readmissions
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health issues in Florida, Arizona, Kentucky, California, New York, Michigan and New Jersey.
S.D. Governor Signs Legislation Banning Abortion After 19 Weeks Of Pregnancy
The legislation includes exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for cases of rape or incest. Elsewhere, The Associated Press takes a closer look at Indiana’s measure that would ban abortions sought because of fetal defects, and West Virginia lawmakers override the governor’s veto on banning a second-trimester abortion method.
California Bill To Raise Smoking Age To 21 Heads To Governor’s Desk
The legislation is part of a six-bill tobacco package, which passed through the legislature despite intense lobbying from the industry.
Lawmakers Set June 9 As Effective Date For California’s Aid-In-Dying Law
Supporters used the special session on health care to bypass the committees that might have held it up.
VA Investigation Finds Systemic Scheduling Problems At Texas Facilities
According to the report, schedulers often listed the first available date that a patient could be seen as the date that a patient had wanted to be seen. Meanwhile, a new report says more Agent Orange research is long overdue.
Long Road Ahead For Genetically Modified Mosquito Trial In Florida
To help in the battle against Zika, the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District wants Oxitec, a company that has developed genetically modified mosquitoes that would help cull the population, to test them in a neighborhood of 444 homes on a peninsula north of Key West, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon. In other Zika news, NPR looks at problems with testing, such as long wait times for results, and health experts in Ohio lead the crusade against the virus.
Where Do Older Americans Get Best Health Care? Group Issues Report Cards
The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice based its regional ratings on factors like time spent with a doctor, likelihood of hospitalization and number of unnecessary tests or risky medications. Meanwhile, KHN reports on the latest preventive care guidance on eye exams for seniors.
Dog Helps Transform Owner’s Health: ‘I Wanted To Become The Person He Thought I Was’
Eric O’Grey’s health had so deteriorated one doctor told him he’d need a funeral plot within five years. Another one, however, told him to get a dog.
A Kayak.com For Drug Trial Sign-Ups?
An entrepreneur is taking a page from the travel industry with a new tool he thinks could tackle a long-standing inefficiency that’s hobbled the pharmaceutical industry for years — matching scientists to patients with the disease.
Making It Easier To See The Doctor — Minute Clinics And ER Adjustments
NPR reports on how some hospital emergency rooms are adapting to make it easier to provide regular care to patients. Meanwhile, The Washington Post notes that minute clinics are making more people more likely to go to the doctor.
A Tragedy Becomes A Crucible Moment For Texas Hospital
The death of a 13-year-old boy who suffered a stroke and sought treatment from Hill Country Memorial was a turning point for the hospital, which had been struggling with budget and poor customer and employee satisfaction. But other rural hospitals have not fared as well.
Medicare Policy Preserves Cigna Bonuses As Insurer Fixes Plan Failures
Despite sanctions against Cigna for its mismanaged Medicare Advantage plans, a quietly announced revision in Medicare policy will allow the insurer to keep hundreds of millions of dollars in bonus payments. The change by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services drove up both Cigna and Anthem stocks.
Study Finds Colorado’s Medicaid Expansion Provided ‘Significant Positive Effect’ On Economy
The report by the Colorado Health Foundation asserts that the expansion added $3.8 billion in economic activity. Also, news on Medicaid expansion from Indiana and Alabama.
Key House Republican Seeks New Rules On Reclaiming Health Law Subsidy Overpayments
The proposal by Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, is part of his effort to get an annual budget. In addition, Republicans are questioning the administration overpayments to insurers. Also on Capitol Hill, Senate Republicans are raising questions about how the insurance co-ops were regulated.
In Rare Bipartisan Vote, Senate Passes Opioid Bill 94-1
Dozens of senators came to the floor to praise the measure, saying the opioid epidemic is one of the most pressing issues facing the American family at the moment.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions from around the country.
Longer Looks: The Readmission Cycle; Opioids in Connecticut; Medicare Scammers
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
