Latest KFF Health News Stories
News outlets report on health issues in Florida, California, Washington, D.C., Ohio, Maine, Iowa, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Arizona and Pennsylvania.
Key Mo. Lawmaker Rails Against Medicaid Costs But Fails To Cut Much From The Program
Senate Appropriations Chairman Kurt Schaefer appeared ready to slice the state’s Medicaid spending but when the budget came together last week in the Senate, only $57 million was trimmed from the more than $7.9 billion budget. Also, North Carolina is disputing a federal audit of its Medicaid spending.
Surgeon General Takes Up Mantle Of Fighting Opioid Abuse
Vivek Murthy says the cause has become “a top priority” for him, and his office will be releasing a major report this year on drug use, addiction and health — covering topics including opioids, heroin and other substances. It will draw on the science on prevention, treatment and recovery. Meanwhile, an Illinois lawmakers is calling for bipartisan support on a bill that would improve access to naloxone.
Public Health Experts Distressed Over Zika Funding
Health officials were outraged that, after a stalemate with Congress, the Obama administration had to announce it would transfer Ebola money to the efforts to fight Zika, saying the lack of new funding could mean the virus wreaks more damage on the United States than it would have otherwise. Meanwhile Sen. Marco Rubio says he supports President Barack Obama’s $1.9 billion request to battle the outbreak.
The Corrosion Of American Health: An Analysis Of Mortality Rates
The Washington Post looks at how white, rural women’s death rate is spiking. In two other studies, researchers find that poor people who live in expensive cities live longer than those in less affluent areas and that demographics play a role in cancer survival rates.
Hospitals Weigh Cost Of Fortifying Cybersecurity In Wake Of Ransomware Attacks
Cybersecurity experts say that business is booming as hospitals consider upgrades to their information systems. Meanwhile, health institutions and medical schools in Maryland are teaming up to try to block potential hacks.
Financial Navigators Offering Cancer Patients ‘Life Rafts’ In Dealing With Cost Of Treatment
Across the country, oncology social workers are helping those diagnosed with cancer to navigate one of the terrifying side effects of treatment: financial toxicity. “He keeps throwing me life rafts before I sink,” Scott Steiner says of his social worker, Dan Sherman.
Hospitals See Potential In Digital Health Investment
News outlets also report on a range of hospital-related developments, including the intersection between hospital discharge and medical deportation; the role of health worker outreach in reducing readmissions; how rural hospitals continue to struggle; and new ambulance policies.
How A Series Of Missteps, Turbulent Business Practices and Big Egos Derailed ‘Female Viagra’
Although Addyi, described as the female Viagra, was always going to be a hard sell, the dismal results of the drug underscore Valeant’s troubles. The New York Times looks at what went wrong, while STAT reports on Valeant CEO’s Senate fight.
The Obama administration announced a new formula for paying doctors in an effort to tackle the nation’s high drug prices, but doctors say the change will hurt their patients.
New York Predicts 470,000 Will Enroll In New Low-Cost Option Under Health Law
The Essential Plan, available under the Affordable Care Act starting in 2016, is aimed at consumers who can’t afford private coverage and don’t qualify for Medicaid. In other news, California unveils a sweeping set of reforms for its exchanges.
Revamped Ark. Medicaid Expansion Program Faces Funding Hurdle This Week
Some Republican lawmakers are threatening to withhold funding for the program when they meet Wednesday. News outlets also report about Medicaid expansion issues in Alaska, Utah and Delaware.
Largest U.S. Health Insurer Pulls Out Of Health Exchanges In Georgia, Arkansas
The move follows reports and complaints that insurance companies are struggling to make a profit by selling plans under the Affordable Care Act.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions from around the country.
Research Roundup: Marketplace Plan Information; Kids’ Mental Health; Drug Costs
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health issues in Maine, Illinois, Texas, California, Minnesota and Kentucky.
California AG Under Fire After Raid Over Planned Parenthood Fetal Tissue Videos
Susan B. Anthony List is calling for the resignation of Attorney General Kamala Harris, who is running for retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer’s seat, after investigators seized videos and other property belonging to David Daleiden.
Planned Parenthood Sues Indiana, Saying Fetal-Defect Abortion Bill Is Unconstitutional
The federal lawsuit also challenges a provision that mandates an aborted fetus be buried or cremated. In other news, Michigan’s attorney general files a suit to shut down a Detroit abortion clinic, the Arkansas State Medical Board votes to replace the term fetus with unborn child in regulations, Missouri lawmakers take a step toward holding a Planned Parenthood official in contempt, and abortion providers get ready for Utah’s new anesthesia law.
Poll Reveals Americans’ Lack Of Knowledge On Zika
Even out of those following the outbreak closely, few know if there is a vaccine or treatment for the virus, a new poll finds.
