Latest KFF Health News Stories
CMS Rule Says States, Plans Must Adhere To Mental Health Parity In Medicaid
The final rule applies the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 to managed-care plans that contract to run Medicaid programs.
Abortion Pill Label Revised By FDA, Negating Anti-Abortion Efforts In Several States
The Food and Drug Administration updated the guidelines for the medication to relax the number of days into pregnancy that women can be given the pill. The move — while not having a large impact on most states — will affect a few that passed legislation dictating doctors adhere to the FDA label.
Kasich: GOP’s ‘Stupid Promise’ To Get Rid Of Health Law In 2014 ‘A Big Joke’
The Republican presidential candidate said the conservatives angered the base because they couldn’t fulfill their vow to repeal the Affordable Care Act, a promise they should not have made in the first place because Barack Obama was president.
Trump: If Abortions Were Banned, Women Seeking Procedure Should Be ‘Punished’
After his comments provoked an outcry from both sides, the Republican front-runner quickly walked back his statement to say the doctor performing the procedure should be penalized instead.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Reaching For A Cancer Cure; Another Wake-Up Call For Mental Health Reform
A selection of opinions from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in California, Massachusetts, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Tennessee, Washington and Illinois.
New York Governor’s Medicaid Plan A Sticking Point In Budget Talks
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has pledged to find $250 million in Medicaid savings before completing a budget agreement. Media outlets also cover Medicaid news out of Minnesota and Oklahoma.
Louisiana’s Budget Cuts Threaten Some Safety Net Hospitals
In addition, a recent spate of cyberattacks are leading to calls for hospitals to do more to prevent these assaults.
Egregious Errors And Ethics Violations By California Doctors Detailed By Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports’ Safe Patient Project investigates a database maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services that is only accessible to some groups like hospitals and law enforcement.
Private Donations Also Needed To Achieve Cancer ‘Moonshot,’ Biden Says During Speech
Philanthrophic investments, like the ones that will help build John Hopkins’ new cancer center, and government funds are needed, according to the Vice President Joe Biden. In other public health news, online fantasy sports are driving an increase in gambling addicts. And Marketplace and USA Today report on the latest Zika virus developments.
Cost Of Alzheimer’s Weighs Heavily On Caregivers
A survey released by the Alzheimer’s Association found that many families struggle with paying for care for a relative with dementia to the point of having to forgo food and basic necessities. “This was a big shocker for us,” said Keith Fargo, Alzheimer’s Association director of scientific programs and outreach.
‘Nobody Wants To Touch A Pregnant Woman With An Addiction Issue’
Amanda Hensley’s struggle to get clean while pregnant is just one of thousands of stories of women of child-bearing age grappling with the growing epidemic of substance abuse that is sweeping the country. Researchers estimate that every 25 minutes a baby was born dependent on opioids in 2012, the most recent year for which data are available.
‘Bad Paper Discharges’ Lead To Spike In Veteran Health Benefit Refusals
Former military members are being denied benefits at the highest rate since the system was created, according to a new report.
Pharmaceutical Price Wars: $129K-A-Year Cancer Drug Next In The Cross Hairs
Lawmakers are urging federal agencies to step in to cut prices of Xtandi, a prostate cancer drug that’s price is four times greater in the United States than in other developed countries. The move is the latest in efforts to get control of spiking costs.
One Of America’s Most Powerful Doctors Still Dons Medical Gloves On Weekends
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ chief medical officer Dr. Patrick H. Conway still treats patients and works with colleagues who have no idea that he has had a say in almost every significant or controversial health care policy change contemplated by the Obama administration.
Supreme Court Asks For More Information, Compromise In Contraception Case
In a rare move, the justices — seemingly divided 4-4 — ordered both sides to submit briefs on how women working for religious employers might be able to get insurance coverage for contraception without violating the rights of their bosses. Both sides found hope in the order.
Nebraska Senate Shelves Medicaid Expansion For Fourth Year Straight
The measure would have set up a three-year pilot project under a conservative proposal, but opponents, including the governor, raised concerns about long-term costs.
Ark. Governor Insists That Debate On Extending Medicaid Expansion Include Managed Care
Gov. Asa Hutchinson is calling for a special legislative session next week to modify the Medicaid expansion plan set up by his predecessor. Also, the New Hampshire Senate is considering a bill to extend its program.
Americans Newly Insured Under Health Law Sicker and More Expensive, Report Finds
However, the Department of Health and Human Services says that was to be expected because the Affordable Care Act provided coverage to patients who had been previously denied health care due to pre-existing conditions.
