Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Law Has Sparked Interest In Christian Health Care Sharing Ministries
The ministries, which require members to share colleagues’ major medical costs, have seen a surge in growth following the implementation of the federal health law since it exempts members from the requirement to have health insurance. Also in health law news, a new Senate report looks at the failed state health co-operatives, news outlets report on the difficulties Minnesota’s marketplace has had in getting out tax forms and a consumer guide helps answer tax questions on the health law.
At Debate, Clinton Defends Support For Universal Coverage, Sanders Praises Cuba’s Health System
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders jabbed at each other over health care and immigration in the eighth Democratic debate, which came a day after Clinton’s surprising loss in Michigan.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Medicare’s Art Of Compromise; Consumerism And Health Care
A selection of opinions from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Wisconsin, Washington, Ohio, New Jersey and California.
Mass. Legislators Compromise On Bill To Restrict First-Time Opioid Prescriptions
Gov. Charlie Baker had pushed for a three-day limit, but the bill released this week caps it at seven days. The legislation contains other provisions to try to fight Massachusetts’ growing painkiller epidemic. In Florida, the legislature plans to reform the way mental health is handled in the criminal justice system.
A Growing Problem For Hospitals, Medical Practices: Unpaid Bills
The Tennessean examines the issue of unpaid medical bills. Also in the news, more than a million doses of controlled drugs have been stolen from Emory University Hospital Midtown, and a controversial ballot issue in Massachusetts is causing a split within the hospital industry.
Study: Health Apps Often Sell Medical Information To Marketers
Apps are becoming a larger part of the health care landscape — one-fifth of smartphone users had health apps in 2012 — but it’s rare for them to have privacy policies that actually protect patient data, a study finds. In other health technology news, a simple wand could make it easier for doctors to receive updates on their patients, and new software lets home care aides and non-medical workers spot potential problems before they get worse.
Valeant May Add As Many As Three New Board Members This Week
The possible appointments come as the pharmaceutical company tries to reassure investors after its stock has fallen 38 percent this year.
Even With Insurance, Many Can’t Keep Up With Health Care Bills
In a recent poll, 26 percent of people said health care expenses have taken a serious toll on their finances, with 7 percent of those respondents ending up in bankruptcy.
Administration Official, Seeking To Allay Insurers’ Concerns, Says Market Is Stabilizing
Kevin Counihan, the Obama administration’s top insurance exchange official, told a forum of insurance executives, “We’re seeing the maturing of a marketplace — people getting a bit more experienced and comfortable on how to buy coverage.” Also, a poll examines attitudes about the law in Florida.
Tax Time Crunch: Health Law Penalties Catching Up To Many Taxpayers
H&R Block reports that among its customers, 60 percent of filers who were getting tax credits to help pay their health insurance premiums in 2015 end up owing money back to the government and the average fine for people who didn’t buy insurance is doubling.
Expensive Specialty Drugs Help Drive Up U.S. Drug Spending
After years of slower growth, drug spending rose a “remarkable” 12.6 percent in 2014, according to a new federal report.
U.S. To Test The Waters With Medicare Drug Reimbursement Proposal
The proposal affects drugs administered in doctors offices or outpatient clinics. It is aimed at current reimbursement incentives that may encourage doctors to select higher-priced medications but not add benefits for patients.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Political Peril Of Repeal; Smart Ways To Improve Obamacare
A selection of opinions from around the country.
News outlets offer opinions and editorials about various public health concerns.
News outlets report on health issues in Virginia, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, California, Florida and New Hampshire.
No Sign Of Movement From House Republicans On Emergency Zika Funding
The lawmakers are adamant that Ebola funds should be used first, but the administration says there isn’t enough left to properly fight the virus. In other Zika news, there’s not much doctors can tell American women who are concerned about getting infected, Brazilian women face difficult decisions, and in Venezuela, the outbreak is complicated by an economic crisis.
This Obscure Task Force Dictates Preventive Services In U.S.
The group of physicians has recently come out with guidelines that have created a firestorm of debate over preventive care, and since the health law granted it the power to determine what screenings should be covered by insurers, it’s unlikely the task force will continue to fly under the radar. Meanwhile, a report finds that too many older people continue to receive treatments that don’t meet established guidelines.
