Latest KFF Health News Stories
More VA Troubles: Suicide Hotline Calls Go To Voicemail; Whistleblower Retaliation Charges
Veterans calling an overloaded crisis hotline run by the Department of Veterans Affairs can encounter long wait times or voicemail, according to a watchdog report. And media outlets cover other developments related to U.S. senators’ demands for an end to alleged retaliation against a Phoenix VA whistleblower; the firing of an Albany hospital director; and an investigation into veteran care at the Cincinnati VA hospital.
Industry’s Eyes Turn Toward Utah Health System As It Rolls Out ‘Innovative’ Plan To Cut Costs
Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City is guaranteeing a long-term lock on price increases, a move only a few other systems in the country have tried.
DOJ Reaches Settlements With 51 Hospitals In Final Stage Of False Claims Investigation
The Justice Department was looking into the overuse of implantable cardiac defibrillators, which cost about $25,000.
California Hospital Held Hostage By Hackers Pays $17,000 Ransom To Unlock Records
The cyberattack forced Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center to return to pen and paper for its record-keeping.
Faith Leaders Press Virginia Lawmakers To Rethink Medicaid Expansion
Meanwhile, in Georgia, a Senate health committee held a hearing on a proposal that would create a Medicaid expansion alternative.
Based On Latest Enrollment Numbers, Covered California Now ‘Running In Place’
Also regarding Covered California, the exchange may require its health plans to pay broker commissions to try to avoid discrimination against higher-cost consumers. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, MNSure data indicates exchange shoppers are getting older.
In Latest Critique, Economists Slam Health Savings Claims Cited By Sanders
Their letter states that there is no credible research that backs up the overly rosy projections of economic growth touted by Bernie Sanders’ campaign. In other 2016 election news, Donald Trump, when asked about Americans having access to health care, says as president he would work out a deal with the hospitals.
First Edition: February 18, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Insurers’ Health Law Secret; How Scalia’s Death Impacts Pending Cases
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Kentucky, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, California, Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Michigan and Florida.
Georgia House Approves Measure To Allow Dental Hygienists To Practice In Safety-Net Settings
In other state legislative news, Minnesota House Democrats are proposing steps aimed at reducing drug costs and Florida’s Senate narrowly confirms a new surgeon general. News outlets also report on developments from Pennsylvania, Missouri and Ohio.
State Auditor Raises Concerns Over Covered California’s No-Bid Contracts
The auditors found nine contracts where the exchange did not sufficiently justify why it used a sole-source contract. Meanwhile, a report finds that three out of five Californians could have had data stolen, in part due to the breach at Anthem.
Iowa’s Medicaid Program Continues Move Toward Privatization
News outlets report on Iowa’s continuing privatization transition. Also in the news, the latest on Alabama’s Medicaid waiver.
Wellness Firms Mining Data On Workers’ Habits To Help Stem Health Care Costs
The theory is that companies can determine their employees’ health care needs from the information, like that an employee who spends money at a bike shop is more likely to be in good health than someone who spends on videogames. In other news, misuse of ADHD drugs are driving up ER visits; transgender patients have unique challenges when seeking care at hospitals; and Congress has lifted a ban on funding for needle exchanges.
FDA Revises Donation Guidelines To Limit Blood Supply Exposure To Zika
With no Food and Drug Administration-licensed test to screen blood donations for Zika, waiting periods are recommended for at-risk people. In other outbreak news, WHO seeks $56 million to coordinate the international response and the CDC teams up with Brazil on a birth defect study. Meanwhile, experts address Zika conspiracy theories.
Task Force Concludes There’s Insufficient Evidence For Across-The-Board Autism Screening
Although the panel’s decision is sure to draw strong reactions from autism advocates, one of the members says it’s not a recommendation against screening, but a call for more research surrounding treatment.
Gov. Christie’s Budget Plan Calls For Steep Cuts To State Hospitals’ Charity Care
The move reflects a drop in cases involving uninsured or underinsured patients, due to New Jersey’s Medicaid expansion under the health law. But critics say the proposed funding is not enough to cover remaining patients. In other hospital news, Community Health Systems’ weak earnings report drives shares lower.
CMS, AHIP Announce Quality Measurements For Physicians
The federal officials and insurers involved say the measures will help simplify and standardize the health industry in terms of rating the quality of care patients are receiving.
Faced With Competition From Generics, Pharma Companies Shift Tack To Marketing Pricey Drugs
The companies are moving from airing ads touting their products that help the broader public to ones that target rarer conditions. In other news, a Houston-based foundation directs millions towards reining in drug prices.
Pfizer To Pay $784.6M Over Medicaid Overcharging Allegations
The agreement settles a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department alleging that the pharmaceutical company’s Wyeth unit did not offer Medicaid the same discounts it had given to hospitals for its heartburn drug Protonix.
