Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare Raises Part B Deductibles $19, Sets Premium Increases For Some Beneficiaries
Congressional action last month thwarted a much higher premium increase for new beneficiaries and those with higher incomes.
On Veterans Day, White House To Push Measures To Improve Private Medical Care For Vets
In addition to tackling the ongoing health care access issues, President Barack Obama’s proposals also target veteran homelessness as well as educational and disability benefits. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald is also urging Congress to stop using VA issues to score political points. And TriWest Healthcare Alliance’s president discusses the difficulties in meeting the need of the military backlog.
Millennium Health Files For Bankruptcy In Wake Of Settlement With Federal Government
Millennium Health, one of the largest drug-testing labs in the U.S., agreed last month to pay the federal government $256 million in a settlement regarding allegations of improper billing and overtesting.
Federal Prosecutors Investigate Drug-Pricing Practices By Merck, Lilly
Also, a decades-old drug produced by Mallinckrodt is again under market scrutiny. Meanwhile, as Pfizer and Allergan proceed in takeover talks, a likely CEO for the two drug giants is emerging.
Express Scripts Terminates Ties With Specialty Pharmacy
The Wall Street Journal describes this development as the most recent sign of tension within this slice of the marketplace. Meanwhile, Valeant continues to be under the microscope, and Theranos and Safeway dissolve their partnership.
Hillary Clinton Details Steps To Improve VA Health System
Clinton, a Democratic presidential candidate, made clear her opposition to completely privatizing health care for veterans, instead striking a balance between the traditional system of care and and some vets’ interest in seeing private health care providers.
GOP Presidential Candidates Spar In Latest Debate, But Health Policies Draw Little Notice
However, during the “undercard” debate — the forum reserved for candidates pulling in lower poll numbers — La. Gov. Bobby Jindal criticized N.J. Gov. Chris Christie, saying he “caved” on the health law by expanding Medicaid in New Jersey.
5,500 Montana Residents Sign Up For Medicaid In First Week Of Expansion
The state’s program requires participants to pay premiums — up to 2 percent of their income — and make small co-payments. Also, a new survey examines the number of uninsured across the country and finds states with the biggest drops in their rates are those that expanded Medicaid.
Senate Republicans’ Health Law Repeal Effort Gets Procedural Boost
Meanwhile, some Democratic lawmakers are discussing changes to Obamacare’s so-called “Cadillac tax.”
Viewpoints: CDC And Lack Of Drug Abuse Research; Failing To Shop For Insurance Is Costly
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Colorado, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington state, North Carolina, Missouri, Minnesota, New York and Texas.
Audit: Va. Medicaid Program Marked By Waste, Inefficiencies
A report by Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, which is in the midst of a two-year review of the Medicaid program, found the state is providing Medicaid benefits to people who are not eligible.
Texas House Speaker To Establish Select Committee On Mental Health
The panel will review and make recommendations on a range of mental health care issues including substance abuse, care for veterans and ways to improve delivery of mental health care in the state.
Half Of Immigrants In Calif. Illegally Could Be Eligible For Medi-Cal Under Legislative Proposal
About 1.4 million of these immigrants have incomes low enough to qualify for California’s low-income health insurance program under this pending proposal, according to a report by the Public Policy Institute of California. News outlets also report on Medicaid developments in Ohio and New Hampshire.
VA Can’t Keep Up With Veteran Demand For Health Services Without More Capacity: Secretary McDonald
Though the agency has completed 3.1 million more appointments and hired thousands of doctors and nurses, Veteran Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald says, “improved access means more demand,” and that additional money is needed. In related news, health care and access to jobs rank as top concerns for veterans surveyed. And KHN reports on a group working to train future doctors on the unique medical challenges vets face.
Activist Investor Bill Ackman Defends Support For Drug Maker Valeant
The New York Times interviews Ackman, who backs Valeant and the company’s controversial drug pricing practices. In other marketplace news, U.S. prosecutors seek to extradite pharmacy officials charged with smuggling counterfeit cancer drugs.
Lawmakers Fast-Tracking Medicare Post-Acute Overhaul
The new Ways and Means Committee chairman is pushing legislation forward that covers Medicare beneficiaries who had serious illnesses. Elsewhere, New York lawmakers pressure Speaker Paul Ryan to renew health coverage for Sept. 11 workers.
As Election Dust Settles, Newly Insured Kentuckians Worry About What Might Become Of Their Coverage
Kentucky Governor-Elect Matt Bevin, a Republican, pledged during the campaign to dismantle Kynect, the state’s health insurance marketplace, and to step back from plans to expand Medicaid. Meanwhile, St. Louis Public Radio examines how some nurses may be stuck in the insurance coverage gap.
Kansas City, Dallas Among Cities Targeted By The White House For Obamacare Enrollment
Twenty cities have been singled out by the White House for having high rates of uninsured residents. These areas, which the Obama administration views as ripe for improvement in enrollment activities, are key to reaching the federal goal of 10 million people enrolled in marketplace plans.
GOP Presidential Hopefuls Begin To ‘Make Noise’ On Drug-Pricing Issues
STAT notes that Democratic candidates have made the push to lower drug prices central to their campaigns but Republicans are just starting to talk about it. Meanwhile, The Associated Press examines how Hillary Clinton is positioning herself as an insider just as most other candidates are embracing outsider status.
