Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: October 29, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Budget Deal Wins Applause For Averting Standoff, Small Gains On Entitlements
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in California, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Connecticut, New York, Florida, Oregon, Texas, Minnesota, and Illinois.
What’s Got Americans Worried? Drug Costs
A new poll says the public’s top health care concern is how much prescription drugs will cost them. The same poll found that most Americans believe the Food and Drug Administration should review drug ads before they air, and a watchdog panel says the cost of some cholesterol drugs limits their value.
Theranos Shipped Blood Testing Device Under Wrong Risk Classification, FDA Says
The Food and Drug Administration says the start-up company’s Capillary Tube Nanotainer (CTN) — a tiny vial used to collect blood — should carry a higher-risk classification that requires more oversight. In other marketplace news, Novartis’ profits take a hit from a government lawsuit settlement, and the health-sector stock slump hurts hedge-fund managers like Larry Robbins.
Anthem Reports Better-Than-Expected 3Q Earnings
The insurer attributes this increase in revenue and profits to the company’s enrollment in government plans, especially Medicaid.
Walgreens To Buy Rival Rite Aid For $9.4B, Will Create Drugstore Giant
The deal, which Walgreens expects to complete in the second half of 2016, will likely draw regulatory antitrust scrutiny.
Following Paul Ryan’s Policy Framework, Jeb Bush Outlines His Medicare Plan
Bush’s proposal moves Medicare toward privatization with premium support and health savings accounts. He also pledged to push for new plan options.
In-Network Access To Specialists Not Always Available On Some Obamacare Plans, Study Says
New research finds that 19 of the 135 federal marketplace plans available may not provide patients with reasonable access to medical specialists. The most common specialties missing were psychiatry, rheumatology and endocrinology.
As Enrollment Period Approaches, Consumers And Advocates Prepare
Several outlets offer tips for consumers who will be shopping on the health law’s insurance marketplaces. Others look at the efforts to get more people to enroll.
House Vote On Budget Package Expected Today
The measure, which will prevent the federal government from reaching its debt limit, has drawn anger and opposition from some lawmakers on the right.
Budget Deal Stops Medicare Premium Increases For Most Seniors
The measure also prevents a deep cut in Social Security disability benefits. However, some hospital Medicare payments will be reduced.
First Edition: October 28, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: A ‘Snapshot’ Of The Health Law; ‘GOP’s Moment’ For Replacing Obamacare
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, Iowa, Maryland and New York.
HHS Secretary Burwell Visits Dallas As Fight Over Planned Parenthood Funding Intensifies
In related news, CQ Healthbeat examines issues related to women’s health services in Southern states — especially those trying to cut off funding for the reproductive health organization.
On Campaign Trail, Clinton Expresses Outrage About Delays In VA Health System
The Democratic presidential hopeful’s comments on Monday came after her earlier statements — namely, that last year’s VA scandal was overblown and used by congressional Republicans for political gain — drew a backlash from some veterans’ organizations.
All Overweight Adults Should Have Blood Sugar Levels Tested, U.S. Task Force Urges
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now says all 40- to 70-year-old Americans who are overweight or obese should have their blood sugar screened to try to catch people who are on the road to developing diabetes. Previous testing guidelines made no mention of weight.
Costs Of Care For Dementia Patients Soar In Last Months Of Life, Study Finds
Researchers found that end-of-life spending can be almost twice as much as for patients who suffer from a different disease.
Tips For Medicare’s Open Enrollment Season
A consumer advocate offers advice to seniors. Elsewhere, The San Antonio Express News offers an explanation of common insurance acronyms.
