Latest KFF Health News Stories
What’s Ahead For The Health Care Sector In 2016?
Bloomberg offers a series of charts to aid in understanding the market forces at work in the health industry in the year ahead. Meanwhile, a large shareholder sells off its stake in a giant hospital physician staffing company while a startup focused on cancer blood tests raises $100 million. Also, why insurers are enjoying this year’s mild winter.
Planned Parenthood To Back Clinton With First-Ever Primary Endorsement
“No other candidate in our nation’s history has demonstrated such a strong commitment to women or such a clear record on behalf of women’s health and rights,” Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards says. In other 2016 election news, Bernie Sanders finds America’s health care system lacking when compared to European models and outcomes.
Idaho Governor Announces State-Funded Alternative To Federal Medicaid Expansion
Gov. C. L. “Butch” Otter is proposing to fund the $30 million program by redirecting cigarette and tobacco taxes. Meanwhile, media outlets cover Medicaid expansion news in South Dakota, Arkansas, Wyoming and Arizona.
More Than 11.3M Have Enrolled On Health Exchanges, Obama Administration Announces
Although the administration has met its modest overall goal, exchanges are struggling to attract young adults. Analysts estimate that people aged 18 to 34 would have to make up about 40 percent of an exchange’s enrollment for it to be successful and hold down premiums. It’s currently at 26 percent, with the period ending Jan. 31.
First Edition: January 8, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Jeb Bush On His Family’s Addiction Crisis; Don’t Penalize Doctors For Prostate Tests
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Brain Surgery; Reunited Brothers; Singing In The Hospital
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Sutter Health To Issue Bonds To Finance Construction Of 3 Replacement Hospitals
Meanwhile, three Connecticut hospitals are joining in a lawsuit challenging a 2013 Medicare payment decision, and an Indiana hospital is missing a USB drive that includes patient information.
UnitedHealth Fined $100,000 After N.Y. Investigation Reveals Anti-Competitive Practices
Meanwhile, the insurer warns that its rates in New York may be too low because of the failure of a competing company.
California Governor’s Budget Will Revamp Health Plan Tax
The tax would replace California’s current tax on health plans that participate in Medi-Cal, which provides state-subsidized health care to the poor. The Obama administration has said the tax must be overhauled to include all health plans.
Research Finds Link Between Sleep Apnea And Cholesterol
The findings suggest that cholesterol-lowering statins could limit the cardiovascular damage sleep apnea causes. In other news, the Obama administration’s new dietary guidelines back off earlier sodium rules, say lean meats are OK and still recommend cutting out added sugars.
High Drug Costs Make Some Cures, Precision Medicine Unaffordable For Many Patients
In other news, Bloomberg reports that Valeant’s ailing CEO faces contractual and payout issues if he resigns for medical reasons.
GOP Candidates’ Lack Of Unified Health Platform May Come To Define Party’s Agenda
Experts warn that congressional leaders need to establish a clear health message for the Republican presidential field before front-runner Donald Trump’s unorthodox ideas dominate the conversation. In Iowa, Ben Carson says he wants to replace the Affordable Care Act with “health empowerment accounts.” Meanwhile, the Democratic candidates spar over health care in Nevada.
Doctors, Advocates Worry New Gun Rule May Exacerbate Mental Health Stigma
Some are concerned that President Barack Obama’s new FBI reporting regulation, a measure that is part of his efforts to curb gun violence, has escalated tensions on Capitol Hill surrounding mental health legislation and could reinforce stigma around receiving treatment. Meanwhile, lawmakers have proposed a bipartisan bill expanding a 2014 law to create community mental health clinics.
Survey Shows Progress Slowing On Reducing The Number Of Americans Without Health Insurance
However, a Health Affairs report finds little evidence the health law has pushed people out of full-time employment.
Incoming La. Governor Sets Aggressive Medicaid Expansion Deadline
Democrat John Bel Edwards says he will issue an executive order within 24 hours of being sworn into office so that people can have access by July 1.
Judge Dismisses Ohio Attorney General’s Challenge To Health Law Tax
The lawsuit brought by Attorney General Mike DeWine argued that there is no precedent allowing the collection of millions of dollars from government entities. Meanwhile, the Connecticut Mirror offers consumers information about Obamacare tax forms.
Republicans Send Symbolic Health Law Repeal To Obama
The house passed the measure, 240-181, on Wednesday. It also includes a measure to defund Planned Parenthood. The vote highlights the partisan discord over the Affordable Care Act that hasn’t faded over the last six years.
First Edition: January 7, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP’s Repeal Vote Is Not ‘Pointless’; Medicaid Expansion Debates Rev Up Again
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
