Latest KFF Health News Stories
Urban Hospitals Engage Beyond Medicine In Effort To Address Community Problems
In Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University and the Hopkins hospital and health system have begun an initiative to alleviate some poverty and improve health. Meanwhile, in Florida, the University of Central Florida is joining forces with HCA to train doctors in the hope that they will stay in the state. Also in Florida, the future of a key hospital funding program is uncertain.
Advocates Pressing For States To Recognize Dental Therapists To Help Meet Consumer Needs
Millions of Americans do not seek dental care, often because they can’t afford it. A new mid-level professional that could handle some of the regular care with less expense, might help. In other consumer health news, some employers are offering cash bonuses to workers who find cheaper medical care, telemedicine is opening some doors and retirement health care can be expensive.
UnitedHealth Reports 3Q Revenues Up, Earnings Flat At $1.6B
The health insurer beat expectations due in part to growth in its pharmacy benefits management business, spurred by a recent purchase of Catamaran.
Valeant Pharmaceuticals Under Federal Investigation For Drug Pricing Practices
In other news, Bloomberg examines an effort by top cancer hospitals to provide patients with information about the cost of the drugs used in their treatments. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal takes a look at Theranos, and The Washington Post reports that a watchdog group has thrown up a red flag regarding the Food and Drug Administration’s review of a blood-thinning drug.
Ky.’s Marketplace Failed To Ensure All Customers Were Eligible, Auditor Reports
Earlier reviews found similar problems in the federal exchange, healthcare.gov, and exchanges in California, Connecticut and New York. Also in news about the health law, California moves to eliminate a coverage gap, Illinois officials are preparing for some small business changes and Ohio and Utah weigh Medicaid expansion issues.
Capitol Hill Focus To Return To Budget Issues And Raising Debt Limit
Meanwhile, Republicans’ efforts to recruit Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to run for speaker of the House continues to draw headlines, speculation and analysis. And the Planned Parenthood controversy continues.
While In Las Vegas For Debate, Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Woo Nevada’s Culinary Union
High on the 55,000-member union’s wish list is a repeal of the health law’s “Cadillac” tax. Meanwhile, news outlets continue to examine aspects of Tuesday night’s debate, including health care for people who are in the U.S. illegally. Largely absent from the discussion, however, was mention of Planned Parenthood. And the minimal focus given to drug pricing issues made biotech stocks rebound on Wednesday.
Millions On Medicare Face Unprecedented Premium Increases
Congress has so far failed to find a way to stave off 2016 Part B premium hikes that could reach 52 percent for more than 30 percent of Medicare recipients.
First Edition: October 15, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Bush Follows GOP Plan On Replacing Obamacare; ‘Tuning-Up’ The Cadillac Tax
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Kansas, California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Michigan.
News outlets report on state-level Medicaid develoments.
State Consulting Firm Advances Conditions For Calif. Hospital Deal
Also in the headlines, Crozer-Keystone Health System has reached a preliminary deal to acquire a for-profit firm that owns 13 hospitals in California, Texas and Rhode Island. News outlets also report on hospital developments in Florida and Michigan.
New Questions Raised Over Sterilization Device
The implant, made by Bayer, is being questioned after a study finds women with it were 10 times as likely to need new operations. Elsewhere, an Alzheimer’s study is held up by a legal dispute.
Planned Parenthood To Stop Accepting Reimbursements For Fetal Tissue
The reproductive health organization announced this policy change Tuesday in an effort to quiet a controversy that has fueled efforts by opponents to take away its federal funding.
Xerox To Book $385M Charge Over Failure To Complete Medicaid Payment Systems In Calif., Mont.
In other health industry news, Johnson & Johnson beat third-quarter profit forecasts, Centene’s proposed acquisition of Health Net gets some support and GHO Capital Partners will buy a specialist testing company, DNA Diagnostics Center.
Shortfall Estimate For UAW Retiree Health Care Fund Increases By $16 Billion
The fund, which pays health care costs for more than 700,000 United Auto Workers retirees, has been adjusted because of changes in accounting assumptions and new projections of how long members will live.
Hospitals Take New Look At Becoming Insurers
The interest within the hospital industry is fueled in part by the insurance sector’s consolidation trend and desire to keep more consumer dollars in house, notes Reuters. Meanwhile, Reuters also reports on the role the American College of Physicians sees for retail clinics within the health system.
Experts Offer Consumers Tips For Getting A Better Deal On Prescription Drugs As Costs Spiral
Two news outlets report on ways that consumers can check to make sure they are getting the best deal for their money on drug costs. Also, some drug makers are concerned about increasing pressure by doctors and hospitals to tie drug prices to effectiveness.
Medicare Part D Buyers Beware: Insurers’ 2016 Changes Could Hit Your Wallet
As insurance providers implement cost-cutting measures, experts advise consumers to not just re-enroll in their Part D prescription drug plan without shopping around during open enrollment. In related news, The Fiscal Times explores why Medicare costs can vary so widely across the country. And Reuters reports on a lawsuit filed by 250 hospitals against the U.S. government over Medicare reimbursement rates.
