Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health care stories are reported from Georgia, California, North Carolina, Florida and Illinois.
Research Roundup: Doctors Who Work While Sick; Older, Richer Workers Using Health Savings Accounts
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Are Million-Dollar Drugs Worth The Cost?
A new report finds three-quarters of Americans think the cost of medication is too high. In other news, the first “biosimilar” drug — a copy of a “biologic” drug at a lower price — hits the U.S. market, and Express Scripts names Eric Slusser its chief financial officer.
Minn. Congressman Calls For Wide Examination of VA Brain Injury Care
In Colorado, veterans in a rural part of the state struggle to see VA doctors — often driving hundreds of miles despite lawmaker pleas to the VA to help them.
3M May Sell Its Health Software Business
The manufacturer of Post-it notes is looking for ways reduce how many types of products it offers. Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Times educates consumers on how to get their electronic health record.
At Long Last, Obama Administration Unveils New Food Safety Rules
The rules, which are part of a broad effort, include provisions that require U.S. food manufacturers to make detailed plans to identify and prevent possible contamination risks in their production facilities.
Future Uncertain For Programs To Aid 9/11 First Responders
Bills in the House and Senate would keep the health program going indefinitely while making billions of additional dollars available for compensation for people who fall ill. But the debate over whether or not the programs should be extended is taking place amid ambiguity, reports The Associated Press. Meanwhile, The New York Times reports on some of the first responders who are still fighting for such benefits.
Wider Genetic Testing Leads To Database Dives For Diagnosis
In other medical practice news, Kaiser Health News reports on the practice of heart valve surgery and how medicals schools are teaching students about cost in their practices.
Lawmakers Push Plan To Replace Medicare Cards With ‘Smart Cards’
The move could help prevent fraud, the lawmakers say. Also, a congressional advisory group is studying Medicare’s drug policies.
Is Now The Time For Mental Health Overhaul?
The recent spate of shootings has some lawmakers and mental health advocates eyeing legislation to reform the nation’s mental health care system. In other legislative news, some Capitol Hill lawmakers ask about the safety of a popular blood thinner, and two Democrats make a case for new policies to lower prescription drug prices.
Senate Republicans Ready 20-Week Abortion Ban
The upper chamber could vote as soon as this month on a federal nationwide ban on abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Elsewhere Rand Paul holds a rally to end federal funding of Planned Parenthood.
House Hearing Scrutinizes Insurers’ Mergers
The Judiciary subcommittee hearing was marked by competing arguments from doctors, hospitals and insurance company representatives, all of whom have strong interests involved in how the health insurance marketplace would be impacted by the proposed deals.
White House Likely To Appeal Ruling Allowing GOP To Proceed With Health Law Challenge
Meanwhile, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi expressed astonishment at the judge’s decision to allow the lawsuit to go forward.
Mass. Health Connector Promises A Better Insurance Shopping Experience For Consumers
The Connector says changes will make plan selection easier, even though premiums will increase between 2.2 percent and 9.3 percent. News outlets report on other related developments in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Kansas.
First Edition: September 11, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: House GOP Wins First Round In Lawsuit; 9/11 Responders Need Medical Benefits
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: A Model For Finding Black Doctors; Kitty Dukakis And Shock Therapy
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Health care stories are reported from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, California, Kansas and Illinois.
Baltimore Combats Heroin Overdose Epidemic With Antidote Outreach And Training
Meanwhile, in the midst of the Illinois budget stalemate, Democrat and Republican legislators joined forces to reject Gov. Bruce Rauner’s rewrite of the bill aimed at reducing heroin use.
Meanwhile, news outlets also report on the latest Medicaid developments in Kansas and Illinois.
