Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Medicare Drug Plans’ Premiums Rise, Beneficiaries Should Check Their Options
Meanwhile, the number of subsidized Medicare drug plans is dropping because of insurance market consolidation and federal rules discouraging duplicative options — leaving some seniors with fewer options from which to choose.
Louisiana’s Democratic Governor-Elect Readies Medicaid Expansion Push
But the path forward on expansion isn’t entirely clear, especially as the state deals with a budget shortfall. The Hill also reports on how more states in the South are considering expansion.
More False Claims Act Cases Alleging Stark Law Violations Likely, Say Lawyers
In other marketplace news, a DaVita subsidiary — RMS Lifeline — is under Justice Department scrutiny regarding the medical necessity of certain procedures performed at two of its Florida centers.
Firm That Hiked Price Of Anti-Parasite Drug Is Considering A Discount For Hospitals
Turing Pharmaceuticals raised the drug price from $13.50 to $750 a tablet in August. It says the discounts for hospitals will be determined by how much of the drug they use. Also in industry news are several other articles examining drug-pricing questions and news about a forum sponsored by HHS dealing with concerns about rising costs.
Drugmakers Pfizer, Allergan Reportedly Agree To $150 Billion Merger
The deal for Pfizer to buy Allergan, which makes Botox, is one of the biggest takeovers in the health care sector.
Clinton Offers Tax Relief For People With High Medical Bills And For Family Caregivers
The Democratic presidential candidate proposes tax credits on health costs of up to $2,500 for an individual and $5,000 for a family and a tax credit for people taking care of family members worth up to $1,200.
Health Law Gives Young Adults Freedom To Make Job Decisions: Study
The ability to stay on a parent’s health care plan is giving millennials more career flexibility and time, according to a new study. But it is proving difficult to persuade young Americans to buy their own insurance, The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports. And in another gauge of public opinion, a new Gallup poll shows growing discontent with Obamacare.
Key Insurers On Health Law Exchanges Reaffirm Commitment To That Market
Despite the announcement by UnitedHealthcare on Thursday that it might leave the marketplaces set up by the health law, insurers Aetna, Anthem and Molina said they are meeting expections in their marketplace business.
HHS Draft Rule For 2017 Insurance Includes Standards For Networks Of Doctors, Hospitals
The proposal would mandate the number of doctors and other health care providers to provide better access. It would also meet some of the concerns of insurers and offer states an easier way to handle their insurance marketplaces.
Viewpoints: Concerns About Cures Act; Measuring Poverty; Make Dads Take Paternity Leave
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Views On UnitedHealthcare: Surprise Announcement Likely Won’t Tank Marketplaces
Although the insurer’s announcement that it might pull out of the health law’s insurance exchange was a surprise, many commentators say such a move would have only small repercussions on the market. They point out, however, that it might be a catalyst for changes in the operations.
Research Roundup: Long-Term Care Financing; Hospitals’ EHRs; Doctors’ Views Of Health Law
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
A selection of health care stories from Florida, South Dakota, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Washington, Pennsylvania, Nevada and Maine.
Okla. Gov. Urges State To End Medicaid Contracts With Planned Parenthood
Republican Gov. Mary Fallin has asked the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to terminate contracts with the reproductive health organization’s affiliates in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Few Iowa Hospitals, Doctors Appear To Sign Contracts With Privatized Medicaid Program
In other Medicaid news, New Mexico lawmakers are contemplating cuts in various health and social programs to boost funding for Medicaid.
Consolidation Gives Florida Hospitals Leverage In Negotiations With Insurers: Analysis
In other regional hospital news, medical groups in New Jersey appeal the state’s approval of an insurer alliance. And in Louisiana, a judge throws out a lawsuit filed by LSU seeking to remove the manager of two of its university hospitals.
Medicare Weighs Penalizing Doctors Who Routinely Order Prostate Screenings
The Wall Street Journal reports on a little-noticed proposal that is part of the federal effort to define quality in health care. Also, Reuters looks at a study showing a decline in U.S. funding for public health.
Sanders Outlines Vision For ‘Democratic Socialism’ That Includes Medicare For All
Citing the example of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders delivered a campaign-defining speech that defended his policies that have been attacked as “socialist.” He used his plan to provide universal health care as an example of his overall philosophy.
Those Specialty Drugs Likely Cost More Than Your Household Income
A new report says a year’s worth of specialty drugs now outpaces the U.S. median household income. Elsewhere, using brand-name drugs over generic equivalents doesn’t often boost patient satisfaction. And the price of hepatitis C drugs may be holding back the eradication of the disease and playing a role as Medicaid denies nearly half of requests for the treatments.
CMS ‘Willing And Eager’ To Discuss Waivers To Encourage Medicaid Expansion In Georgia
Meanwhile, in Kentucky, health navigators want to discuss the state’s low-income health program with the incoming governor to convince him of the importance of maintaining an expanded safety net for the working poor.
