Latest KFF Health News Stories
N.H. Regulators Consider Governor’s Emergency Rules On Opioid Prescriptions
The rules, if adopted by the state Board of Medicine, would place new restrictions on the potent pain drugs like limiting the size and duration of prescriptions as well as new training for those who prescribe. Meanwhile, drug deaths become a national 2016 campaign issue.
Georgia Hospitals Improve Safety Ratings With 35 Percent Earning An ‘A’ Grade
Media outlets also report on developments at hospitals in Texas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Maryland and Florida, as well as the Community Health hospital system.
Medicaid Privatization In Iowa Moves Forward
In the meantime, Medicaid expansion advocates in Kansas bring together lawmakers and Indiana officials to talk about how Indiana forged a unique plan for expansion.
Ohio Voters Reject Legalizing Marijuana For Medical, Recreational Use
The rejected ballot initiative was more controversial than pot legalization efforts in other states because it would have essentially written a marijuana oligopoly into Ohio’s constitution benefiting the investors backing the measure. Supporters pledge to try again.
Republican Matt Bevin Wins Kentucky Governorship; Health Care Was Major Campaign Issue
The Republican candidate opposed Medicaid expansion. The GOP also won the governor’s race in Mississippi and maintained control of the Virginia Senate.
Ben Carson’s Medicare Plans Draw Scrutiny
In addition, The Washington Post fact-checks claims about the GOP presidential hopeful’s ties to a nutritional supplement company.
Prescription Drug Use Hits Record High With Almost 6 In 10 Adults Medicated
A new study finds that 59 percent of 20 year-old Americans and older took at least one prescription drug in 2012, up from 51 percent the year earlier. Obesity is viewed as a primary cause for the increase.
DaVita Reports Better-Than-Expected Q3 Earnings
The company, which reported revenue of $3.5 billion in the quarter, said it will make new investments soon. In the meantime, Colorado-based Envision Healthcare plans an acquisition to bolster its portfolio.
High Drug Prices To Be Targeted At Obama Administration Forum
As the pharmaceutical industry comes under increased scrutiny, PhRMA launches a counteroffensive, blaming insurers and federal regulators for the skyrocketing costs. Meanwhile, in other drug industry news, Glaxo is set to seek approval for 20 new medications. And Kiplinger’s offers tips on saving money on Medicare prescriptions.
Lawmakers Wrestle With Mental Health Bill Provisions
The measure, introduced by Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa., is slated for markup today. Meanwhile, Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., will introduce a bill to improve substance abuse treatment programs for pregnant women.
Speaker Ryan Calls For Unified Republican Agenda, But Policy Fights, Funding Battles Loom
The Associated Press reports that hot-button issues such as Planned Parenthood funding fights will be hurdles to avoiding a December government shutdown.
Calif. Levies Fines On 2 Insurers For Inaccurate Lists Of Network Doctors
The fines against Blue Shield of California and Anthem Blue Cross result from consumer complaints in 2014 that the insurers’ doctor directories were inaccurate. Also, newspapers in Milwaukee, Wis., and Tampa Bay, Fla., look at current enrollment issues, especially cost.
More Than Half Of Health Law Co-Ops Now Off The Market
Michigan’s was the most recent to announce its departure. Meanwhile, the financial disintegration of these nonprofit insurers has given GOP health law opponents new ammunition and was the topic of a Tuesday House Ways and Means Committee hearing.
Viewpoints: The Cost Of Co-Ops Failures; GOP’s Plans For Medicare
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in California, Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, Washington state, Oregon, Florida, Colorado and North Carolina.
Iowa Lawmakers Launch Oversight Effort Regarding State’s Medicaid Privatization Plan
News outlets also report on Medicaid news in California and Ohio.
Report: Death Rates Tick Up For Middle-Aged Whites
The report, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that mental health issues and addiction play a role in reversing decades of advances in longevity.
Medicare Sets Pricing Plan For Biotech Copycat Drugs
In other regulatory news, Medicare continues its scrutiny of short hospital stays, new patient protections for transgender people are imminent, the FDA considers further regulation of HIV drugs and a battle continues over a federal drug discount program.
Valeant Tells Doctors That Their Prescriptions Won’t Be Disrupted
Valeant Pharmaceuticals sent a letter to doctors to try to reassure them after the company severed its controversial business ties with specialty pharmacy Philidor. In other marketplace news, Quest Diagnostics expands its data analytics business, AmSurg suspends acquisition talks with Team Health and Pamplona announced plans to buy MedAssets for $1.86 billion.
As Arizona Co-Op Folds, 59,000 Must Search For Alternate 2016 Coverage
Meanwhile, reporters from KHN and PBS NewsHour discuss the factors that have contributed to the collapse of a growing number of nonprofit insurance co-operatives set up by the 2010 health law.
