Latest KFF Health News Stories
Thieves Stealing Personal Data To Get Health Care, Prescription Drugs
The Wall Street Journal examines the increasing number of identity thefts linked to medical care and the difficulties it can cause for consumers.
Anthem’s Ties With Blue Cross Brand Could Snarl Merger With Cigna
And in news about another insurance provider, the stock market is reacting to reports that a Centene subsidiary is losing a Medicaid contract in Illinois worth $1.8 billion over five years.
House Panel Seeks Interviews With Planned Parenthood Officials, Tissue Suppliers
Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee released a letter in which they ask to speak with some of the Planned Parenthood officials who, on a secretly taped video, discuss providing fetal tissue to medical researchers.
Federal Court Rules Against Four Catholic Nonprofit Groups On Contraception Mandate Challenge
Last week, the court reversed a decision by a lower court that allowed the organizations to get around this Affordable Care Act requirement.
Meanwhile, news outlets look ahead to the next phases in the implementation of the health law, including delayed anti-discrimination rules from the administration as well as efforts by health care providers to make sure those who have gained insurance coverage use it to help their health.
House Republicans Eye Medicare Overhaul Push
The legislation, yet to be drafted, will likely include “premium support” for beneficiaries on the program. Elsewhere, Medicare will pay for an expensive cancer treatment and Select Medical’s long-term hospitals face the prospect of harm from new payment rules in the program.
GOP Presidential Hopefuls Make Moves To The Right
Among the field of Republican primary candidates, anti-abortion positions are getting a lot of play — even though they appear to run contrary to public opinion. Meanwhile, Jeb Bush continues to get attention regarding his involvement with a charity that supported Planned Parenthood and comments he made about funding for women’s health.
First Edition: August 10, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Trump Questioned On Single Payer; Kasich Doesn’t Cower From Medicaid
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Effect Of Mental Health Parity; Medicaid’s Dental Care; Cardiac Rehab
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Health care stories are reported from West Virginia, Washington, Delaware, Texas, Oregon, Illinois, Nevada and Maryland.
N.Y. Mayor de Blasio Offers $22M Plan To Help People With Mental Illness
The effort, which is part of a broader mental health agenda, is geared toward helping homeless people who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others.
News outlets report on developments related to hospitals in Mississippi, Maryland, Texas, Georgia and West Virginia.
N.C. State Senate Unveils Its Latest Plan To Reform Medicaid
The initiative would privatize Medicaid using both commercial insurers and in-state health care providers and would create a cabinet-level Medicaid department. It also includes some sticking points, though.
Planned Parenthood Clinics Challenge Fla. Order; Ala. Cuts Medicaid Funding For Organization
Florida officials have ordered three clinics to stop performing second-trimester abortions. In Alabama, Gov. Robert Bentley ends state Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood clinics following the release of secret tapes with Planned Parenthood officials. Meanwhile, Kansas officials say they have received no reports on the handling of fetal tissue in the 15 years that the information has been required whenever such tissue is transferred.
Studies Detail Different Types Of Emergency Room Care
Meanwhile, another study examines how to best address the health care needs of emergency department “frequent fliers.”
IBM Takes Steps To Expand Watson’s Reach, Health Care Capabilities
The Associated Press reports on a $1 billion deal in which IBM will acquire Merge Healthcare, a medical imaging and software company. It’s also launching a partnership with CVS.
Hospitals Urge Antitrust Regulators To Scrutinize Anthem Acquisition Of Cigna
Also in the news, the CVS decision to stop covering Viagra for many of its drug plan members is the latest example of how some health-care managers are using muscle to control rising drug costs.
Blue Cross Hikes Premium Increase Request To 35% For Heath Law Insurance Plans Sold In N.C.
In June, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina said it was seeking to raise rates by almost 26 percent but now says even that jump is not sufficient to cover the company’s costs. Elsewhere, Delaware will not move forward with plans to build its own insurance exchange while in Washington, the head of that state’s exchange is stepping down.
McConnell Stands Firm Against Idea That Planned Parenthood Funding Fight Could Trigger Shutdown
He warns the Republican caucus of the consequences of such a stand-off but is still facing increasing pressure from his party’s conservative wing.
