Latest KFF Health News Stories
News outlets report on health issues in Minnesota, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wyoming, Missouri, California, Florida, Arizona, Washington and Vermont.
Florida Pill Mill Bill Would Ease Opioid Restrictions
Some lawmakers say a law cracking down on misuse of the drugs has been too successful, leading some to go without the prescription drugs that would ease their pain. Also in Florida, a needle exchange proposal gains traction.
Ohio Senate OKs Bill To End Funding For Planned Parenthood
The measure, which passed 23-10, would divert about $1.3 million in federal funding from the reproductive health organization’s clinics to federally qualified health centers.
San Diego Shigella Outbreak Now Exceeds 90 Patients
And, according to public health officials, at least a dozen were in intensive care after contracting the bacterial infection after eating at a San Jose seafood restaurant.
With Mental Health Professionals In Short Supply, Half Of U.S. Counties Have ‘No Access’ To Care
As demand for care grows, much of the country is experiencing a shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors and therapists. Also, news outlets report on other growing medical practice trends related to telemedicine, dental therapists and travel to Mexico for lower-cost services.
How Medicare Beneficiaries Can Pick The Best Drug Plan For Their Pocketbook
With the open enrollment period running through Dec. 7, PBS Newshour offers advice for choosing a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Meanwhile, PBS’ Next Avenue looks at who might be affected by a 52-percent Medicare Part B premium increase in 2016, how to lessen the pain and what might stop the hike.
With Wages Stagnant, Health Perks Are Often Used By Companies To Recruit And Retain Talent
A survey of human resource professionals showed health care insurance was more important than retirement or vacation benefits for employee retention. Meanwhile, workers could save serious money if they took better advantage of employer offerings like gym memberships and health savings accounts.
Theranos In ‘Pause Period’ As It Looks For FDA Approval
The blood test maker is facing scrutiny over its testing methods. Elsewhere, lower earnings for insurer Assurant, hospital operator Community Health Systems and biodrug firm Biogen lead to market palpitations.
Valeant Pharmaceutical Calls Critical Research Report ‘False And Misleading’
Shares of the Canadian pharmaceutical company dropped nearly 40 percent Wednesday before rebounding and ending the day down more than 15 percent after short-seller Citron Research accused Valeant of improper accounting and raised questions about its relationship with specialty pharmacies.
Medicaid Advocates In Utah Stage Protest Of GOP Lawmakers’ Refusal To Expand The Program
They put up 361 white crosses on state capitol grounds to signify the lives lost because of the legislature’s refusal to act. Also, outlets report on Medicaid expansion news in South Dakota, New Jersey and California.
Imminent Health Law Requirements May Take Some Small Business Owners By Surprise
Starting Jan. 1, companies with 50 to 99 full-time employees must offer them health insurance or face fines. They also face new tax reporting deadlines on Jan. 31. In related health law news, a new survey finds that “$100 or less” is the limit that most consumers say they can afford in monthly health insurance premiums. And Minnesota Public Radio reports on the Cadillac tax debate.
Medicaid Reforms Part Of Obama Plan To Help Puerto Rico Stay Afloat
The island, without federal help, is set to run out of money by the end of the year. Problems with its health care system are partially to blame, officials say.
President Obama Outlines Plan To Curb Nation’s Opioid Epidemic
President Barack Obama went to West Virginia Wednesday — an area of the U.S. hard hit by the drug crisis — to outline how he plans to increase access to drug treatment and expand the training of health professionals to deal with addiction.
Hillary Clinton ‘Skeptical’ Of Aetna-Humana Merger Plan
The Democratic presidential candidate expressed concern Wednesday that this multibillion-dollar deal could take the balance of power too far away from consumers. The companies’ stocks slipped after her comments.
Paul Ryan Wins Backing Of Key Group’s Members For Speaker Role
The Wisconsin Republican’s record on issues is also examined as he faces a key vote on the road to becoming speaker of the House. In the meantime, Politico looks at who is likely to succeed Ryan as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
First Edition: October 22, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Ryan’s Options–And Challenges; Fighting Opioid Drugs; Paying Egg Donors
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Virginia, California, West Virginia, Michigan, Washington, Delaware, Missouri, Kansas and Maryland.
Legislative Panel Urging Changes To Help Insurers In MassHealth
Insurers that manage care for the Massachusetts Medicaid program lost millions of dollars last year, spurring the lawmakers’ concern. In other statehouse news, Mass. lawmakers also are skeptical of the governor’s plan to curb opioid abuse. Meanwhile, New York lawmakers mull a plan to move people with disabilities to community residences. And, in Florida, the Senate president is advancing a measure to increase funding for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities and delays.
Rather Than Improving, VA Wait Times Are ‘Increasing Significantly’: Internal Memo
VA Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson says the agency can’t catch up as more veterans seek care. In related news, investigators find that patients died while waiting for urology care at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Phoenix.
