Latest KFF Health News Stories
News outlets report on health issues in Texas, Virginia, Colorado, California, Maryland, Kansas, Ohio, North Carolina and Florida.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Array Of Laws Indicating What’s Next On His To-Do List
The state measures Gov. Jerry Brown signed include one that cements the state’s expansion of public health care to children who are in the country illegally as well as another that requires crisis pregnancy centers that discourage women from getting abortions to provide information about abortions and other services. He rejected a bill that would have allowed terminally ill patients who have exhausted all other options to access experimental drugs, products or devices that have not yet been OK’d by the Food and Drug Administration.
Iowa Signs Medicaid Contracts With Four National Companies To Manage The Massive Program
The companies will take control of the state program Jan. 1.
Conn. Gov. Malloy Makes Concession In Political Fight Over Hospital Funding
The governor announced plans to restore $14.1 million in funding to six of the state’s smaller hospitals. The battle, which involves a Malloy administration proposal to cut Medicaid funding for hospitals, could likely lead to legal action. Meanwhile, in other hospital news, Ohio’s West Chester Hospital, which is owned by UC Health, agreed to a $4.1 million fraud settlement.
Democrats LIkely To Highlight Positions On Drug Prices During First Debate
Sen. Bernie Sanders also says that more tax money is needed to tackle the nation’s problems. Meanwhile, a onetime Democratic vice presidential nominee, former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, is returning to the public arena to prod both parties to action.
Flat Social Security Benefits, Medicare Premium Boosts Mean Pricey 2016 For Some
A 52 percent increase in Medicare premiums for one-third of beneficiaries could lead to a protracted battle to lessen the sting of higher rates. Elsewhere, the Tampa Bay Times looks at open enrollment in the program, and more doctors in Oregon are shunning patients who have traditional Medicare plans.
House Panel Passes Bill To Strip Key Mandates From Health Law, Funding From Planned Parenthood
The full House will vote next. Republicans are using the budgetary tool of reconciliation to fast track the legislation through both chambers of Congress to the president’s desk. President Barack Obama is all-but-certain to veto the measure.
Republicans Continue To Lobby For A ‘Speaker Ryan’
House members praised Paul Ryan during the Sunday political talk shows, saying he has the support of both the establishment and hard-line factions of party. But so far the Wisconsin lawmaker has resisted the calls to run for the top post.
Audit Finds Md. Exchange Failed To Protect Customers’ Personal Information
The state audit also criticized other aspects of the exchange, including how contracts were awarded and a wide range of fiscal issues.
New Numbers Indicate Enrollment Dip In Ark. Expanded Medicaid Program
Meanwhile, news outlets in Ohio and Alaska report on the impact of expansion efforts.
Affordability Key Factor For Newly Insured Who Drop Their Health Law Coverage
Confusion about the health exchanges and insurance plans may also play a contributing role for those who decide to drop out, experts say. In related news, CBS News looks at the early impact of Obamacare on employers.
Ky.’s Health Insurance Co-Op Set To Close, While Others Face Stiff Fiscal Challenges
The programs, set up by the health law in 23 states with initial federal backing, attracted large customer support in a number of areas but have suffered from financing problems. Five have either closed or plan to close at the end of the year.
First Edition: October 12, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: War Of Words On Kansas Medicaid; Sebelius’ Legacy; Mental Health Care Reform
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Observation Care At VA; Meeting Charity Standards; Medicare Drug Plans
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health issues in Missouri, New York, Florida, California, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Maine.
FDA Recognizes Salt As Generally ‘Safe’; Advocacy Group Wants That Status Removed
In other public health news, researchers find that intense early intervention can lead to recovery for people diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Proposed Measure To Repeal California Vaccine Law Fails To Get Enough Signatures To Make Ballot
Also in California, Gov. Jerry Brown signs three bills aimed at limiting prescriptions of antipsychotics for foster children. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration faces criticism for its continued approval of OxyContin for kids. And the growing heroin epidemic puts more minors into the state foster systems.
Biotech Stock Poised For Big Gain Or Big Fall
One Wall Street analyst says there’s no middle ground forward for investment in biotech firms, whose products are becoming the focus of scrutiny after big price hikes. Elsewhere, a new multiple sclerosis drug from Roche shows promise, and there’s news on a takeover bid by Blackstone and an impending sale by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice of a drug-compounding firm.
Big Pharmaceutical Companies Withhold Support Of Trans-Pacific Trade Deal
Negotiators struck a compromise on the major issue of patent protections for biologics and vaccines that left no party completely happy.
