Latest KFF Health News Stories
Drug And Device Makers Paid $6.5B To Doctors, Hospitals In 2014
About 80 percent of the dollars went to doctors for consulting, speeches, research and other activities. Nearly 610,000 doctors received payments, as well as some 1,100 teaching hospitals, according to government data. The effort to highlight potential conflicts of interest is mandated by the Affordable Care Act.
Same-Sex Marriage Ruling Has Huge Impact On Private, Public Employers
The Wall Street Journal examines the implications for companies that offer spousal health benefits and fund those through a separate insurance company, as well as for those that are self-insured. The Texas Tribune reports that starting Wednesday, employees of Texas government agencies, universities and schools can enroll a same-sex spouse in their benefit program. And Modern Healthcare delves into the implications for Medicaid programs.
Negotiations Between Employers, Unions Could Feel The Impact Of Health Law Requirements
These developments are occurring, according to the Wall Street Journal, amidst other cost- and risk-shifting trends.
How The Liberal Justices Steered The Supreme Court In Its Recent Health Law Decision
News outlets analyze the high court dynamics that led to this term’s blockbuster decisions, including King v. Burwell.
On His Victory Lap, Obama Aims To Change The Conversation To Ways To Improve The ACA
News reports note that, although President Barack Obama does not expect GOP opponents to back off of their opposition to the health law, he still plans to attempt to reframe the discussion to ways it can be improved. Meanwhile, other talk focuses on what is necessary to ensure the measure’s long-term success and how lobbyists are gearing up to secure changes.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Judicial Activism On Health Law; Science And Jerry Brown’s Choice On Vaccines
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health care developments in Maryland, Connecticut, New York, Alaska and Kentucky.
California Senate OKs Mandatory Vaccine Bill
The measure is now headed for the desk of Gov. Jerry Brown, who has not publicly stated whether he would sign it.
High Court Temporarily Blocks Restrictive Texas Abortion Law
The Supreme Court has issued a stay on the law while the justices decide whether they will review it. This determination will not likely be made until after the court’s next session begins in the fall.
Advocacy Groups Sue FDA For Trial Data From Its Accelerated Review Of Hep C Drugs
The approval process for Gilead’s Sovaldi and Harvoni was fast tracked by the Food and Drug Administration due to the medications’ breakthrough designation, but two health groups want the clinical trial records to see if there were gaps in drug efficacy or unidentified side effects. Meanwhile, the New York Times’ reports on how the tobacco lobby is turning to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to fight a new wave of anti-smoking legislation around the world.
Americans Say They’d Like To Talk To Their Doctors Via Email, Facebook
A survey conducted by Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that many Americans would like to chat with their doctors the same way they talk with friends and family. Other studies show continuing health care disparities for blacks and efforts to overhaul medical school entrance exams to find students attuned to issues like the social determinants of health.
Looming ‘Cadillac Tax’ Adds To Pressure To Cut Employee Health Benefits
Also in the news, the Society of Human Resource Management finds in its annual survey of employee perks that wellness programs are becoming more common.
Court Order Will Allow Some Charities To Skip Federal Birth Control Coverage Requirement
The order will be in effect until the Supreme Court decides whether to hear an appeal filed by the nonprofit organizations. In other health law implementation news, an Urban Institute report looks at pricing by co-op plans and Medicaid insurers and finds they are among the cheapest available on state exchanges where they do business. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, is leading an attack on the Internal Revenue Service’s penalties.
Insure Tennessee’s Push For Medicaid Expansion Reinvigorated By Supreme Court Decision
Meanwhile, the National Journal examines the extent to which the Obama administration will go to advance efforts to expand the health insurance program for low-income people — a central aspect of the Affordable Care Act.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Same-Sex Marriage Ruling Likely To Impact Employer-Provided Health Benefits
Last week’s ruling is expected to boost employer-sponsored health coverage for same-sex partners, but could also lead to new questions.
Viewpoints: Health Law Assaults Not Finished; Time To Double Down On Medicaid Expansion
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health care developments in California, North Carolina, Missouri, Maryland, Iowa, Alabama and Texas.
CDC Panel Urges Expanding Pool Of Young People Who Receive Meningitis B Shot
An advisory committee for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that all 16- to 23-year-olds to consider the vaccine. Previous guidance was limited to those at high risk of exposure to the disease, like lab workers and students at colleges with outbreaks.
