Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare Nurse Training Pilot Program Shows Promise
According to Politico Pro, advocates view this program as a means to help ease the nation’s physician shortage. Meanwhile, The Associated Press reports that an AARP study concluded generic drug prices are on the rise.
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Face Major Lawsuits Over Operations
The antitrust lawsuits allege that the 37 independently owned companies are functioning as an illegal cartel. Also in the news, the Japanese company that manufactures the endoscopes linked to a superbug outbreak is getting ready to settle an investigation into its product marketing.
White House Assails Fla. House Republicans’ Opposition To Expanding Medicaid
The subject of expansion remains a hot topic as legislators prepare to try to find a budget compromise when they meet in special session next week. The issue is being watched closely by other states that also have not expanded the low-income health insurance program.
Supporters Of Subsidy Challenge Could Win Case But Lose Politically
If Republican backers of the challenge are successful, they will come under pressure to help the millions of Americans who would lose their federal subsidies and their coverage, reports The Associated Press. But Democrats could also face political consequences, if the administration prevails with the court.
Mid-Sized Businesses Seek Relief From Health Law Provision They Say Will Increase Costs
The Wall Street Journal reports that employer groups and insurers are pushing to keep these employers exempt from the health law’s requirements — scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2016 — regarding what health plans must cover and how they are priced. The Journal also offers new takes on the so-called Cadillac tax.
Boehner’s Suit Challenging Obama’s Health Law Orders Set To Be Argued In Court
Preliminary arguments are scheduled Thursday in a federal district court in Washington, D.C. The House of Representatives’ lawsuit says that President Barack Obama overstepped his authority with executive orders implementing the Affordable Care Act. The Obama administration is asking the judge to throw out the case.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizaitons.
Viewpoints: Don’t Trust Health Law Memories; Good Compromise In Fla.; Smoking And The Poor
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues from New York, Illinois, West Virginia, California, Kentucky, Puerto Rico, Kansas, North Carolina, New Jersey and Missouri.
Insurance Rates May Rise In Kansas And Iowa Next Year
The Kansas Insurance Department projected that the state may see hikes as high as 38 percent in some plans. In Iowa, Conventry Health Care wants to raise rates by 18 percent.
Texas Lawmakers Pass Bill Requiring Special Stickers On Marketplace Insurance Cards
Advocates say the marking will help remind customers to pay their monthly premiums, but critics wonder why such a designation is needed. In other news from state legislatures, efforts have stalled in California on Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to expand a tax to more managed care plans and in Oregon on a bill to institute a state-wide sick leave policy.
Fla. Senate Offers Compromise On Medicaid Impasse
Senators say the proposal meets concerns from House members about Medicaid expansion and allows the lawmakers to reach a budget in the special session that begins next week. But, at least initially, the offer did not garner approval from the governor or House leaders.
HHS Awards $112M To Help Doctors Fight Heart Disease
The grants will be used to create regional groups of experts to help smaller medical practices. News outlets also report on other public health issues, including new evidence about umbilical cord care after birth, concerns about college students and tanning beds, some doctors’ reluctance to order colon cancer screening and new efforts to fight Alzheimer’s disease.
CDC Responds To Lassa Fever Death In N.J.
Federal officials are tracing the victim’s travels and treating the case with caution, as the virus can be spread from person to person in rare cases. Lassa fever shares symptoms with Ebola, but is nowhere near as deadly — nearly 99 percent of people survive it.
Bernie Sanders Kicks Off Candidacy With A Focus On Key Health Issues
At his first official presidential campaign rally, the Vermont senator hammered his progressive vision, including a “Medicare-for-all” system of universal health care.
Insurers, Drug-Benefit Managers Seek To Link Drug Prices To Effectiveness
The sky-rocketing costs for new drugs are propelling the effort. But pharmaceutical companies suggest there are better ways to set new pricing models. Also in the news, two patients are suing Anthem Blue Cross, alleging that the insurer would not pay for an expensive new Hepatitis C drug, and a rebuff by the Supreme Court is raising interest among drug makers.
Tech Companies, Hospitals And Labs Blocking Electronic Exchange Of Medical Records
A fear of losing business to competitors is driving resistance to the federal government’s push toward digital records. In other health industry news, it is estimated that the average data breach cost for companies is $3.8 million. Meanwhile, the market outlook is uncertain for 6 new proton-beam centers soon to open. And the improved economic outlook for the health care industry has increased demand for travel nurses.
Senate Republicans Back Bill Allowing For Sale Of Over-The-Counter Birth Control
Some women’s reproductive health organizations like Planned Parenthood have opposed the idea, which they argue could drive up contraception prices or consumer coverage costs. Elsewhere, veterans’ groups are applauding Senate passage of a bill that allows more choice in doctors.
States Consider Teaming Up To Support Their Cash-Strapped Health Exchanges
With federal funding for the state-run health insurance marketplaces expiring, California and Oregon are looking into the possibility of combining efforts into a multi-state exchange. New York and Connecticut have also held preliminary talks. Meanwhile, Republicans discuss White House negotiation tactics in case the Supreme Court rules the federal exchange subsidies illegal. And that is not the only question before the justices that could impact health care policy.
CMS Releases Sweeping Rules For Private Medicaid Plans
Highlights of the 653-page proposed regulation for Medicaid managed care organizations include profit guidelines, new standards for doctors and hospital networks, as well as quality ratings for their plans.
