Latest KFF Health News Stories
VA To Check Disability Status Of Marines Exposed To Tainted Water
For more than 30 years, some developed cancers after exposure to chemicals at Camp Lejeune. In other military health news, the Navy looks at its fitness assessment tests.
Successful Workers Who Have Mental Health Conditions Offer Advice To Other Employees
The group, called the Stability Network, aims to help people cope with the difficult task of telling co-workers or bosses about their mental illness. Elsewhere, a look at solitary confinement for people with mental illnesses, and Hawaii struggles with how to deal with an increasing prison population that has mental illness.
Universal Autism Screening Not Recommended By Task Force
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force declined to support testing all young children for autism, saying there is not enough evidence to support such a guideline. The panel’s decision is a departure from the guidance issued by other medical and advocacy groups.
Many Women Not Getting Effective Treatment For Ovarian Cancer, Study Finds
Despite efforts by federal officials to alert physicians, fewer than half of women with the disease are getting special abdominal chemotherapy, according to the research. In other women’s health news, outlets look at heart disease treatment and wellness programs.
Health Law, Planned Parenthood Get Airtime At Republican Presidential Forum In N.H.
Fourteen of the candidates vying for the 2016 Republican nomination participated in the event. Another debate is planned for this Thursday. Meanwhile, one of the GOP 2016 hopefuls, La. Gov. Bobby Jindal, is terminating his state’s Medicaid contract with Planned Parenthood.
Community Health Will Spin Off 38 Hospitals In Rural And Suburban Communities
The new publicly traded hospital company, Quorum Health Corp, created by the spinoff, aims to tap into the expanded markets driven by greater Medicaid coverage.
First 3-D Prescription Drug OK’d By FDA
The Food and Drug Administration approved the first three-dimensional printed drug — a medication to treat seizures. Elsewhere, statistics on medical scope safety are called “outdated,” rules on e-cigarettes lag and medical marijuana legislation stalls.
New Cancer Drug Cocktails Expected To Test Pricing Ceilings
Also, as concerns over skyrocketing prescription drug costs continue, Marketplace reports on the powers Medicare might have to negotiate prices.
Federal Officials Tell State Inspectors To Watch For Nursing Home Errors With Blood Thinners
The directive follows reports of hospitalizations and deaths. Also in the news are accounts of Medicare penalties for high hospital readmission rates, changes in Medicare coverage for men dealing with impotence and increases in new federal employees’ long-term-care premiums.
Senate Push To Cut Off Planned Parenthood’s Federal Funds Blocked
Democrats are able to stall a bill that would halt funding for the women’s health-care organization. Republicans pledge to continue the fight, which could extend into the budget debate this fall.
Obama Administration Calls On States To Push Back On Big Insurance Rate Increases
The move could set up a clash with insurers that say they lost money on policies sold on the health law’s marketplaces. Some are seeking premium hikes of 10 to 40 percent or more. Meanwhile, Politico reports that states with thorough rate review processes are likely to see smaller rate increases.
Health Law Reduces Out-Of-Pocket Expenses, But Medical Costs Can Still Be Overwhelming
One of the key aims of the health law was to protect consumers from ruinous medical debt, but some people still find it difficult to pay their health bills. Also, another health law provision created an organization to figure out which medical treatments work best to help consumers and the government save money on care.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Health Law’s Record; Debate On Funding Planned Parenthood; An Ebola Vaccine
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, New York, Colorado, Alabama and Texas.
New Orleans Hospital Replacement Opens At Full-Scale Level
Ten years after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans’ Charity Hospital, a new facility opened up with hopes of preserving the former hospital’s mission. Meanwhile, new outlets report on other hospital developments in North Carolina, Alabama, California, West Virginia and Arizona.
Contaminated Scopes Pose Risk Of Bacterial Infection Despite Cleaning
Several recent outbreaks are among dozens of reports in a federal database that detail serious infection caused by these medical devices. In other news, the development of opioids that are less prone to abuse could be a boon for pharmaceutical companies. And those who experience side effects from vaccines can seek compensation from a government fund.
When Insurers Deny Long-Term Mental Care Treatment, The Results Can Be Dangerous
CBS 60 Minutes investigates the battles that parents fight for psychiatric care for their kids. And KHN looks into the practice and enforcement of a landmark federal “parity” law that requires insurance providers to cover mental illness as they would any other disease.
Obama Marks Medicare, Medicaid Anniversary With Vigorous Defense Of Programs
In his weekly Saturday address, the president derided critics who want to cut the programs. Meanwhile, some Medicare beneficiaries face a stiff increase in premiums.
Emails Highlight Hillary Clinton’s Role In Obamacare Passage
Fox News reports on a new batch of Clinton’s emails that reference efforts the current Democratic presidential hopeful made to reach out to members of Congress in support of the health law. Meanwhile, news outlets also report on this week’s GOP primary debate.
