Latest KFF Health News Stories
As New Video Is Unveiled, Trump Supports Linking Planned Parenthood Cuts To Spending Bill
Donald Trump, who is seeking the GOP presidential nomination, said he supports congressional Republicans’ strategy to add a defunding measure to the federal spending, a proposal that some critics have said could shut down the government. Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office releases an analysis suggesting that a halt to federal funding of Planned Parenthood would increase federal spending for Medicaid and other programs. Also, the Center for Medical Progress releases a fifth undercover video of Planned Parenthood officials.
GOP Presidential Hopeful Jeb Bush Questions Women’s Health Funding Levels
During a campaign appearance when asked about efforts to defund Planned Parenthood, Bush said he was less than certain that “half a billion” dollars was needed for women’s health programs. He quickly stepped back from the comment, but not before drawing fire from Democrats.
1.8M Americans Could Face Tax Filing Problems That Jeopardize Next Year’s Subsidies
According to administration officials, those taxpayers will have to act quickly to address this issue. In other health law news, the latest on the failure of CoOportunity Health and Medicaid expansion efforts in Wisconsin, as well as a report about how much Blue Shield of California owes in Obamacare rebates.
Aetna Reports Strong Profits With Better-Than-Expected Second Quarter
The nation’s third-largest insurer also details aspects of how its plan to buy Humana will go forward.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Planned Parenthood Debate; Rising State Health Budgets; Christie’s Plans For Medicaid
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Florida, Indiana, New Mexico, California, Arizona, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas and Michigan.
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.
