Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: Deaths, Hospital Stays And Costs Decrease Among Americans On Medicare
USA Today says the findings are “jaw-dropping,” and experts quoted in other news stories say the results reported in this JAMA study indicate “remarkable progress.”
Burwell: No Evidence Of Fraudulent Obamacare Enrollments
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell testified on Capitol Hill to respond to a preliminary report by the Government Accountability Office that detailed how investigators were able to sign up for coverage and qualify for subsidies with phony information. Also in the news, Wheaton College will take a stand against the health law’s contraception mandate by ceasing to provide health insurance to students.
Pending Highway Bill Includes Emergency Funding For Veterans Affairs
Without congressional intervention, the agency faced a budget hole that it says would force the closure of hospitals and clinics across the country. In related health news, the Pentagon is set to award a $10.5 billion electronic health records contract.
GOP Senators Introduce Legislation To Defund Planned Parenthood
The goal of this bill is to stop federal funding for the abortion rights organization, which is in the hot seat after covert videos were released about the group’s role in supplying fetal tissue for medical research. A vote is planned in the next few days and Republicans are looking to some of the women in their caucus to lead the charge.
Take Note — Medicare And Medicaid Mark A Big Birthday
Both federal programs were signed into law on July 30, 1965. News outlets are examining these programs, as well as their accomplishments and the growing pains they will face going forward.
Forecast: National Health Care Spending To Accelerate
Federal actuaries issued a report Tuesday detailing a reversal in the slower spending trends of recent years. Among the reasons for this change, they said, is the health law’s expanded health insurance coverage, the improving economy and the aging of baby boomers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, California, North Carolina, Colorado, Connecticut, Tennessee and Illinois.
FDA Says Doctors Should Consider Limiting MRIs As Agency Investigates Risks To Brain
The Food and Drug Administration issued the safety announcement as it looks into whether contrast-imaging drugs that contain the heavy metal gadolinium leave brain deposits after repeated MRIs. Meanwhile, a new report suggests that drug makers delay filing reports with the FDA in cases of a drug-related illness or death.
Patients With Chronic Illnesses Are Benefitting From Coordinated Care At Home
News outlets also examine other trends in medical care, including the expanded roles of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, how some new mothers are missing out on advice regarding breastfeeding and SIDS, new guidance about depression screenings and continued efforts to destigmatize mental illness.
Rand Paul Pursues Vote On Defunding Planned Parenthood Before The August Break
Meanwhile, the organization confirmed Monday that its website has been hacked by anti-abortion activists.
McConnell Confronts A Restive GOP Caucus
Angst among lawmakers is taking the form of amendments to repeal the health law or defund Planned Parenthood, but they don’t always fit in with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plans for broader legislation.
Recent Insurer Mergers Trigger Capitol Hill Concerns About Reduced Competition
The House Judiciary Committee is planning two hearings in September to discuss these worries. Meanwhile, another House panel contemplates an overhaul of how Medicare pays hospitals for short-term stays. And a Kansas congressman throws his support behind the so-called “health care compact.”
Teva Agrees To Allergan Purchase; Price Tag Set At $40B
The Israeli company will acquire Allergan’s generic drug business and, if approved, the deal will place Teva among the largest drug companies in the world.
Just-Approved Cholesterol Drug Could Offer Millions A Pricey New Medication Option
The drug, Praluent, has demonstrated the power to drive down levels of LDL cholesterol to numbers almost never seen in adults. Its cost is $14,600 a year.
Covered California Sets 4% Hike For 2016 Premiums
News outlets report that the increase in health care premium costs for Obamacare plans will be felt the most by residents of the Bay Area and other northern parts of the state. Other states will experience rate boosts between 10 percent and 40 percent.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Views On The 50th Anniversary Of Medicare And Medicaid
News outlets note the 50th birthday of both Medicare and Medicaid by exploring its current financial health and what the future could hold for the programs.
