Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets offer articles on health care issues from Massachusetts, Montana, D.C., Maryland and California.
In other state Medicaid news, Connecticut’s Medicaid audit processes draw criticism and lawmakers’ scrutiny; North Carolina’s audit finds $350 million in liabilities and a financial examination in Missouri finds the state owes the federal government $34 million.
‘Astounding Price Tag’ For VA Hospitals, And Costs Still Rising
A $1.7 billion hospital being built in Colorado is just one of several Veterans Affairs construction projects that are far over budget and behind schedule, according to the Government Accountability Office. Meanwhile, VA continues to be flooded with reports from whistleblowers and there are concerns that children of military families are missing important vaccines.
Maker Of Alzheimer’s Drug Defends Switch To Tablet-A-Day Version
A lawyer for the manufacturer of Namenda argued the single-dose version of the drug is an improvement and urged the appeals court to allow it to proceed. Meanwhile, the FDA warns consumers not to use a muscle growth supplement tied to liver injury.
IBM To Work With Apple, J&J and Medtronic To Analyze Health Data
IBM unveiled the partnerships, as well as the acquisition of two medical data software companies, as part of a business unit expected to create new apps for patients and providers. Meanwhile, recent data breaches targeting insurers and providers are spurring fear and confusion among consumers.
Some Consumers Favor Narrow Networks If It Costs Less
The New York Times reports that many appear willing to trade a choice of providers for savings, with nearly half of the plans offered through the health law’s online exchanges having limited networks and more employers embracing these plans as well. Meanwhile, as the deadline for filing federal taxes approaches, news outlets continue to cover how many people may be surprised to face penalties.
Alaska Gov. Hints At Veto Of Medicaid Reform Bill That Fails To Expand The Program
Gov. Bill Walker says expansion and reform of Medicaid should be done at the same time, while legislators appear to be sidestepping bills to expand the health care program for low-income residents. Also, a bipartisan group of South Carolina state senators is expected to introduce an expansion plan. The issue is also making news in North Carolina, Nebraska and Tennessee.
Rubio’s 2016 Platform Would Give States More Control Over Health Programs
Meanwhile, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, is looking more and more like a White House candidate from his public appearances.
Medicare ‘Doc Fix’ Gaining Senate Momentum
Senators are working on a deal to curb the number of amendments each party would be allowed to offer to the Sustainable Growth Rate repeal measure. This bill is one of the big-ticket items on the post-recess congressional agenda.
As Congress Sets To Work On Budget Plans, Report Shows Deficit Widens Slightly
News outlets report that, based on a report from the Treasury Department, the budget deficit has grown slightly, ending a run of sustained declines. Meanwhile, GOP negotiators from the House and Senate are set to wrangle over differences in the budget blueprints.
Prescription Spending Jumps 13 Percent Due To Costly Drugs, Newly Insured
Millions of additional Medicaid enrollees and the introduction of innovative but pricey drugs for hepatitis C helped drive prescription drug spending to a record $374 billion in 2014, according to a report by IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: FDA Conflicts Of Interest; Sugar Lobby Sweetens Or Sours Its Case; Women’s Heart Disease
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets offer articles on health care issues from Texas, California, D.C., Indiana, Washington, North Carolina, Minnesota, Maryland and Wyoming.
Army Overhauls Mental Health Services
And a year after the VA scandal became public, veterans report some improvements but say the agency continues to struggle with a corrupt bureaucracy. Meanwhile, a supervisor at an Indiana facility resigns after sending an email that appeared to mock veteran suicides.
Mammogram Follow-Up Leads To More Tests, Costs
In related news, as more patients ask for genetic testing to determine their hereditary risk of breast and ovarian cancer — sometimes called the “Angelina Effect” — some insurers are declining to pay.
Low Wages Cost Taxpayers As Assistance Programs Make Up Difference, Study Shows
Nearly three-quarters of the people helped by programs geared to the poor, like food stamps or Medicaid, are members of a family headed by a worker, according to a new study. Meanwhile, another report demonstrates the link between health and income, all the way up the economic pyramid.
Many Best-Performing Stock Funds Can Credit Success To Health Care Industry
The latest news coverage of the marketplace includes the continuing strength of health-care stocks, Inova Health System’s investment in financial analysts, the growing number of hospitals relocating to wealthier ZIP codes and KPMG’s acquisition of Beacon Partners.
