Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA OKs Controversial ‘Pink Viagra’ For Increasing Women’s Libido, Following Two Previous Rejections
Supporters of the drug, called Addyi, praised the agency’s decision as an end to “gender bias” toward women’s sexual needs. Critics say the medication is only a “mediocre aphrodisiac” with significant side effects like low blood pressure, fainting, nausea, dizziness and sleepiness, especially when taken with alcohol.
Wal-Mart Says Fewer Prescription Drug Customers Paying Cash Hurt Its Earnings
The large retailer says its second quarter earnings were affected by the health law. Elsewhere, Medicare plans to buy cheaper biotech drugs when they come on the market, and Amgen settles with states for $71 million over off-label marketing claims.
Alaska Lawmakers To Seek Court’s Help In Blocking Governor’s Medicaid Expansion Plan
Implementation of Gov. Bill Walker’s plan was set to begin Sept. 1. Some lawmakers, though, are seeking a temporary restraining order to block it while a larger issue — whether the governor has authority to accept federal funds for the expansion without a vote by the legislature — is decided. Meanwhile, in Utah, supporters of expansion continue to push for action.
In Minn. — Where Walker Unveiled His Health Care Plan — Studies Find Premiums Are Lower Than In Wis.
Local news outlets offered varying takes on GOP presidential candidate Scott Walker’s detailed Obamacare replacement plan. He outlined his approach in Minnesota, the state next door to his home state of Wisconsin.
Scott Walker Details Obamacare Replacement Plan Keyed To Tax Credits Based On Age
The plan unveiled by Walker, the first top-tier GOP presidential hopeful to offer such specifics, would also — among other things — seek to hold down health care costs by reducing industry regulation, providing block-grants in the Medicaid program and allowing consumers to buy health insurance across state lines.
Health Law Repeal-And-Replace Plans Create A GOP ‘Dilemma’
The Washington Post reports on how the Republican presidential candidates are wrestling with their messages. Meanwhile, John Kasich plans to keep one key portion of the health law, and Marco Rubio talks about health care during his Iowa soapbox speech.
First Edition: August 19, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
On The Campaign Trail, Planned Parenthood Offers Fodder To Candidates From Both Parties
Almost all the candidates — both Democratic and Republican — have had something to say about the nonprofit organization’s recent troubles as well as issues related to women’s health.
Viewpoints: Rubio’s Health Plan; Drop In Uninsured Levels Linked To Economy
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from California, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Alaska Lawmakers To Consider Possible Challenge To Gov. On Medicaid Expansion
Legislative leaders are meeting today on the issue. Gov. Bill Walker has opted to expand the health care program for low-income residents after the legislature failed to act on his request. Also, a key Republican in Montana is raising concerns about the state’s plan to expand Medicaid.
Percentage Of Workers With Job-Based Insurance Declines, Federal Report Finds
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality says the percentage fell from 84.9 percent in 2013 to 83.2 percent in 2014, a continuation of a decline that started in 2008.
Medicare Extends Moratorium On Auditors’ Challenges To Hospitals’ Billing For Short Stays
The billing issues dealing with beneficiaries in the hospital for less than three days have been controversial, and Medicare is studying the situation. Elsewhere in the news, hospitals lose an appeal on Medicare reimbursements, and the FDA warns some scope makers about possibilities of spreading infections.
Planned Parenthood Seeks Emergency Injunction In Clash With Florida Regulators
The legal action was filed in a Tallahassee circuit court after an investigation launched last month by Florida Republican Gov. Rick Scott resulted in three clinics being cited for allegedly performing illegal abortions.
Jeb Bush Details Approach To Overhaul VA, Improve Veterans’ Health Care
While campaigning in South Carolina, the Republican presidential hopeful offered his take on how he would improve health care for veterans by expanding “choice” options for care outside the department but not cutting funding for VA hospitals and medical staff.
Walker’s Health Plan Designed To Dismantle Obamacare, Give More Control To States
Wis. Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican presidential candidate, unveiled his health care plan — which includes tax credits to pay for private health insurance and an overhaul of Medicaid. It would also allow people to shop for coverage across state lines.
White House Marshals Money, Focus To Combat Heroin Epidemic
The Obama administration plan, unveiled Monday, is a response to the nation’s mounting problem with heroin abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, use of this drug has more than doubled among people aged 18-25 in the United States in the past decade.
First Edition: August 18, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: House Lawsuit On Health Law ‘Misguided’; FDA’s Rules On Drug Claims At Issue
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Maryland, California, Kansas, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, New York, Alabama, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
