Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health care stories are reported from New York, Wisconsin, California, Kansas, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois and Virginia.
Cincinnati Hospitals Test All Mothers Or Infants — Regardless Of Background — For Opiates
This step is a response to the sweeping heroin and drug epidemic in the area. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports on the District of Columbia’s marijuana law and synthetic drug issues.
News outlets also report on Medicaid news from Arkansas and Texas.
Psychologists’ Society Endorses Ban On Involvement In National Security Interrogations
The American Psychological Association overwhelmingly approves the ban following concerns about psychologists’ role in harsh interrogations programs during the Bush administration.
Medical Scope Maker Sees Jump In Sales Despite Ties To Superbug Outbreaks
In news about another surgical tool, concerns that the laparoscopic power morcellator can spread cancer in women prompt 12 lawmakers to urge the Government Accountability Office to investigate.
Nurse Practitioners Fill Needs In Underserved Areas, Emergency Care
Two newspapers profile the expansion of duties for nurse practitioners. Also in the news, a California law is expanding dental hygienists’ options, and some video game makers are hoping to prove they are good for mental health.
Thieves Stealing Personal Data To Get Health Care, Prescription Drugs
The Wall Street Journal examines the increasing number of identity thefts linked to medical care and the difficulties it can cause for consumers.
Anthem’s Ties With Blue Cross Brand Could Snarl Merger With Cigna
And in news about another insurance provider, the stock market is reacting to reports that a Centene subsidiary is losing a Medicaid contract in Illinois worth $1.8 billion over five years.
House Panel Seeks Interviews With Planned Parenthood Officials, Tissue Suppliers
Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee released a letter in which they ask to speak with some of the Planned Parenthood officials who, on a secretly taped video, discuss providing fetal tissue to medical researchers.
Federal Court Rules Against Four Catholic Nonprofit Groups On Contraception Mandate Challenge
Last week, the court reversed a decision by a lower court that allowed the organizations to get around this Affordable Care Act requirement.
Meanwhile, news outlets look ahead to the next phases in the implementation of the health law, including delayed anti-discrimination rules from the administration as well as efforts by health care providers to make sure those who have gained insurance coverage use it to help their health.
House Republicans Eye Medicare Overhaul Push
The legislation, yet to be drafted, will likely include “premium support” for beneficiaries on the program. Elsewhere, Medicare will pay for an expensive cancer treatment and Select Medical’s long-term hospitals face the prospect of harm from new payment rules in the program.
GOP Presidential Hopefuls Make Moves To The Right
Among the field of Republican primary candidates, anti-abortion positions are getting a lot of play — even though they appear to run contrary to public opinion. Meanwhile, Jeb Bush continues to get attention regarding his involvement with a charity that supported Planned Parenthood and comments he made about funding for women’s health.
First Edition: August 10, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Trump Questioned On Single Payer; Kasich Doesn’t Cower From Medicaid
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Effect Of Mental Health Parity; Medicaid’s Dental Care; Cardiac Rehab
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Health care stories are reported from West Virginia, Washington, Delaware, Texas, Oregon, Illinois, Nevada and Maryland.
N.Y. Mayor de Blasio Offers $22M Plan To Help People With Mental Illness
The effort, which is part of a broader mental health agenda, is geared toward helping homeless people who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others.
News outlets report on developments related to hospitals in Mississippi, Maryland, Texas, Georgia and West Virginia.
N.C. State Senate Unveils Its Latest Plan To Reform Medicaid
The initiative would privatize Medicaid using both commercial insurers and in-state health care providers and would create a cabinet-level Medicaid department. It also includes some sticking points, though.
