Latest KFF Health News Stories
Mike Huckabee Casts Himself As Protector Of Medicare, Social Security
In declaring his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination, the preacher, TV host and former governor pledged to protect popular but increasingly costly programs for older Americans, putting him at odds with several of his rivals.
Senators Want Independent VA Review To Determine If Claims Troubles Are Systemic
A bipartisan group of senators says efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs to fix delays in handling veterans claims are insufficient and calls for the Government Accountability Office to investigate all 56 regional offices. Meanwhile, California lawmakers push for a new clinic to serve 87,000 veterans.
In Wake Of Settlement, DaVita Plans Stepped-Up Oversight
The kidney-care company announced plans to spend more than $25 million a year on compliance efforts.
Study Examines Some Drugs’ Higher Costs, Questionable Benefit After Exclusivity
Also, Bloomberg reports that diabetes drugs often rise in tandem. So-called “shadow pricing” by competitors is one reason drug prices continue to surge.
Community Health Systems Back In The Black
The hospital operator, which is the largest one by actual hospital count, benefited from its acquisition of Health Management Associates Inc. and from changes in uninsured rates and admissions resulting from the health law. Meanwhile, HCA, the largest hospital chain by revenue, will increase its capital spending to make room for new patients thanks to its market share and the impact of the health reforms.
CDC Releases First National Study Of Latino Health
It found that while the death rate among the nation’s fastest-growing ethnic group is 24 percent lower than for non-Hispanic whites, the Latino community is hit hard by certain diseases and conditions and has less access to health care.
Fourteen Cancer Centers To Use IBM’s Watson To Guide Treatment
Using the supercomputer to analyze the DNA of tumors could speed genetic profile results from weeks to minutes, officials said. Matching therapy to DNA has improved outcomes for some patients.
Community Health Centers Get $100M To Boost Care For Low-Income Patients
The funding, through the Affordable Care Act, will be used to build 164 clinics nationwide, including several in Florida, North Carolina and Washington state.
Fla. Gov. In DC To Push For Hospital Funds To Cover Uninsured
Gov. Rick Scott planned to meet today with members of the Obama administration to seek the extension of federal Medicaid funds to cover hospital care of the uninsured but said he would not change his opposition to expanding Medicaid. Meanwhile, Politico reports that the administration made it clear to Florida officials more than a year ago that it would extend that funding for one year but not beyond that.
Health Law Critics Say States Are Not Rechecking Eligibility Of New Medicaid Recipients
Fox News examines concerns that states are not adequately monitoring people who qualified for the health care program for low-income residents when it expanded under the health law. Other outlets also look at addiction coverage under the law, concerns about birth control coverage and fears about a future cost-control measure.
Senate Gives Final OK To 10-Year, Cost-Cutting Budget Blueprint
The GOP-backed budget resolution, which includes procedural tools Republican leaders hope will aid their efforts to repeal parts of the health law, is the first joint congressional budget plan in six years.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Soaring Cost Of Drugs; Baltimore’s Health Legacy; ‘Quackery’ Act; Issues For ACOs
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets examine health care issues in Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Bill To Extend Health Coverage To People In Calif. Illegally Could Cost The State $740 Million
A fiscal analysis is the first price estimate for the proposal introduced in the California legislature last December.
Panera Bread To Stop Using Ingredients On Its New ‘No-No List’
The food company joins a growing list of chains to announce moves to decrease or eliminate artificial sweeteners, preservatives and flavor enhancers from their menus. Yet, while eating salt has long been a dietary target, scientists are examining some of sodium’s benefits.
Virginia AG Says Abortion Clinics Aren’t Bound By Stricter Building Standards
Mark Herring’s opinion reverses that of the state’s previous Republican attorney general and will likely put the abortion debate back on the front burner in Virginia. Meanwhile, the case of an Indiana woman convicted of feticide after self-aborting is raising questions about women’s reproductive rights and abortion.
Marketing Wars Intensify Over Personalized Medicine
Hospitals seek to increase their visibility in this growing field. Meanwhile, an Ohio health system loses its final appeal in an antitrust case and several hospital and insurance companies report their latest earnings.
Worldwide Spending For Cancer Drugs Reaches $100 Billion: Study
IMS Health reports that U.S. patients accounted for more than 42 percent of that total. Also, the Connecticut Mirror examines efforts by the governor and other top elected officials to protect state pharmaceutical companies from competitors through a trade pact.
Paramedics Face Roadblocks In Efforts To Play Larger Health Care Role
In a small number of communities, paramedics are providing in-home care, coordinating patient services and saving millions. Despite these successes, Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurers won’t reimburse for such work and states must address the regulatory hurdles in place. Meanwhile, a new app applies the Uber-model to facilitate doctor housecalls.
