Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Can New Medicare Pay Improve Quality?; Kyle Bass’ Patent Challenges
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets cover health care issues in Pennsylvania, Florida, New Mexico, Connecticut, Hawaii, North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, Maryland, Wisconsin, Minnesota, D.C., Massachusetts and Oregon.
Georgia’s Second-Largest Hospital To Settle Medicare Fraud Case For $20 Million
The Macon-based Medical Center of Central Georgia was alleged to have billed Medicare for “medically unnecessary” services that were more costly than the ones the hospital should have performed.
FDA Calls For New Drug Labels To Explain Risks, Benefits For Pregnant Women
The government is also calling for reducing fluoride levels in water after children developed splotchy teeth, and the Journal of the American Medical Association interviews the new U.S. surgeon general.
Plugged-In Patients And Doctors Alter Traditional Power Dynamic
Online consultations, self-generated health data and easily accessible information is changing typical doctor-patient interactions, but there are still challenges. Also, a new study suggests ways to improve the negatives of weekend hospital stays.
Aetna, Universal Health, Post Strong Profits
The quarterly shareholder reports by the insurer and the health care provider continue the good showing of health care companies since implementation of the health care law. In other news, the FDA orders Medtronic to halt production and distribution of one type of implanted drug pump.
Tennessee Provides A Lens For Viewing Medicaid Managed Care’s Access Issues, Challenges
As Tennessee and many other states move increasingly to managed care in their Medicaid programs, federal officials weigh new protections for enrollees. Elsewhere, about 40 percent of Connecticut babies are covered by Medicaid, the Office of the Inspector General finds shortcomings, fraud vulnerabilities in Colorado low income health insurance program, and N.J. Gov. Chris Christie’s comments about the program’s cost increases are examined.
Florida Medicaid Expansion Fracas Continues
Also in the news, the latest on the Medicaid expansion debate in Ohio, Alaska and Louisiana, and an Obamacare public relations contract extension in Illinois.
High Court Sends Health Law Contraception Challenge Back To Lower Court
The earlier appeals court decision predated the Supreme Court’s June 2014 ruling that family-owned Hobby Lobby Stores Ltd could seek exemptions on religious grounds from the contraception provision of the health law. The 6th U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati will now revisit its decision. Other news outlets examine how tax refunds were impacted by the health law and the continued need for outreach to Hispanics.
Apparent GOP Budget Deal Hits Snag
News outlets report that, on the eve of its unveiling, the agreement struck between House and Senate Republican negotiators appears to be stalled by Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. According to coverage, the negotiated blueprint currently takes aim at President Barack Obama’s health law and would cut entitlement programs. However, a proposal by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to turn Medicare into a voucher program was dropped.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Quality, Price Details Often Overlooked; VA Needs To Reconsider Options
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets cover health care issues in Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Oregon, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Washington.
Mixed Results After Cardinal Healthcare Takes Over N.C. Mental Health Care
In the meantime, Chicago braces for the closure of mental health centers after cuts, and inpatient psychiatric facilities get a modest Medicare pay increase.
Vivek Murthy, the nation’s latest top doctor, was sworn in last week. His confirmation to the post was held up for more than a year because of his views on gun violence. Meanwhile, The New York Times reports on Michael Botticelli, the Obama administration’s ‘drug czar’ who has first hand knowledge of addiction.
Guidance Advanced To Press Health Insurers To Step Up Data Protection Efforts
Modern Healthcare reports that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners adopted new principles to aid state regulators in holding insurers accountable and making sure companies have taken the right steps to protect against cyberattacks.
Doctors, Hospitals Turn To Patients For Delivery Tips, Advice
In the meantime, nursing students at Temple University in Philadelphia look at poverty and health care, and barbers at one shop in Maryland urge their clients to get colonoscopies. And a bill in Maryland would require extra funding for school counselors.
MS Patients Hit With ‘Alarming Rise’ In Cost Of Older Drugs
A new study shows that people with multiple sclerosis have been hit with skyrocketing bills for medicines introduced long ago. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reports that more pharmaceutical companies are buying drugs they see as undervalued, then raising the prices and driving up the cost of drugs.
Medicare Report Details Provider Penalties, Incentives
The Wall Street Journal writes that, according to a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services report, more than 460,000 providers failed to comply with the Physician Quality Reporting System in 2013.
Administration Pushes Medicaid Expansion As Replacement For Hospital Funding
News outlets also update Medicaid expansion developments in Florida and Pennsylvania.
