Latest KFF Health News Stories
Conservatives Favor Fast-Track Approach To Repealing Health Law
They’re also lobbying for increased funding for medical research. Meanwhile, Republican leaders appear likely to drop Paul Ryan’s proposal to privatize Medicare to ensure passage of Congress’ first full budget in six years.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Mammogram Recommendations May Influence Insurance Coverage; New Privacy Concerns
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets cover health care issues in New Hampshire, California, New York, Missouri, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois and Maryland.
Even As Prescription Drug Overdose Death Rates Soar, States Fail To Take Simple Preventive Step
Stateline reports on how states could make it more difficult for doctors to prescribe one of the most dangerous narcotics. In other news, Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation to fight drug abuse and a new study details Americans’ heavy alcohol use at a county level. Meanwhile, Alabama continues to address problems associated with a recreational drug known as Spice.
Burwell Commits To Address Problems With Digital Health Records
The Health and Human Services secretary made that promise during a Senate hearing. Meanwhile, about half the physicians and other providers eligible to participate in the incentive program did so in 2013, according to an administration report.
State Lawmakers Look For Ways To Blunt Rising Drug Prices
A growing number of state legislatures are weighing bills to force drug makers to disclose their costs to justify price increases. Meanwhile, Quest Diagnostics reports revenue growth while AstraZeneca’s profit falls as a patent expires on its bestselling heartburn drug.
$10B VA Health Care Choice Program Has Disappointing Results
The program was supposed to shorten waiting lists by allowing patients to switch to private-sector doctors. Meanwhile, a Florida congressman has introduced legislation that would make it easier to fire Veterans Affairs employees.
Tenn. Gov. Says Federal Approach To Medicaid ‘Feels Awfully Heavy Handed’
The recent announcement that federal officials will tie special hospital funding for uncompensated care to states’ decisions on whether to expand Medicaid is raising some concerns. Meanwhile PolitiFact examines Medicaid claims in Florida.
Obamacare Satisfaction Scores Top Traditional Plans
A study by J.D. Power offers the first comprehensive look at the Department of Health and Human Services’s efforts to improve the customer experience in the second year of the health lawr.
Dr. Oz Fires Back After Other Doctors Call for His Ouster From Columbia Med School
Ten doctors wrote a critical letter that included references to his promotion of “quack treatments” on his television show. He has since launched a vigorous public defense.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Seniors’ Fears Of Obamacare; Kochs Lose Mont. Medicaid Fight; Regulate E-Cigs
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: A Young Woman’s Mental Illness; Dr. Oz; Hospitals And Patient Satisfaction
Each weekend, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
News outlets cover health care issues in California, Louisiana, Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Massachusetts and Colorado.
N.C. Lawmakers Move To Extend Abortion Waiting Period
A state House committee approved the measure in a party line vote. It could come before the full House as soon as today.
Alabama Medicaid Is Relatively Low Cost; La. Nursing Homes Resist Privatization
Stories track state Medicaid costs in Alabama, West Virginia, Rhode Island, Louisiana, New York and Maine.
California Vaccine Bill Advances After Key Senate Panel Vote
The measure, which would require nearly all California children to be vaccinated before they can go to school, still faces a number of hurdles before it becomes law.
Whistleblower Reports Mental-Health Drug Substitutions At W.Va. Facility
According to a federal investigation, the substitution, which involved putting patients at risk by using older, less expensive drugs instead of the prescribed medications, was done to save money. Other headlines suggest that Veterans Affairs whistleblowers felt “demoralized” and faced hostile work environments for reporting claims-processing failures.
Worries Over Deteriorating Finances Of Teaching Hospitals
The Wall Street Journal looks at how relationships between teaching hospitals and universities are fraying because of financial concerns. Medicare Advantage plans face scrutiny over allegations of overcharging and a healthcare report says consumers and providers feel the squeeze of rising health costs.
