Latest KFF Health News Stories
Indiana HIV Outbreak Forces Needle Exchange Debate
Increased intravenous drug use is spreading HIV and hepatits C, prompting officials to reconsider syringe exchanges in states like Indiana where they are illegal.
In Ariz., Hospitals See New Financial Challenges Despite Medicaid Expansion
Elsewhere, a bill in North Carolina could mean nonprofits lose much of their state tax refunds. News outlets also report on various hospital-related news developments in California.
Obama Administration Issues Plan To Fight Superbugs
President Barack Obama wants Congress to double funding to confront the challenge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a public health problem that sickens 2 million and kills 23,000 a year in the U.S.
Making Choices About How We Die
A movement to encourage end-of-life conversations among family and friends is gaining traction through The Conversation Project, a Boston-based nonprofit. Meanwhile, Kaiser Health News profiles two doctors who are part of a California lawsuit asking the court to protect physicians from liability if they prescribe lethal medications to patients who are terminally ill and mentally competent to decide their fate.
Insurers Lower AIDS Drug Costs After Discrimination Charges
Aetna, and its subsidiary Coventry Health Care, will lower the cost of HIV and AIDS drugs, which can cost as much as $1,500 a month now, under insurance plans sold on the exchanges. Patient advocate groups had argued the high prices violated the health law’s prohibition against insurers denying coverage to sick people or charging them more.
Breakthrough Hep C Drugs Spike Medicare Costs By $4.5 Billion
Consumers also face the high cost of prescription drugs. Many will turn to discount programs that claim big savings, but some pharmacists tell buyers to beware.
A Push To Demystify Health Care Pricing
Marketplace details efforts to bring more pricing transparency to the health care industry. In addition, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports on a new website in Wisconsin that rates clinics on both cost and quality, while The New York Times reports on a New York pay-for-performance initiative.
Under Expansion Plan, Mich. Enrollment Soared, But Will The Program Continue?
Under Michigan law, the state must obtain a second waiver from the Obama administration by the end of the year or its Medicaid expansion will end next April. In other Medicaid news, the Montana Senate advances a bill that would expand the program and New Mexico lawmakers approved a bill that would help thousands of inmates enroll before they are released.
Maryland Misallocated $28M In Health Exchange Funds, Audit Says
An audit from the Department of Health and Human Services inspector general recommends that the state repay the money, which was miscalculated due to troubled enrollment projections.
Feds Step Up Efforts To Raise Awareness About Health Law Tax Breaks
The Treasury Department on Friday released fact sheets about the most common exemptions to the health law’s tax penalty. Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports on how the Affordable Care Act is leading some colleges to get out of the health insurance business.
The Doc-Fix Back Story: How Boehner And Pelosi Made A Deal
The Medicare physician payment formula has long been a difficult issue on Capitol Hill. Action last week moved it close to resolution, but the Senate still has to act.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Why ‘Doc Fix’ Deal Was Done; Health Care Leaders Must Lead Change
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Effects Of Ending CHIP; Measuring Churn; Kids And Antipsychotic Drugs
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
State Highlights: Md., Va. State Budgets Advance; Wis. SeniorCare Proposal Stalls
A selection of health policy stories from Maryland, Virginia, Wisconsin, California, Indiana, Missouri, Texas, Arizona and Georgia.
Indiana HIV Outbreak Declared A Health Emergency
With 71 cases identified, an HIV outbreak in southeastern Indiana prompted Gov. Mike Pence to announce a public health emergency and allow a temporary needle exchange program in one county.
Narcotics Overprescriptions To Veterans Targeted By VA
Solutions are needed for lapses or practices at VA facilities that have resulted in opiate overprescribing, Veterans Affairs officials testified at a Senate hearing.
FDA Considers Regulating Homeopathic Remedies
Officials will review data on the safety and evidence behind the alternative therapies in a meeting next month. In the meantime, the Obama administration readies a plan to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the Health and Human Services’ inspector general advises labs that waive patient fees because of agreements with doctors that they could be violating anti-kickback statutes.
Report: Health Insurance Industry Doing Well Under ACA
The report from the Commonwealth Fund shows that industry profits remain nearly identical to before implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, experts predict the health care sector, like many others, will face pressure to raise wages as a result of tightening labor markets.
Audit: Maryland Owes Feds $28M For State Exchange
Meanwhile, three Democratic governors took steps this month that could lead to the federal government assuming control of their state exchanges, and Tennessee’s Republican governor continues to push for Medicaid expansion in his state.
