Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare Open Enrollment Brings Lots Of Choices
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal looks at some of the scams aimed at people over 50. And news outlets scrutinize the record number of hospitals penalized by Medicare for readmitting too many patients within 30 days of their discharges.
Many Nursing Homes Still Lack Fire Sprinklers
More than 50,000 people are living in nursing homes without adequate fire sprinkler systems, a year after the deadline set by the federal government, according to The Associated Press. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal looks at lawyers who specialize in suing for-profit nursing homes for abuse and neglect.
Democrats Spotlight Women’s Health Issues
The issue is figuring prominently in races in Colorado and New Hampshire, where Democratic incumbents are highlighting their differences with Republican challengers.
Will Supreme Court Hear Another Health Law Challenge?
As the court begins its new term, the justices will be asked to consider another challenge to the Affordable Care Act about whether individuals can qualify for federal subsidies if they live in a state with a federal, rather than a state-run, insurance marketplace.
Debate Over California’s Proposition 45
The ballot initiative would give the elected state insurance commissioner the power to regulate health insurance rates for small businesses and individuals. Proponents say it would make the rate-setting process more transparent. But a coalition of hospitals, doctors and health plans contend it would give too much power to one person.
Two Hospital Suppliers To Merge
Becton Dickinson announced it is buying CareFusion for $12.2 billion. They will form the fifth largest medical supply company and hope to offer hospitals more options as they seek to lower costs.
Closures Force Texas Abortion Center Staff, Patients To Reassess Options
The decision last week by a federal appeals court closed many of the remaining abortion clinics in Texas and left some women scrambling for services.
Indiana Gov. Pitches Obama On His Brand Of Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Mike Pence discussed his proposal to expand Medicaid directly with President Barack Obama on Friday. The Republican governor is seeking a federal waiver to be able to require low-income recipients to pay a nominal fee toward their premiums.
Walmart Stores To Offer Health Insurance
DirectHealth.com will set up counters in Walmart stores where consumers can compare and purchase health plans.
A selection of health policy stories from Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Kansas, Indiana, California, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Connecticut.
’60 Minutes’ Examines ‘Astronomical Price’ Of Many Cancer Drugs
The CBS news magazine aired a segment Sunday that looked into why the drugs cost so much and whether they’re really more effective than less-expensive alternatives.
Calif. Won’t Challenge 2015 Rate Increases
The state’s regulators didn’t raise concerns about premium increases for the 10 plans in California’s online marketplace. In addition, enrollment efforts make news in Missouri and Minnesota.
Correcting Flaws In The Ebola Response
How hospital and health workers react to suspected cases of Ebola going forward is the subject of much scrutiny. But, even as public health and many elected officials urge calm, some potential 2016 presidential candidates say President Obama isn’t doing enough to keep the disease out of the U.S.
Challenges Loom For New Obamacare Enrollment Period
Officials hope to renew coverage for the 15 million people who signed up last year as well as expand the pool by another 10 million, but there are concerns about consumer costs and choices.
Viewpoints: Health Costs And Income Inequality; Vital Matters When Approaching Life’s End
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: October 6, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including an announcement by Walmart that it will provide services to help customers evaluate and enroll in health plans and Indiana’s efforts to get the federal government to approve its controversial plan to expand Medicaid.
Financial Ties Between Doctors And Health Firms Explored
Federal data show that doctors and other health care professionals made more than $212 million in speaking and consulting fees from drug and device makers in the five months at the end of last year, reports The New York Times. But The Wall Street Journal examines one doctor’s record to demonstrate that not all the payments reveal potential conflicts of interest.
U.S. Ebola Case Spurs Preparedness, Policy Questions
Although Congress gave the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention an emergency boost of $30 million last month, the agency has been hit hard by budget cuts. Texas media also question the preparedness of state and local public health agencies. Meanwhile, The Dallas Morning News reports that Texas Health Presbyterian — which initially released the Liberian man who turned out to have the virus — scored significantly worse than state and national averages for emergency care.
Silicon Valley Using Health Care Perks To Lure Talent
Also, Facebook is readying a move into health care by offering online “support communities” and preventive care applications.
Research Roundup: Virtual Medicine And Readmissions; Lack Of Women, Elderly In Heart Studies
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
