Latest KFF Health News Stories
Obama Order On Immigrants Could Extend Medicare Benefits
Many of the millions of people here illegally who qualify for protection under the president’s executive order would likely be eligible to receive Social Security, Medicare and a wide array of other federal benefits because they pay payroll taxes, says a White House official.
First Edition — November 26, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: As More People Covered, Fewer Doctors?; ‘Shameful’ GOP Lawsuit
A selection of opinions on health care from around the United States.
A selection of health policy stories from Michigan, Georgia, New York, Maryland, Kansas, Louisiana and California.
Health Reporter Sets Up Crowdsourcing Site For Medical Care
KQED’s Lisa Aliferis finds price differences within the same state, based on facility and insurance status. In other consumer news, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says that Vitamin D tests may not be necessary, even though they are growing in popularity.
Peace Corps Inspector General Says Delayed Care Contributed To Volunteer’s Death
The report calls for more thorough training for doctors and improved record-keeping.
Congress Weighs Efforts To Cut Generic Drug Costs
The prices of about half of generic medicines went up since last summer, and about 10 percent of them more than doubled in cost in that time, with some common medicines rising by more than 500 percent, The New York Times reports.
FDA Strengthens Warnings On Uterine Surgical Tool
The device, called a morcellator, should no longer be used in the “vast majority” of women, the FDA says, because it can spread cancerous tissue.
VA Fires Director Of Troubled Phoenix Medical Center
Sharon Helman had been on administrative leave after reports that records were falsified to hide long wait lists for treatment.
Wall Street Criticizes Calif. Insurers For Overstating Doctor Networks
The two companies provided consumers misleading information about the number of doctors with whom they had contracts. News outlets also look at marketplace issues in Massachusetts, Colorado and Minnesota.
What’s That Meal Going To Mean For Your Waistline? Calorie Counts Coming
The federal government will soon mandate that restaurants and a host of other food-service establishments with at least 20 locations display the calorie counts for food they serve. The rules take effect a year from now.
Health Chief Calls For ‘Culture Of Increased Transparency’
Meanwhile, advocates praise new rules that will make it easier for consumers to figure out which drugs are covered in exchange plans while others parse rules about abortion coverages.
Treating Rural Vets’ PTSD From Afar
In other news, the number of prison inmates with severe mental health problems is overwhelming governments’ ability to treat them.
First Edition: November 25, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Dismantling Health Law ‘Piece By Piece’; Democrats Are ‘Own Worst Enemy’
A selection of opinions on health care from around the United States.
A selection of health policy stories from Maryland, Iowa, California, Massachusetts, Illinois, Montana, Florida, Oregon, Minnesota and Wyoming.
Lawsuits: Medicare Advantage Plans Boost Payments By Claiming Sicker Patients
Also, retirees of big companies are being moved off of health plans, and advocates help African Americans understand their elevated risk of Alzheimer’s.
Scrutiny Of Morcellator Tool Halts Its Use
The Wall Street Journal looks at the history of the tool used during hysterectomies and reports that some doctors continued it even after the risks of it spreading cancer were known.
Reports Depict Failed Mental Health System
Tens of thousands of people with severe mental health problems go without care and many end up on the street, as well as in jails and shelters, reports The Denver Post. Meanwhile, a report on Newtown Elementary School shooter Adam Lanza cites his parents’ denial about the extent of his problems and missed opportunities to intervene by educators, mental health professionals and doctors.
