Latest KFF Health News Stories
Anti-Addiction Activists Press For FDA Chief To Step Down
More than a dozed organizations are asking that Dr. Margaret Hamburg, who has headed the Food and Drug Administration since 2009, be replaced because under her leadership the agency’s policies have contributed to prescription painkiller abuse.
More Insurers To Offer Health Exchange Insurance Plans
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell announced that the number of insurers participating in the marketplaces this fall will increase 25 percent. That’s a net increase of 63 insurers in 43 states plus Washington, D.C.
Anthem Excludes Missouri’s BJC HealthCare From Network Again
The Blue Cross Blue Shield plan won’t include the giant health system and its 12 hospitals, including Barnes Jewish and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, in its 2015 provider network for exchange enrollees. Meanwhile, 350,000 Medi-Cal applicants in California still wait for coverage and Colorado’s insurance rates level off.
Californians Divided Over Health Law, According To Survey
In other news about how health policies are playing in this campaign season, fact checkers examine statements from the Wisconsin governor’s race and a West Virginia congressional contest. Meanwhile, abortion continues to be a topic on the Texas gubernatorial campaign trail.
HCA Faces Class-Action Lawsuit For Allegedly Concealing Revenue Declines
A Nashville district court judge allowed the shareholders’ case to move forward by rejecting the hospital chain’s arguments that the plaintiffs had missed ‘multiple opportunities’ to learn more about the company before buying shares.
Wal-Mart and CVS Eye Expanded Roles In Health Care Delivery
Marketplace reports that Wal-Mart is opening up clinics in a handful of states, while Kaiser Health News details a the dynamics of a partnership between CVS and MedStar Health. Also, in Connecticut, a group of independent hospitals joins forces to gain the benefits of scale.
VA To Probe Alleged Cover-up of Minneapolis Patient’s Death
The VA is investigating allegations that the appointment records of a retired Marine who died after having seizures were falsified to cover up delays in care at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Meanwhile, promises to improve care at Connecticut and Oregon VA facilities are reported.
State Highlights: Calif. Gov. Signs Rural Telehealth Bill; Louisiana’s Ex-Health Secretary Indicted
A selection of health policy stories from California, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Oregon, Montana and Delaware.
Viewpoints: A ‘Success Story’ In McAllen, Texas; ‘Uniquely High Prices’ In Health Care
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: September 24, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports of the Obama administration announcement that the number of insurers offering health plans in the health law’s online marketplaces is going up.
The New York Times reports that a redesign to the federal marketplace will allow a majority of consumers to use a simpler online form when attempting to buy health coverage, and The Associated Press details findings out today by the Department of Health and Human Services inspector general that report on government hackers’ attempts to breach the site.
GAO Advises CMS To Step Up Tracking Of Health Law Implementation Funding
The watchdog agency says the federal government has spent $3.7 billion during the current fiscal year on the marketplaces. News outlets also report on developments related to exchanges in California, Minnesota and Montana.
State Highlights: Medicaid Bankruptcy Ruling Could Save Some Nursing Homes
A selection of health policy stories from Florida, Texas, California and Colorado.
Drugmakers Warned Against Giving Coupons To Medicare Beneficiaries
While brand-name drugmakers regularly use coupons to boost sales, it is illegal to induce Medicare Part D enrollees to use them. Meanwhile, a researcher asks members of the public how they would fix Medicare.
Court Dumps Obamacare Lawsuit Brought By Doctors
A federal appeals court in Chicago tosses a lawsuit challenging the administration’s delay of the health law’s employer mandate — a case similar to the one that House Republicans plan to file. Meanwhile, advocates for the drug, device and biotechnology industries raise concerns about the public database set to go live next week, showing how much doctors get from those groups.
Hospitals Seek To Control Costs By Setting Standards For Care
One group in Delaware looked at high spending on cardiac monitoring for patients who really didn’t need it and encouraged doctors to instead use guidelines from the American Heart Association. Costs fell by 70 percent for the monitoring, a study finds.
Police, Parents Learning To Better Handle Mental Illness
And in Arizona, a judge approved an agreement to expand services for the people with serious mental illnesses, ending a 30-year-old class action lawsuit.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: September 23, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about work being done on healthcare.gov in anticipation of the next open enrollment period, which begins in mid-November.
Feds Vow Improved, But Not Perfect, Healthcare.gov
Officials running the federal health insurance website hope to resolve glitches before open enrollment begins Nov. 15, but warn consumers not to expect a seamless experience. Meanwhile, the unusually low enrollment in Obamacare plans in Iowa and South Dakota stemmed from one insurer’s business decisions.
