Latest KFF Health News Stories
Obama Says VA Problems Must Be Faced Amid Calls For FBI Probe
While honoring America’s fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, the president acknowledged the need to confront the scandal at veterans hospitals. Meanwhile, Sen. Richard Burr and veterans groups fight over the response to the controversy. Also, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that if allegations about falsified reports are found to be true, the agency’s leadership must be held accountable, and lawmakers demand a probe by the Justice Department.
State Regulators Seek To Impose Controls On New Painkiller
Several outlets look at prescription drug issues, including how to handle Zohydro — a powerful painkiller approved by the FDA in March, and ethical questions raised by new “smart pills.”
Hospitals Sue HHS Over Lengthy RAC Appeals
The hospitals are demanding the agency fulfill its requirement to decide Medicare payment appeals within 90 days, instead of the current 16-month average. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry scored a victory Friday in its efforts to limit hospitals’ access to lower-priced drugs through the 340B drug discount program.
Health Law Costs Embroil Union Negotiations
Costs associated with the health law are snarling contract negotiations around the country. Meanwhile, the administration announces rules that will make it very expensive for companies to move workers onto the law’s marketplaces.
Under United Kingdom takeover rules, Pfizer can submit another bid in six months, although it is unclear if it will do so or instead focus on growing its own business.
Medicaid ‘Woodwork Effect’ Spurs State Budget Concerns
Many of those eligible for Medicaid before passage of the health law but not enrolled have signed up as a result of the publicity about getting insured, adding to states’ costs. Meanwhile, a Democratic Virginia senator says some Republican state lawmakers want the governor to expand Medicaid through an executive order, and the Republican governor of Indiana holds hearings on his plan to expand Medicaid.
Some Hospital Systems Scaling Back Charity Care
Several hospital systems around the country are scaling back assistance for lower-income patients who lack health coverage, The New York Times reports. Meanwhile, some safety-net hospitals report that the number of uninsured patients they serve is decreasing because of the health law.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the health law’s effect on unions and hospitals and a new IRS ruling designed to keep employers from dumping workers onto the law’s online marketplaces.
Under Health Law, Some Hospitals Cutting Charity Care
Several hospital systems around the country are scaling back assistance for lower income patients who lack health care, The New York Times reports. Meanwhile, some safety-net hospitals say they are already seeing fewer uninsured patients. Also, the IRS issues a new rule that will make it harder for employers to move workers onto the insurance marketplaces.
Expanded Treatments For Type 2 Diabetes Lead To Confusion And Higher Costs
The New York Times reports that experts worry that the profusion of choices can be problematic for patients. Also, The Fiscal Times looks at the increase in obsesity.
VA Chief Vows To Stay Amid Calls For Ouster
But former Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole, an advocate of veterans’ issues who introduced Eric Shinseki at his confirmation hearing in 2009, called for a shake-up at the agency, while a Senate committee provided funds for a nationwide investigation, and a House panel authorized subpoenas to compel VA officials to testify.
Hill GOP Tells CMS That States Should Not Be Penalized For Medicaid Backlogs
The lawmakers say problems getting through new applications are the federal government’s fault and states should be not held responsible, The Hill reports. Also, two Republican House members offer a bill to limit federal funding of insurer protections in the law.
Rockefeller Says Racism Plays Role In Health Law Criticism
The West Virginia senator suggests at a committee hearing that criticism of the federal health overhaul may be based in part on the president’s race. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., calls the comments “very offensive.”
Marketplace Policy Claims Delays In Wash.; Troubled Exchanges Face Deadlines
The problems in Washington state have affected about 15 percent of the marketplace customers, the Seattle Times reports. Other outlets look at the tough choices some states with troubled exchanges are weighing, new enrollment numbers in Connecticut and another resignation in Oregon.
California Entertainment Industry Looks For Help From Health Law
Workers in the industry are often self-employed and uninsured so they are poised to benefit from the law. But many still find it confusing. Meanwhile, Politico Pro talks to one of the administration officials who helped bring the federal marketplace back to life after its troubling debut.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Brooklyn Hospital To Close; Georgia Health Care Overcharges Reported
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Washington D.C., Georgia, California and Minnesota.
Research Roundup: Handling Health Care Consolidation; Surprising Take On Obesity
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, JAMA Surgery, CA Cancer, the Employee Benefits Research Institute and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Longer Looks: How Doctors Treat Patients; Myths About Obamacare
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, California Healthline, The Weekly Standard, Forbes Magazine, Reader’s Digest and Pacific Standard.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest developments on the Department of Veterans Affairs controversy.
