Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Panel Loosens Avandia Safety Restrictions
Despite some concern over whether the diabetes drug Avandia can increase heart problems, an FDA panel Thursday loosened restrictions on how doctors can prescribe the drug.
Prominent Republican Leaves Immigration Overhaul Talks Over Immigrant Health Care
Also, CMS announces that it cannot stop sequestration cuts to Medicare’s reimbursement for cancer drugs.
State Highlights: Ore. Schools Face Insurance Exchange Choice
A selection of health policy stories from Wisconsin, Oregon, Arizona, New York, Minnesota and California.
Judge’s Second Ruling On Child Transplants Prompts Ethical, Political Questions
A federal judge issued a second ruling in as many days allowing another dying child onto an adult transplant list — a move that could have ramifications for thousands of adults waiting for donated organs.
Research Roundup: Health Spending On Kids With Special Needs
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, The Kaiser Family Foundation, The Heritage Foundation, JAMA Pediatrics and news sources.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including previews of the speech President Barack Obama is expected to deliver today in California as well as news about particular health law implementation issues.
Poll: Health Law’s Support Sliding
A new Wall Street Journal/NBC survey concludes that more Americans than ever before view the health law as a bad idea. Just as these numbers are rolling out, the White House is launching its own messaging effort to get people to sign up for coverage through the overhaul’s new online insurance exchanges.
State Decisions On Medicaid Expansion Deepen Health Care Divide
The Fiscal Times examines how political dynamics are leading to a red state-blue state divide in the availability of health care coverage. Politico reports on how Ariz. Gov. Jan Brewer, a former foe of Obamacare, is confounding that pattern by battling lawmakers in her own party to expand Medicaid. Media outlets also report on developments in Mississippi and Ohio.
Feds Step Up Medicare Anti-Fraud Efforts
Department of Health and Human Services statistics to be released Thursday show that, in the past two years, the federal government has revoked the ability of 14,663 providers and suppliers to bill Medicare, according to USA Today.
Health Law Provisions Spur Business Partnerships, New Opportunities
The New York Times reports that the Betty Ford Center and the Hazelden Foundation are pursuing an alliance while Kaiser Health News reports on how hospitals are sometimes caught in the middle of competing incentives.
Reports Highlight Impacts Of Proposed Entitlement Changes, Reduced Health Care Spending
The Washington Post highlights a new report that finds elderly Americans are “economically vulnerable” to even modest changes in Medicare and other entitlement programs. Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare notes another report analyzing “the great debate” over health spending.
Judge Orders Sebelius To Put Girl Who Needs Lung On Transplant List
A federal judge intervened in the case of a 10-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis who needs a lung transplant, ordering HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to provide an exception and place the girl on the adult lung transplant list.
GOP Eyes Medicare ‘Doc Fix’ Bill For Summer, Obamacare Replacement
House Republicans move forward on replacing Medicare’s payment system for doctors with an eye on moving the measure this summer. In the meantime, a Republican readies an Obamacare replacement bill.
Dems’ Senate Filibuster Rule Revamp Tempered By Abortion Vote Fears
Some supporters of abortion rights fear that any current changes could be used sometime in the future to restrict the option for women. Meanwhile, an appeals court rules that some morning-after pills should be available over the counter immediately.
Small Businesses Continue To Mull Health Law’s Implications
NPR reports that some say the health law is having a chilling effect on hiring by small businesses. In Virginia, the Governor’s Small Business Summit is focusing on what might happen once the overhaul is in full force.
No Easy Answers About Health Law’s Impact On Full-Time Jobs
CQ HealthBeat parses conflicting data on whether the health law may be spurring employers to keep workers part-time. Meanwhile, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, questions whether the projections of rising health insurance subsidy costs may be due to employers dumping coverage. News outlets also offer reports on health exchanges from Connecticut, Maryland, Colorado and California.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Medicaid Fraud Settlement Becomes Part Of Virginia Gubernatorial Campaign
Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli says he is taking on the IRS over a Medicaid fraud settlement payment from which the state is owed $125 million. But Democrats in the state’s congressional delegation say they had been working on the issue for months and accused him of using his office for a campaign stunt in the gubernatorial race.
Wis., Pa., Ariz. Lawmakers Seek Further Abortion Regulation
Add lawmakers in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Arizona to the long list of states seeking to further restrict and regulate the availability of abortions.
State Highlights: N.Y. Hospital Struggles To Reopen Post-Sandy
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Georgia, Florida, Maine, Oregon and Missouri.
