Latest KFF Health News Stories
Supreme Court To Decide Crucial Case On Patenting Human Genes
The high court will hear a challenge to Myriad Genetics’ patent of breast and ovarian cancer genes in a case that will affect the future of biomedical research, the fight against diseases like breast and ovarian cancer and a multi-billion dollar biotechnology business.
Viewpoints: Editorial Boards Offer Advice To Supreme Court On Gene Patents
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Abortion-Rights Supporters Worry New Rules Could Shutter Va. Clinics
Newly passed regulations adopted Friday in Virginia will require many abortion clinics there to undergo costly renovations, a move that opponents say is aimed at forcing the clinics closed.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the Medicare provisions in the budget plan released last week by President Barack Obama as well as previews of the Supreme Court’s consideration of arguments regarding whether human genes can be patented.
Virginia’s New Strict Abortion Building Codes Part Of A National Trend
On Friday, the Va. Board of Health voted to require abortion clinics have the same building standards as hospitals.
HHS Secretary Sebelius answered congressional questions Friday about the president’s budget, including proposed changes in Medicare premiums and the state of health law implementation.
In The Wake Of Obama’s Budget, Signs Of Optimism And Discontent
Even as House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., expressed cautious optimism about some aspects of President Barack Obama’s budget plan, others, like Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., took a harder line against it. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will take to Capitol Hill to defend her agency’s budget request.
Health Exchange Cost Estimates Go Up
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues about the premium price tags consumers will pay if they purchase health insurance from these online marketplaces. Also, debate heats up about how the Obama administration hopes to offset the set-up costs.
Crash Inspection Program Finds Problems At Some Compounding Pharmacies
The New York Times reports on what these federal regulators found.
Medical Society Suggests That Docs ‘Pause Before Posting’
The American College of Physicians and The Federation of State Medical Boards cautions physicians about how they behave online, including the use social media.
Medicaid Expansion: Stiff Resistance In South, Fla. Gov. Scott Blasts Watered-Down Plan
While most Southern states resist expanding Medicaid under the health law, Virginia appoints its final voting members to a commission that will oversee expansion there. In Florida, Gov. Rick Scott is blasting a watered-down version of the expansion that lawmakers there favor.
UnitedHealthCare Pushing Congress To Open Up Federal Workers’ Health Plan
At a congressional hearing yesterday, UnitedHealthCare executives said that Blue Cross Blue Shield dominates the FEHB market too much.
Ryan: Strong GOP Opposition To Abortion Will Boost Party’s Prospects
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., the Republican vice presidential candidate in 2012, said Thursday that anti-abortion activists should work with abortion-rights counterparts to advance their agenda and that the GOP must stay strong on the issue.
Viewpoints: Progress Toward A ‘Grand Bargain’; States’ ‘Rare Chance’ To Expand Medicaid
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Calif. Judges Warn Gov. Over Prison Care
A selection of health policy stories from California, Georgia, Virginia, Oregon and Colorado.
Health Law Allows More Young Adults To Get Health Care – But With Cost Implications
A study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute offers insights regarding the impact of the health law’s provision allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ health plans.
State Medicaid News: California, N.C. Officials Explore Cost-Saving Measures
Media outlets report proposals to reduce Medicaid costs in California and North Carolina. In Maryland, the leader of a company with a $200 million Medicaid contract says he has not been told why that contract is being probed by state and federal investigators.
New Group Sets Sights On Curbing Health Care Costs
The Partnership for Sustainable Health Care, which is made up of leaders representing insurers, employers, consumers and a hospital, aims to put political muscle behind ideas about controlling costs and boosting quality.
Research Roundup: Lesson For Insurance Exchanges From Europe
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, JAMA Pediatrics, The Kaiser Family Foundation and news outlets.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a new study measuring how the health law has expanded young adults’ access to care.
