Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Roundup: Mass. Seeks To Improve Medical Malpractice System
News outlets also report on health policy developments from a number of states including Nebraska, Florida, Minnesota, Kansas and California.
Report: More Patients Turning To Social Media For Medical Advice
According to a new report, a third of consumers use social media to seek medical information, leading some to say that providers and insurers should utilize the media more to better interact with patients about their conditions.
Texas Asks Feds To Fund Women’s Health Program Through October
Texas is asking the federal government to continue funding its Women’s Health Program for five more months — through October — to allow the state to better prepare to fully take over the program.
Supreme Court Ruling Gives Generic Drug Makers A Victory
The Supreme Court handed generic drug companies a victory with its Tuesday decision.
Poll Explores Women’s Presidential Election Concerns
A new Reuters/Ipsos Poll found that 52 percent of women surveyed viewed President Barack Obama as stronger on health care, which was the second most pressing election concern. Meanwhile, Michelle Obama makes a pitch to women at a fundraiser.
Doughnut Hole Is Trouble Spot For Seniors On Heart Drugs, Researchers Find
A study documents that beneficiaries with cardiovascular conditions who reach the annual gap in coverage for prescription drugs, known as the doughnut hole, are more likely to stop taking their drugs because of the costs.
Official Provides Details, Dates For PCORI’s Research Priorities
The COO of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute offered insights into what appears to be a busy agenda.
A selection of health care opinions and editorials from around the United States.
Perspectives: What Is The Role For Comparative Effectiveness Research?
The Journal of the American Medical Association devoted this week’s issue to the topic of comparative effectiveness and how it should be used in medicine.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the latest Capitol Hill developments related to the budget.
Smart Shopping Can Relieve Pain From Dentists’ Charges
Dental coverage often maxes out at just a few thousand dollars a year or less. KHN’s “Insuring Your Health” columnist Michelle Andrews reports that getting a reliable estimate of prices in your area can be critical if you want to keep a lid on costs.
Feds Cite Two Insurers For Excessive Premium Increases
The insurance companies will be able to charge the higher amount, but they will be required to disclose on websites that reviewers found the rates to be unreasonable and explain why they are still imposing them.
U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Finds Small Business Owners Wary Of Health Law Regs
The survey finds that the regulations rank at the top of small business owners’ concerns. In other news, the National Journal examines the future of accountable care organizations.
Seniors Increasingly Challenged By Cost, Logistics Of Handling Health Care
News organizations are covering how some seniors are moving in with their children or grandchildren — or using community programs — to help navigate the world of care.
State Roundup: Minn. Doc Training Money Cut
News outlets report on a variety of health policy issues in Texas, Minnesota, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Rep. Frank Says Obama’s Push For Health Law Was ‘Mistake’
Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said in a magazine interview that President Obama made a “mistake” pushing for health reform and that he urged Obama to take up financial system reform instead. In the meantime, Rep. Dennis Kucinich said a single-payer health care system is the only “obviously constitutional” health care plan.
Lawyers Eye Disability Act For Lawsuit Opportunities
The New York Times reports that a small groups of lawyers are using New York City’s idiosyncracies as the backdrop for a flood of lawsuits citing violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Romney Begins Vice Presidential Search And Rep. Ryan Could Be On The Short List
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., the author of the House GOP budget plan which revamps Medicare, helped Romney in Wisconsin. In other campaign news, Romney renews attack on health law to woo conservative leaders.
Medical Societies Bracing For Medicare Penalties
Medscape reports that physician groups are now focusing on the downside of incentive programs –the penalties for not meeting targets.
FDA To Regulate Smartphone Medical Applications
The FDA will regulate medical applications meant for use on smartphones and tablets. In the meantime, a health insurance exchange leader readies its online tool that could let them in on a $4 billion market.
