Latest KFF Health News Stories
Nurses Need Better Education About Maternal Mortality To Help New Moms, Survey Finds
Postpartum nurses often fail to warn mothers about potentially life-threatening complications following childbirth due to their own lack of information. In other maternal health care news, hospitals and groups work to close the breast-feeding disparities among African-American and Hispanic women. And research finds that microbes may help reduce the risk of sepsis in newborns.
Some N.H. Communities To Follow Lead Of State A.G. And Take Legal Action Against Opioid Company
In related news, the nation’s largest pharmacy benefit manager is taking the controversial step of limiting the number and strength of first-time prescriptions for opioids. And let’s not forget about drugged drivers’ risk of overdose and new statistics that indicate the nation is drinking more.
Hacks Targeting Health Care Data Spike 162% Over Last Year
Security experts account for the jump by saying that hacking has gotten easier and more organizations are now reporting incidents. Meanwhile, Bayada Home Health Care and St. Luke’s Health System also make industry news.
UnitedHealth CEO Stephen Hemsley Steps Down
The insurer’s current president David Wichmann will take over the position while Hemsley, who has been with the health plan since 1997, will move into a newly created role as executive chairman of the board of directors.
Questions About Congressional Rules Could Complicate Further Repeal Efforts
Politico Pro reports that the Senate parliamentarian is looking into whether Republicans can continue to debate the replacement of the federal health law using fast-track procedures set up under the 2017 budget after the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. In other news, Sen. Johnny Isakson talks about health issues and a look at how women view the health care debate.
Three N.H. Insurers Confirm Their Intent To Stay In The Obamacare Exchange
The companies — Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim and Ambetter by NH Healthy Families — will offer plans on the health exchange for 2018. But the continuing uncertainty regarding federal health law action led regulators in nearby Massachusetts to delay the approval of individual and small business insurance rates that are set to take effect Jan. 1. News outlets also report on rate hikes and turmoil in Iowa and Georgia.
Trump Poised To End Contraception Requirement For Employee Health Benefits
President Donald Trump is expected to issue a regulation allowing employers with religious objections to omit coverage for contraception from their workers’ insurance plans. In other Trump administration news: the Department of Health and Human Services names 14 people to its mental health panel; the cancellation of several payment reforms is complicating efforts by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to promote value-based care; and the National Parks Service lifts a ban on selling plastic water bottles in the parks.
After Hemming And Hawing, White House Says It Will Make August Payments To Insurers
These payments, known as cost-sharing reductions, are paid to health plans to offset the costs of providing coverage to low-income consumers. The decision, which drew criticism from some congressional conservatives, signals, for now, that the administration has decided against triggering a collapse of the health law’s individual market. This step could create a window of time and opportunity for Congress to pass some fixes to stabilize the markets.
First Edition: August 17, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Trump Driving Premium Increases; Opioid Treatment For Prisoners
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives: Drug Companies Getting Stingy With Subsidies; Supreme Court Deals Blow To Consumers
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Drugmakers ‘Game The System And Game The Rules,’ FDA Head Gottlieb Says
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
State Highlights: Ohio Co-Op Accused Of Fraud; California Heads Toward Serious Doctor Shortage
Media outlets report on news from Ohio, California, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Texas, Arizona and Colorado.
Contaminated And Unsafe Water Flows Through Communities Across Country
A new research center will study chemicals not yet regulated by the federal government but that have been linked to cancer and other diseases. And News21 releases its investigation that finds as many as 63 million Americans are exposed to unsafe drinking water. In related news, tainted water in a North Carolina river raises questions for state lawmakers.
Hospitals in Massachusetts, Colorado, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Illinois make news today.
Georgia Medicaid Director And Aide Leave; State Officials Offer No Explanations
Linda Wiant’s departure appeared to come suddenly and followed the exit of a deputy, Marcey Alter, earlier in the week. News outlets also report on the trial involving the Mississippi Medicaid director and developments in New Hampshire and Maine.
Texas Governor Signs Law That Cuts Insurance Coverage Of Abortion
The measure, which passed the Legislature on a party-line vote, does not offer exceptions for cases of rape or incest. Meanwhile, in Oregon, the governor signs a bill expanding coverage for the procedure and other reproductive health services.
South Carolina Files Lawsuit Against Maker Of OxyContin Over Alleged Deceptive Marketing
The suit accuses Purdue Pharma of violating the state’s Unfair Trade Practices Act. With similar cases recently filed in Birmingham, Ala., and Cincinnati, the litigation is following in the court path used against Big Tobacco. In other news on the national crisis: teen overdose deaths rise; the lure of “body brokers”; when antidotes fail against synthetic drugs; and more.
Physicians Increasingly Support Single-Payer Health Care, Survey Finds
Fifty-six percent of doctors either expressed strong support or were somewhat supportive of a single-payer system, according to a survey by the physician recruitment firm Merritt Hawkins.
What To Do If A Medical Bill Triggers Sticker Shock?
The Wall Street Journal suggests that consumers should negotiate medical costs, question charges and move quickly to resolve disputes or arrange payment plans. In another story, the Journal notes a trend in which consumers appear less anxious for the latest treatment or medical technology when it also is the most expensive.
