Latest KFF Health News Stories
Profit Mining The Opioid Epidemic: ‘People Who Are Addicts Are Sold To The Highest Bidder’
In Philadelphia, people with addictions are being “pimped out” to treatment centers for cash. Media outlets report on news on the crisis out of Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington, Ohio and Virginia.
NIH To Try To Cut Development Time For Drugs To Help Curb Opioid Epidemic
Health officials announced a public-private partnership that aims to more rapidly bring drugs related to treating those addicted to opioids to market. Meanwhile, Express Scripts is suing a drugmaker over its overdose medication, a look at how one letter to the editor helped shape the course of an epidemic, and more from the opioid crisis.
Ohio AG Sues Drugmakers Over Opioid Crisis: They ‘Knew What They Were Doing Was Wrong’
Ohio has been hard hit by the opioid epidemic and the state’s Attorney General Mike DeWine wants pharmaceutical companies to take some responsibility for it.
$1 Million-Per-Month Patient Highlights How One Pricey Case Can Sink An Insurer
Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield cited the Iowa teen’s case as a reason it is pulling out of the individual marketplace in the state. “Everyone is trying to avoid the $12 million-man,” Duke University research associate David Anderson told the publication PolitiFact. “Because whoever catches him basically can’t make money.”
Grassley Releases Report Alleging Mylan Overcharged Medicaid $1.3 Billion For Epi-Pen
The analysis by the inspector general’s office at the Department of Health and Human Services “should worry every taxpayer,” the Iowa senator said.
Everything You Need To Know About California’s Long-Shot Single-Payer Proposal
The Los Angeles Times answers questions about the plan that’s energizing liberals across the country. Meanwhile, suggestions on how to pay for the system are blasted as unrealistic.
As Republicans rush to roll back the Affordable Care Act, it might do them well to look at Washington state’s attempts to undo health care reform two decades ago. Meanwhile, the current GOP plan could leave many priced out of insurance if they let their coverage lapse, senators mull what to do with ACA tax cuts, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) faces a hostile town hall meeting, and lawmakers reach out to constituents about their health care stories.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Climate Change, Global Health And Vaccine Deals; Driving Drugged
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Editorial pages offer local takes on ideas and issues related to health system reform.
Opinion writers offer their ideas on what’s happening on Capitol Hill with the American Health Care Act, whether its shortcomings can be repaired, and who wins and loses if it advances.
Perspectives: Drug Prices Out Of Control? Not So Much, Actually
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
In The Drug Industry’s Civil War, Finger-Pointing Over Prices Is The Name Of The Game
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, Texas, Florida, California, Massachusetts, Georgia, Colorado, Wisconsin and Kansas.
Price Gouging Runs Rampant In ERs, With Vulnerable Populations Taking The Brunt Of Pain
A new study looks at how hospitals are marking up prices in their emergency rooms. Media outlets report on hospital news out of Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania and Missouri, as well.
Kansas Legislature Passes Exacting Requirements For Abortion Providers’ History Disclosures
The information must be provided to patients on white paper in black, 12-point Times New Roman type. Elsewhere, in California, Planned Parenthood confirms that three of its clinics will close in the northern part of the state.
Ohio Is Not Doing Enough To Combat Its Opioid Epidemic, Expert Says
There are several steps that the state should be taking to address the crisis, but it is falling short according to an health expert. Media outlets report on the crisis from Ohio, New Hampshire, Iowa and Massachusetts.
Dentists In Unique Position To Identify Domestic Abuse, Activist Group Says
One survey of domestic abuse victims found that over half had visited a dentist when signs of abuse were present, but nearly 90 percent of those individuals weren’t asked about their injuries. An activist group is pushing to get dentists more training so they can better recognize those signs. In other public health news: health disparities between transgender and cisgender Americans, gene editing, sepsis, antibiotics, helmet safety and more.
Hearing Aid Bill Draws Unlikely Opponent: The Gun Industry
The opposition to the legislation, which would create an over-the-counter category of hearing aids, appears to be more about the fact that Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is involved with the bill and less because of the substance.
Medicare Next Spring Will Mail Beneficiaries New Cards Without Social Security Numbers
The change is designed to cut down on the risk of identity theft. But the transition is sensitive since it involves coordination among beneficiaries, hospitals, doctors, insurance companies and pharmacies. In other news, Medicare announces it will cover exercise therapy for peripheral artery disease, and two insurers in Florida settle a lawsuit over billing.
