Latest KFF Health News Stories
Gilead Allowed To Submit New Evidence In Patent Case After Claiming Merck’s Lawyer Lied
The company alleges the lawyer misused what he learned on a conference call to change pending applications. In other pharmaceutical news, three newcomers have been tapped to join the Valeant board, and a study finds that drug shortages continue to plague emergency departments.
231 Hospitals With Subpar Quality Awarded Bonuses From Medicare
The hospitals were rewarded because caring for their patients during their stays and in the 30 days following their discharge cost Medicare less than what it cost at half of hospitals evaluated in the program. In other news, a jury convicts the owner of a health care company for her role in a Medicare fraud scheme.
In Scathing Report, DOJ Says South Dakota’s Long-Term Care System Fails Thousands With Disabilities
In the latest investigation into states’ care of those with disabilities and mental illnesses, the Department of Justice has signaled it may sue South Dakota. The state, it says, has forced people unnecessarily into nursing homes in violation of federal law.
Covered California’s Unique Negotiating Power Helps Slow Premium Increases
Other states and the federal marketplace accept any plan that seeks to participate, but California’s exchange negotiates prices with insurers to help consumers get better prices. Meanwhile, pregnant women with Covered California plans are being transferred from the exchange into Medi-Cal without any consent or notice.
Governor Unveils ‘Healthy Louisiana’ Name For Medicaid Expansion
Meanwhile, Gov. John Bel Edwards faces key challenges as his administration rolls out the program to expand Medicaid coverage to more low-income residents while also battling to fix the state’s budget shortfall.
Tenet Predicts Other Insurers Will Absorb UnitedHealth’s Share Of Exchange Market
The hospital operator downplayed the effect UnitedHealth’s departure from many Affordable Care Act marketplaces will have, saying insurers are expected to make adjustments.
Nonprofit Hospitals Dominate Top 10 Most Profitable Ranking
Market muscle — whether gained from size, prestige or a lack of competition — plays a key part in hospitals’ power to negotiate with insurers, the study finds.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: What Cops Know About Mental Health Situations; Home Birth In America
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in New Hampshire, Maryland, Kansas, Ohio, Texas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska and Washington.
In S.D., 2 Reservation Hospitals Agree To Undertake Significant Quality Measures
By taking these steps, the government-run hospitals on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Indian Reservations will keep receiving federal funding. News outlets report on other hospital-related developments in Minnesota, New Jersey, Washington, Colorado, Texas, Florida and Hawaii.
Flint’s Water Crisis Takes Mental Toll On Residents
With people experiencing high anxiety and distress, health workers are scrambling to provide “psychological first aid.” In other lead contamination news, parents and health providers in Washington state are being warned that water is not the only risk for exposure.
As Patients Make Transition From Hospital To Home, Simple Mistakes Can Turn Fatal
It’s one of the most dangerous junctures in medical care, and, despite multiple safeguards in place, the issue continues to endanger patient safety leading to deaths that could have and should have been prevented. In other public health news, a study finds that tighter alcohol restrictions lead to fewer deaths, and an expansive heart disease study turns 30.
Facing Down An Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: ‘The Beginning Is Like Purgatory’
Geri Taylor could not ignore the problem any longer when she looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize her own face. That day she started — with her husband — down the path of navigating Alzheimer’s.
Term ‘Opioid Epidemic’ May Hinder Efforts As Two Distinct Drug Addictions Plague U.S.
Americans are dying in startlingly high numbers from overdoses, but heroin victims and prescription opioid victims are very different. And attempts to find a one-size-fits all to the problem may exacerbate each. Meanwhile, Massachusetts has been particularly hard hit by both epidemics.
‘We Are A Dying Breed’: Even In Democratic States, Abortion Clinics’ Doors Are Closing
A combination of the economic difficulties of operating a clinic, a generally hostile atmosphere and declining demand means that many clinics are shutting down. In other news, Oklahoma’s House of Representatives approves a bill threatening the medical license of any doctor who performs an abortion, and Hillary Clinton speaks out against an Indiana abortion ban.
Medicaid Rules On Managed Care Could Put Power Of Reform In States’ Hands
New federal proposals show some of the challenges for states as Medicaid managed care operations grow. Also news on Medicaid from Iowa, New York, Kansas, Oklahoma and Michigan.
Math Error At Rural Hospital Could Cost All Mass. Hospitals $160M In Medicare Funding
A mistake in a consultant’s report on wages at the state’s only rural hospital affects the complicated formula for Medicare payments to the state. Also in the news is an analysis of the new proposals for Medicare payments to doctors and an article on the controversial plan to change how the government pays for some intravenous drug treatments.
As FDA Turns Watchful Eye On Silicon Valley, Health-Related Tech Companies Adjust Mindset On Agency
Those in the highly competitive industry have begun to think of the Food and Drug Administration as an ally instead of a powerful brake on progress.
Premium Increases This Fall Could Inject Health Law Concerns Into Election Campaign
Politico looks at how an expected rise in health premiums coming out shortly before the November election could bring the health law back into the political debate. Also, Morning Consult examines Speaker Paul Ryan’s plan for high-risk pools.
