Latest KFF Health News Stories
CMS’ Sweeping Medicaid Managed Care Rules Set New Quality Standards
The long-awaited regulation, the biggest for Medicaid managed care in a decade, changes many aspects of how large insurance contractors who administer care for some of the most vulnerable patients.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Extending Sanders’ Health Mission; The Future Of Single-Payer?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Texas, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington, New Hampshire and Missouri.
Only 6 Southeast Michigan Hospitals Get ‘A’ Grades For Patient Safety
However, some urge caution when using ratings from the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog, that judge the quality of the facilities. Media outlets also offer hospital coverage from Florida, Virginia, New Hampshire, California and Texas.
Experts Hammer Home Importance Of Treatment And Education At Hearing On Opioid Crisis
At a hearing in Ohio hosted by the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, law enforcement officials and experts spoke about ways of addressing and curbing the epidemic that is gripping the state and the rest of the country. “We cannot arrest our way out of this problem,” Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said. In other news, a Missouri lawmaker threatens to filibuster a bill establishing a prescription drug monitoring program, and a Detroit man is recognized for his drug recovery program.
Health Officials Release Guidelines For Employers In Effort To Protect Workers From Zika
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued the rules on Friday, which include providing insect repellent to employees, urging them to wear protective clothing, and allowing flexibility in travel to Zika-affected areas. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell will travel to Puerto Rico to talk about the virus.
The Shifting Definition Of Healthy Eating
Foods with fat and salt may not be as bad as once thought — and businesses are pivoting to keep up. Meanwhile, Bernie Sanders opposes a soda tax, saying it hurts poor families.
Under Okla. Bill Sent To Governor, Doctors Could Lose License For Performing An Abortion
Gov. Mary Fallin, a Republican, has not indicated if she will sign the legislation, which critics call unconstitutional. Elsewhere, Missouri lawmakers are blocking federal funds to Planned Parenthood, and anti-abortion activists protest in Virginia and California.
States Filling In Gaps In Veterans’ Mental Health Care
Several states are moving legislation and introducing PTSD programs to target what they see as holes in the care offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. In other news, lawmakers and veterans are speaking up about the dangers of the military’s “burn pits.”
Patients, Advocates To Flood FDA Panel Hearing On Experimental Muscular Dystrophy Treatment
The panel will hear from scientists and patients alike on Monday as it decides whether to recommend that the FDA approve the drug, called eteplirsen. More than 800 patient advocates have registered to appear, making it among the best attended FDA advisory committee meetings in history.
‘All Humankind Is Waiting And Watching’: Mania Erupts Over Potential Fountain Of Youth Pill
Scientists announce a clinical trial to see if a common Type 2 diabetes treatment could stave off some of the most devastating diseases of advanced age — and seniors are coming out of the woodwork in droves to be involved.
Drug Companies To Pour $100M Into Battle Against California’s Price Control Ballot Initiative
The initiative, likened by one lobbyist to a “grenade being rolled into the conversation,” would require the state to pay no more for prescription drugs than the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the industry is gearing up to fight back. In other news, Novartis’ heart-failure drug is getting a warmer welcome in Europe than America, and the company is considering its options in selling its stake in Roche.
Despite Success In Extending Medicaid Expansion, Ark. Gov. Faces Obstacles Ahead
Opposition to the program is still strong in some areas, and funding in the future could be difficult. News outlets also report on Medicaid developments in Oklahoma and New Mexico.
Insurers’ Exit From Marketplaces Could Play Into Ariz. Senate Race
The expected loss of United plans and some Blue Cross Blue Shield plans could leave parts of Arizona with very little choice, and that could reignite the debate on the health law in the Senate campaign, some political analysts predict. Also in news on the health law, Minnesota weighs contracting out the technical work for the marketplace and a Republican group renews its suggestions on how to replace the health law.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Trump View Of Medicare And Social Security; Employers As Insurance Companies
A selection of opinions from around the country.
Research Roundup: Hospital Readmissions; Children’s Health; Medicare Overview
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health issues in Texas, Delaware, Tennessee, Florida, Oregon, Illinois and Missouri.
Texas Appeals Court Throws Out Challenge To Medicaid Payment Cuts For Kids’ Therapy
Critics argue that the cuts to reimbursements for speech, physical and occupational therapists would drive them out of the Medicaid program.
