Latest KFF Health News Stories
Financial Navigators Offering Cancer Patients ‘Life Rafts’ In Dealing With Cost Of Treatment
Across the country, oncology social workers are helping those diagnosed with cancer to navigate one of the terrifying side effects of treatment: financial toxicity. “He keeps throwing me life rafts before I sink,” Scott Steiner says of his social worker, Dan Sherman.
Hospitals See Potential In Digital Health Investment
News outlets also report on a range of hospital-related developments, including the intersection between hospital discharge and medical deportation; the role of health worker outreach in reducing readmissions; how rural hospitals continue to struggle; and new ambulance policies.
How A Series Of Missteps, Turbulent Business Practices and Big Egos Derailed ‘Female Viagra’
Although Addyi, described as the female Viagra, was always going to be a hard sell, the dismal results of the drug underscore Valeant’s troubles. The New York Times looks at what went wrong, while STAT reports on Valeant CEO’s Senate fight.
The Obama administration announced a new formula for paying doctors in an effort to tackle the nation’s high drug prices, but doctors say the change will hurt their patients.
New York Predicts 470,000 Will Enroll In New Low-Cost Option Under Health Law
The Essential Plan, available under the Affordable Care Act starting in 2016, is aimed at consumers who can’t afford private coverage and don’t qualify for Medicaid. In other news, California unveils a sweeping set of reforms for its exchanges.
Revamped Ark. Medicaid Expansion Program Faces Funding Hurdle This Week
Some Republican lawmakers are threatening to withhold funding for the program when they meet Wednesday. News outlets also report about Medicaid expansion issues in Alaska, Utah and Delaware.
Largest U.S. Health Insurer Pulls Out Of Health Exchanges In Georgia, Arkansas
The move follows reports and complaints that insurance companies are struggling to make a profit by selling plans under the Affordable Care Act.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions from around the country.
Research Roundup: Marketplace Plan Information; Kids’ Mental Health; Drug Costs
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health issues in Maine, Illinois, Texas, California, Minnesota and Kentucky.
California AG Under Fire After Raid Over Planned Parenthood Fetal Tissue Videos
Susan B. Anthony List is calling for the resignation of Attorney General Kamala Harris, who is running for retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer’s seat, after investigators seized videos and other property belonging to David Daleiden.
Planned Parenthood Sues Indiana, Saying Fetal-Defect Abortion Bill Is Unconstitutional
The federal lawsuit also challenges a provision that mandates an aborted fetus be buried or cremated. In other news, Michigan’s attorney general files a suit to shut down a Detroit abortion clinic, the Arkansas State Medical Board votes to replace the term fetus with unborn child in regulations, Missouri lawmakers take a step toward holding a Planned Parenthood official in contempt, and abortion providers get ready for Utah’s new anesthesia law.
Poll Reveals Americans’ Lack Of Knowledge On Zika
Even out of those following the outbreak closely, few know if there is a vaccine or treatment for the virus, a new poll finds.
Colorado City Faces ‘Unusually Violent Spike’ Fueled By Heroin Trade
The New York Times reports on Pueblo, where a surge in deadly gang warfare is fueled by demand for heroin. And on Capitol Hill, lawmakers debate measures to combat opioid abuse.
VA Employees Directed To Falsify Wait Times In At Least 7 States
The analysis found that supervisors told their staff to manipulate the times to give the false impression their facilities were meeting VA performance measures for shorter wait times. The director of the Manchester VA Medical Center in New Hampshire has offered a public apology.
A Thursday report by the Leapfrog Group explored the impact these digital systems are having on patient safety.
Final Medicare Advantage Rates Involve Variety Of Compromises
Analysts say the new rates don’t represent a loss or a gain for industry — but rather a mixed bag.
GAO Finds Significant Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities On Federal Exchanges
Officials say their findings in the investigation, which was initially limited to California, Kentucky and Vermont, likely means that other states’ health exchange websites face similar cyber issues.
Ark. Lawmakers Approve Continuing Medicaid Expansion, But Funding Questions Remain
Opponents hope to stop the program next week when the legislature takes up funding. Also, news outlets report on Medicaid expansion issues in Louisiana, New Hampshire and Florida.
