Latest KFF Health News Stories
Longer Looks: The Readmission Cycle; Opioids in Connecticut; Medicare Scammers
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
News outlets report on health issues in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, California, Connecticut, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida and Wisconsin.
Virginia Senate OKs Direct Primary Care Agreements
Supporters say the law would help keep costs down and avoid insurer lawsuits while opponents say such plans should be regulated to protect consumers. Meanwhile in Georgia, lawmakers consider a bill that would require providers to keep up-to-date lists of network doctors.
In Ala. Medicaid Spending Debate, House Panel Raises Budget But It’s Still Short Of Goal
Medicaid officials say they need an extra $100 million to move the system to a managed care model. Also, South Carolina officials announce they are weighing efforts to cut Medicaid spending on behavioral health issues, and an Iowa Medicaid official defends plans by the new managed care firms there to set up wellness clinics.
Florida Lawmakers Approve Legislation Requiring Admitting Privileges For Abortion Providers
The measure is similar to a Texas law that is being considered by the Supreme Court. Media outlets report on other abortion regulation news in Indiana, South Carolina and West Virginia.
New Pediatric Guidelines Focus On Poverty’s Detrimental Effect On Kids’ Health
Among other problems, poverty can impair immune function, contribute to psychiatric disorders and foster cardiovascular disease, so the American Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging doctors to start screening children for it during routine visits.
Uterus Removed After First-In-The-Nation Transplant Fails
The 26-year-old woman had a “sudden complication,” the details of which have not been revealed.
CVS To Launch $50M Anti-Smoking Initiative, A Follow Up To Banning Tobacco Sales In Stores
The move is a departure from how corporations have treated industries in the past. Meanwhile, the California Senate will vote on a bill to raise the state’s smoking age to 21.
Price Tag For Breakthrough Cancer Drug Jumps Nearly $100K Since It Hit Market
When Gleevec came out in 2001, a year’s supply cost $26,400. Now it costs more than $120,000. The Washington Post looks at why it happened and what it demonstrates about the market. Meanwhile, Sen. Lamar Alexander says that drug pricing could be a part of a medical innovation bill that the Senate HELP Committee is working on.
Critics Of Medicare Drug Proposal Say It Focuses On Money, And Not Patients’ Health
The Obama administration on Wednesday released a plan for a new way to reimburse doctors for prescription drugs under Medicare, which is already drawing backlash from manufacturers and health care providers. However, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt defended the proposal, saying, “There is nothing that we propose to do, or should do, in any way, that prevents a patient from getting a prescription medicine that they need.”
Utah Lawmakers Approve Modest Medicaid Expansion
The compromise bill would provide Medicaid coverage for 16,000 of the state’s poorest residents. Democrats had tried to get the program expanded to 105,000 people. Also, New Hampshire’s House approves reauthorizing that state’s Medicaid expansion plan, and Montana gets more enrollees than expected.
Health Law Has Sparked Interest In Christian Health Care Sharing Ministries
The ministries, which require members to share colleagues’ major medical costs, have seen a surge in growth following the implementation of the federal health law since it exempts members from the requirement to have health insurance. Also in health law news, a new Senate report looks at the failed state health co-operatives, news outlets report on the difficulties Minnesota’s marketplace has had in getting out tax forms and a consumer guide helps answer tax questions on the health law.
At Debate, Clinton Defends Support For Universal Coverage, Sanders Praises Cuba’s Health System
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders jabbed at each other over health care and immigration in the eighth Democratic debate, which came a day after Clinton’s surprising loss in Michigan.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Medicare’s Art Of Compromise; Consumerism And Health Care
A selection of opinions from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Wisconsin, Washington, Ohio, New Jersey and California.
Mass. Legislators Compromise On Bill To Restrict First-Time Opioid Prescriptions
Gov. Charlie Baker had pushed for a three-day limit, but the bill released this week caps it at seven days. The legislation contains other provisions to try to fight Massachusetts’ growing painkiller epidemic. In Florida, the legislature plans to reform the way mental health is handled in the criminal justice system.
A Growing Problem For Hospitals, Medical Practices: Unpaid Bills
The Tennessean examines the issue of unpaid medical bills. Also in the news, more than a million doses of controlled drugs have been stolen from Emory University Hospital Midtown, and a controversial ballot issue in Massachusetts is causing a split within the hospital industry.
Study: Health Apps Often Sell Medical Information To Marketers
Apps are becoming a larger part of the health care landscape — one-fifth of smartphone users had health apps in 2012 — but it’s rare for them to have privacy policies that actually protect patient data, a study finds. In other health technology news, a simple wand could make it easier for doctors to receive updates on their patients, and new software lets home care aides and non-medical workers spot potential problems before they get worse.
Valeant May Add As Many As Three New Board Members This Week
The possible appointments come as the pharmaceutical company tries to reassure investors after its stock has fallen 38 percent this year.
