Latest KFF Health News Stories
Even With Insurance, Many Can’t Keep Up With Health Care Bills
In a recent poll, 26 percent of people said health care expenses have taken a serious toll on their finances, with 7 percent of those respondents ending up in bankruptcy.
Administration Official, Seeking To Allay Insurers’ Concerns, Says Market Is Stabilizing
Kevin Counihan, the Obama administration’s top insurance exchange official, told a forum of insurance executives, “We’re seeing the maturing of a marketplace — people getting a bit more experienced and comfortable on how to buy coverage.” Also, a poll examines attitudes about the law in Florida.
Tax Time Crunch: Health Law Penalties Catching Up To Many Taxpayers
H&R Block reports that among its customers, 60 percent of filers who were getting tax credits to help pay their health insurance premiums in 2015 end up owing money back to the government and the average fine for people who didn’t buy insurance is doubling.
Expensive Specialty Drugs Help Drive Up U.S. Drug Spending
After years of slower growth, drug spending rose a “remarkable” 12.6 percent in 2014, according to a new federal report.
U.S. To Test The Waters With Medicare Drug Reimbursement Proposal
The proposal affects drugs administered in doctors offices or outpatient clinics. It is aimed at current reimbursement incentives that may encourage doctors to select higher-priced medications but not add benefits for patients.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Political Peril Of Repeal; Smart Ways To Improve Obamacare
A selection of opinions from around the country.
News outlets offer opinions and editorials about various public health concerns.
News outlets report on health issues in Virginia, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, California, Florida and New Hampshire.
No Sign Of Movement From House Republicans On Emergency Zika Funding
The lawmakers are adamant that Ebola funds should be used first, but the administration says there isn’t enough left to properly fight the virus. In other Zika news, there’s not much doctors can tell American women who are concerned about getting infected, Brazilian women face difficult decisions, and in Venezuela, the outbreak is complicated by an economic crisis.
This Obscure Task Force Dictates Preventive Services In U.S.
The group of physicians has recently come out with guidelines that have created a firestorm of debate over preventive care, and since the health law granted it the power to determine what screenings should be covered by insurers, it’s unlikely the task force will continue to fly under the radar. Meanwhile, a report finds that too many older people continue to receive treatments that don’t meet established guidelines.
Test For Alzheimer’s Gene Poses Dilemma For Families At Risk Of Developing Disease
The New York Times profiles two brothers facing 50-50 odds of carrying the mutated gene — one chose to be tested and the other has not. In related news, The Tennessean reports on the difficulties loved ones face in caring for Alzheimer’s patients.
Texas Health Officials Try To Distance Commission From Controversial Planned Parenthood Study
They have asked the New England Journal of Medicine, which published the study looking at how cutting Planned Parenthood funds affected Texas women, to remove two state employees’ names as co-authors to the study.
Researchers Credit Contraception Use As Unintended Pregnancy Rates Drop Across The Board
“Whereas in the past we saw decreases among advantaged groups but increases among disadvantaged groups, now we’re seeing decreases across the board. Something broad-based is going on here,” the lead author of the report says. In other news, the first uterus transplant in the U.S. could offer hope to women across the country.
Retail Clinics May Drive Up Health Spending, Study Finds
Advocates say consumers can use the retail clinics to provide a less expensive alternative to emergency rooms and doctor visits. But the research in the journal Health Affairs suggests that instead patients are going to the clinics for care that they wouldn’t necessarily seek from a doctor.
Prescription Drug Costs Trigger State Pushes For Transparency
Stateline reports that 11 states have introduced legislation that would require drug makers to justify their prices by disclosing spending on marketing and research, among other things. Meanwhile, STAT reports on how Harvoni’s ad blitz is generating significant interest in the hepatitis C drug despite its high cost. In other news, Texas officials are studying whether adding more generics into the Medicaid program would help control costs, and Valeant is poised to release its fourth-quarter results.
N.H. Lawmakers Weigh Work Requirement As They Prepare For Medicaid Expansion Vote
The legislature is expected to vote this week on a measure determining whether to continue the state’s Medicaid expansion program. In Arkansas, a panel backs the governor’s plan to continue the state’s expansion, and a Kansas poll finds community support growing for Medicaid.
Democratic Candidates Asked About Abortion For First Time At Fox Town Hall
At Fox’s town hall on Monday, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders both said they support a woman’s right to choose when moderator Brett Baier grilled them on late-term abortions. The lack of questions on the topic in debates and town halls sparked an #AskAboutAbortion movement from those who want the candidates to solidify their positions.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions from around the country.
