Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medical Costs Can Mount Quickly Through Surprise Bills, Long-Term Care
PBS NewsHour and The Fiscal Times report on the challenges consumers face through these types of health expenses.
Powerful Genetic Testing Provides Patients With Plenty Of Data, But Few Concrete Answers
Patients are left to decide what to do when doctors can’t reach a consensus on a course of action when genetic tests turn up a higher risk for diseases like breast cancer.
Hospitals Employ New Strategies In Attempt To Control Rising Drug Costs
In related news, 11 Democratic senators – including presidential candidate Bernie Sanders — are urging the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services to examine the impact of the drug company practice of selling “one-size-fits-all” vials of drugs to treat cancer and other deadly diseases.
Bristol-Myers Outflanks Merck By Embracing Old, Mass-Marketing Approach On Cancer Drug
The two companies are offering a comparable drug, but doctors are flocking to Bristol’s to bypass the testing process required for Merck’s. In other pharmaceutical news, Valeant is trying to calm wary investors as its Tuesday earning report draws near, the stock market reflects the uncertainty surrounding the Pfizer-Allergan deal and Martin Shkreli’s old drug company gets an offer.
A spokesman for Bernie Sanders released a photo and video clip from 1993 showing the candidate standing directly behind Hillary Clinton at an event to promote health care reform.
By End Of 2015, Obamacare Enrollment Off Target By 3 Percent
Over the course of the year, the number of people signed up and paying premiums on exchange plans went down 25 percent, from 11.7 million to 8.8 million. In other health law news, a few of the troubled insurance cooperatives could turn profits in 2016. And Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois hopes for a financial turnaround after last year’s flop.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Strengthening Medicaid; ERISA And The Goals Of Transparency
A selection of opinions from around the country.
Research Roundup: Medicare Drug Plans; ACA Patient Losses; Hospital Readmissions
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health issues in Florida, Arizona, Kentucky, California, New York, Michigan and New Jersey.
S.D. Governor Signs Legislation Banning Abortion After 19 Weeks Of Pregnancy
The legislation includes exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for cases of rape or incest. Elsewhere, The Associated Press takes a closer look at Indiana’s measure that would ban abortions sought because of fetal defects, and West Virginia lawmakers override the governor’s veto on banning a second-trimester abortion method.
California Bill To Raise Smoking Age To 21 Heads To Governor’s Desk
The legislation is part of a six-bill tobacco package, which passed through the legislature despite intense lobbying from the industry.
Lawmakers Set June 9 As Effective Date For California’s Aid-In-Dying Law
Supporters used the special session on health care to bypass the committees that might have held it up.
VA Investigation Finds Systemic Scheduling Problems At Texas Facilities
According to the report, schedulers often listed the first available date that a patient could be seen as the date that a patient had wanted to be seen. Meanwhile, a new report says more Agent Orange research is long overdue.
Long Road Ahead For Genetically Modified Mosquito Trial In Florida
To help in the battle against Zika, the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District wants Oxitec, a company that has developed genetically modified mosquitoes that would help cull the population, to test them in a neighborhood of 444 homes on a peninsula north of Key West, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon. In other Zika news, NPR looks at problems with testing, such as long wait times for results, and health experts in Ohio lead the crusade against the virus.
Where Do Older Americans Get Best Health Care? Group Issues Report Cards
The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice based its regional ratings on factors like time spent with a doctor, likelihood of hospitalization and number of unnecessary tests or risky medications. Meanwhile, KHN reports on the latest preventive care guidance on eye exams for seniors.
Dog Helps Transform Owner’s Health: ‘I Wanted To Become The Person He Thought I Was’
Eric O’Grey’s health had so deteriorated one doctor told him he’d need a funeral plot within five years. Another one, however, told him to get a dog.
A Kayak.com For Drug Trial Sign-Ups?
An entrepreneur is taking a page from the travel industry with a new tool he thinks could tackle a long-standing inefficiency that’s hobbled the pharmaceutical industry for years — matching scientists to patients with the disease.
Making It Easier To See The Doctor — Minute Clinics And ER Adjustments
NPR reports on how some hospital emergency rooms are adapting to make it easier to provide regular care to patients. Meanwhile, The Washington Post notes that minute clinics are making more people more likely to go to the doctor.
A Tragedy Becomes A Crucible Moment For Texas Hospital
The death of a 13-year-old boy who suffered a stroke and sought treatment from Hill Country Memorial was a turning point for the hospital, which had been struggling with budget and poor customer and employee satisfaction. But other rural hospitals have not fared as well.
