Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: August 12, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Downside Of Privatizing Medicaid; Medicare Advantage Stars And Poor Seniors
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from New York, Texas, Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Kentucky.
Oklahoma Judge Strikes Down Law Aimed At Limiting Use Of Abortion-Inducing Drugs
The county judge says the law was unconstitutional because the restrictions it put on the use of medications for abortion did not apply also to other drugs. In a separate decision, a federal judge conditionally lifts a temporary restraining order in Tennessee that had stopped the state from enforcing an abortion law requiring new licensing standards for clinics.
Poll Finds Voters In Key Senate Battleground States Are Opposed To Defunding Planned Parenthood
But the fallout from the recent controversy involving the organization and fetal tissue research is gaining momentum in Florida. In Texas, Planned Parenthood will soon not be able to participate in a joint state-federal breast and cervical cancer screening program.
N.C., Ala. State Houses Struggle With Medicaid Revamp Efforts, Budget Issues
The North Carolina Senate gave tentative approval to a bill that would overhaul the state’s Medicaid program. In Alabama, the legislature continues to struggle with budget issues that could translate into deep cuts for the state-federal low-income health insurance program.
‘Cures’ Bill Triggers Concerns That Speedier Drug Approvals Could Compromise Patient Safety
Meanwhile, Reuters reports on a recent ruling regarding off-label drug marketing.
Meanwhile, the pharmacy benefits company is also making news for its push for revised treatment guidelines for patients with high cholesterol to help choose the best, and most cost-effective, medications. And the Washington Post looks at CVS’s replacement of Viagra coverage with Cialis.
New Businesses Seek To Meet Consumers’ Demands For Non-Emergency Housecalls
A variety of firms have started up that provide medical care where and when consumers want it. Also, news outlets examine a civil case against a now-bankrupt laboratory and how the health care sector has performed for hedge funds this year.
National Nurses Union Endorses Bernie Sanders
Sanders’ long-standing support of the single-payer health system is one of his positions that appears to have resonated with the 185,000-member nurses’ organization. It’s the first national labor endorsement lost by Hillary Clinton.
Gallup Poll Details Rapid Changes In Nation’s Health Coverage Picture
The twice-a-year survey tracks state-by-state insurance coverage and offers a progress report on the impact of the Affordable Care Act since it took effect.
Watchdog: Not All Health Exchange Controls Were Effective In Confirming Subsidy Eligibility
According to the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services, some consumers who obtained coverage or subsidies through healthcare.gov may not actually have qualified. Also, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services because of inconsistencies in the data, is delaying the release of information regarding how much health insurance companies will receive or be charged — as a result of a health law provision — to even out the risks of covering people who were previously uninsured.
First Edition: August 11, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Individual Mandate Survives Another Challenge; GOP Debate Sidesteps Health Law
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from New York, Wisconsin, California, Kansas, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois and Virginia.
Cincinnati Hospitals Test All Mothers Or Infants — Regardless Of Background — For Opiates
This step is a response to the sweeping heroin and drug epidemic in the area. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports on the District of Columbia’s marijuana law and synthetic drug issues.
News outlets also report on Medicaid news from Arkansas and Texas.
Psychologists’ Society Endorses Ban On Involvement In National Security Interrogations
The American Psychological Association overwhelmingly approves the ban following concerns about psychologists’ role in harsh interrogations programs during the Bush administration.
Medical Scope Maker Sees Jump In Sales Despite Ties To Superbug Outbreaks
In news about another surgical tool, concerns that the laparoscopic power morcellator can spread cancer in women prompt 12 lawmakers to urge the Government Accountability Office to investigate.
Nurse Practitioners Fill Needs In Underserved Areas, Emergency Care
Two newspapers profile the expansion of duties for nurse practitioners. Also in the news, a California law is expanding dental hygienists’ options, and some video game makers are hoping to prove they are good for mental health.
