Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: Effect Of Mental Health Parity; Medicaid’s Dental Care; Cardiac Rehab
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Health care stories are reported from West Virginia, Washington, Delaware, Texas, Oregon, Illinois, Nevada and Maryland.
N.Y. Mayor de Blasio Offers $22M Plan To Help People With Mental Illness
The effort, which is part of a broader mental health agenda, is geared toward helping homeless people who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others.
News outlets report on developments related to hospitals in Mississippi, Maryland, Texas, Georgia and West Virginia.
N.C. State Senate Unveils Its Latest Plan To Reform Medicaid
The initiative would privatize Medicaid using both commercial insurers and in-state health care providers and would create a cabinet-level Medicaid department. It also includes some sticking points, though.
Planned Parenthood Clinics Challenge Fla. Order; Ala. Cuts Medicaid Funding For Organization
Florida officials have ordered three clinics to stop performing second-trimester abortions. In Alabama, Gov. Robert Bentley ends state Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood clinics following the release of secret tapes with Planned Parenthood officials. Meanwhile, Kansas officials say they have received no reports on the handling of fetal tissue in the 15 years that the information has been required whenever such tissue is transferred.
Studies Detail Different Types Of Emergency Room Care
Meanwhile, another study examines how to best address the health care needs of emergency department “frequent fliers.”
IBM Takes Steps To Expand Watson’s Reach, Health Care Capabilities
The Associated Press reports on a $1 billion deal in which IBM will acquire Merge Healthcare, a medical imaging and software company. It’s also launching a partnership with CVS.
Hospitals Urge Antitrust Regulators To Scrutinize Anthem Acquisition Of Cigna
Also in the news, the CVS decision to stop covering Viagra for many of its drug plan members is the latest example of how some health-care managers are using muscle to control rising drug costs.
Blue Cross Hikes Premium Increase Request To 35% For Heath Law Insurance Plans Sold In N.C.
In June, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina said it was seeking to raise rates by almost 26 percent but now says even that jump is not sufficient to cover the company’s costs. Elsewhere, Delaware will not move forward with plans to build its own insurance exchange while in Washington, the head of that state’s exchange is stepping down.
McConnell Stands Firm Against Idea That Planned Parenthood Funding Fight Could Trigger Shutdown
He warns the Republican caucus of the consequences of such a stand-off but is still facing increasing pressure from his party’s conservative wing.
Top GOP Presidential Contenders Clash In First ‘Official’ Debate
These 10 candidates were selected by Fox News, the debate sponsor, because they rank highest in the polls. An earlier session was held for the other candidates. Among the topics tackled were the health law, Medicaid expansion, other health reform proposals and defunding Planned Parenthood.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Getting Insurance Doesn’t Save Money; Cadillac Tax Key To Keeping Costs Down
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: New Stroke Drugs’ Risk; Buffett’s IUD Efforts; Adding Taste To Healthy Eating
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Health care stories are reported from Georgia, Ohio, Connecticut, California, Rhode Island, Maryland, Arizona, Oregon, Iowa and Washington.
N.Y. Mayor To Unveil Mental Health Initiative For Homeless People
The plan, which has an estimated price tag of about $22 million, would identify homeless people who have demonstrated violent tendencies and move them toward mental health services.
Los Angeles Jails To Undergo Reforms With Emphasis On Mental Illness, Treatment
As part of a settlement with the Justice Department, the Los Angeles system, with federal oversight, will make a variety of changes to better assess prisoners’ mental health and reduce the risk of suicide among inmates.
Alabama Slashes State Medicaid Funding
Meanwhile, Dr. Don Williamson, the head of the state’s public health department, announced that he would be leaving his position to lead the state’s hospital association instead.
N.C. Health Secretary Resigns; Change Could Be Catalyst To Break Medicaid Reform Logjam, Some Say
Rick Brajer of Raleigh, a former business executive with no government experience, will take over the office.
