Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health care stories are reported from California, Illinois, New York, Texas, Missouri, Iowa, Alabama and Wisconsin.
Challenges Of Rural Care Highlighted By Small Hospitals Closing In Kansas, North Carolina
Elsewhere, news outlets report on hospital developments including federal violations at Cleveland Clinic’s Marymount Hospital, the need for trauma centers on Chicago’s South Side and a new generation of ambulatory clinics that provide wide-ranging outpatient care.
Jindal Administration Announces New Plan To End Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid Contracts
This new approach by the Louisiana governor to cut off funding “for cause” represents a tactical shift in a legal fight against abortion providers. Meanwhile, The Associated Press reports on other state-level developments related to Planned Parenthood in Arkansas and South Carolina.
Calif. Physician-Assisted Suicide Bill Now Headed To Gov. Brown’s Desk
California lawmakers approved the measure Friday, but it is not yet clear if Gov. Jerry Brown will sign it into law.
Carson Gains Ground In Both Polls And Money Races; Clinton’s Support Slips
Meanwhile, Ohio Gov. John Kasich urges legislators in D.C. to avoid a government shutdown in a fight over federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
New Medical Coding System Prompts Cash-Flow, Logistical Worries For Doctors, Hospitals
The new classification system, known as ICD-10, is set to go in use Oct. 1 and contains more than 100,000 new codes, which will force medical practices and insurers to upgrade and implement new practices. Meanwhile, the traditional stethoscope is also getting a modern overhaul.
Report Calls For Discounts On Heart Failure Treatments
The report from the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review also examines the cost-effectiveness of two new treatments for congestive heart failure. Elsewhere, Amgen looks for FDA approval of a once-a-month version of its cholesterol-lowering drug, Repatha.
GOP Leaders’ Hope To Avoid A Gov’t Shutdown Is Caught Up In Planned Parenthood Funding
Conservative lawmakers are challenging GOP leaders’ intent to pass a temporary budget bill without conditions, such as blocking federal funds for Planned Parenthood. Much is at stake — both in terms of politics and policies.
More Immigrants Losing Coverage Because Of Change In Health Law Procedures
More than 400,000 had their insurance canceled, nearly four times as many as last year, The Associated Press reports. Also, a look at the “Cadillac tax” that takes effect in 2018 on generous employer-provided plans, and an examination of the health law’s accountable care organizations, which were designed to save Medicare money but haven’t done that yet.
First Edition: September 14, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: A Legal ‘Win’ For House Republicans; Dispute ‘Has No Business’ In Court
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Georgia, California, North Carolina, Florida and Illinois.
Research Roundup: Doctors Who Work While Sick; Older, Richer Workers Using Health Savings Accounts
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Are Million-Dollar Drugs Worth The Cost?
A new report finds three-quarters of Americans think the cost of medication is too high. In other news, the first “biosimilar” drug — a copy of a “biologic” drug at a lower price — hits the U.S. market, and Express Scripts names Eric Slusser its chief financial officer.
Minn. Congressman Calls For Wide Examination of VA Brain Injury Care
In Colorado, veterans in a rural part of the state struggle to see VA doctors — often driving hundreds of miles despite lawmaker pleas to the VA to help them.
3M May Sell Its Health Software Business
The manufacturer of Post-it notes is looking for ways reduce how many types of products it offers. Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Times educates consumers on how to get their electronic health record.
At Long Last, Obama Administration Unveils New Food Safety Rules
The rules, which are part of a broad effort, include provisions that require U.S. food manufacturers to make detailed plans to identify and prevent possible contamination risks in their production facilities.
Future Uncertain For Programs To Aid 9/11 First Responders
Bills in the House and Senate would keep the health program going indefinitely while making billions of additional dollars available for compensation for people who fall ill. But the debate over whether or not the programs should be extended is taking place amid ambiguity, reports The Associated Press. Meanwhile, The New York Times reports on some of the first responders who are still fighting for such benefits.
Wider Genetic Testing Leads To Database Dives For Diagnosis
In other medical practice news, Kaiser Health News reports on the practice of heart valve surgery and how medicals schools are teaching students about cost in their practices.
Lawmakers Push Plan To Replace Medicare Cards With ‘Smart Cards’
The move could help prevent fraud, the lawmakers say. Also, a congressional advisory group is studying Medicare’s drug policies.
