Latest KFF Health News Stories
Revamped Healthcare.gov Website Debuts
Federal officials say the online insurance marketplace includes many upgrades and improvements, though some key elements — such as tools that help consumers search for plans that cover specific doctors and prescription drugs — will not be ready in time for the Nov. 1 start of open enrollment season.
First Edition: October 26, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Misplaced Blame On Co-Ops; Is Ryan Doomed?; Lack Of Family Leave
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in California, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington and Missouri.
Texas Investigators Subpoena Planned Parenthood Records, Raid Clinics
As Texas moves to pull state Medicaid funding from the reproductive health organization, health officials served subpoenas seeking patient and staff records dating back to 2010. Planned Parenthood says the Texas Office of the Inspector General also carried out raids on several of its facilities across the state.
FDA Warns AbbVie’s Hepatitis C Drugs Could Harm Liver
Some patients with advanced forms of the disease experienced liver failure, the FDA says, after taking Viekira Pak and Technivie. Gilead, which makes a rival hepatitis C drug, may benefit, analysts say.
Hospital Stocks Fall On News That Major Chain Reports Disappointing Earnings
Analysts cut their ratings and stock fell for Community Health Systems after the hospital chain did not meet third-quarter earnings expectations, due to a decrease in patient admissions and in the percentage of patients with private insurance.
Valeant Plans To Dispute Negative Report As Woes Drag Down Pharma Market
Valeant Pharmaceuticals will hold a press conference Monday to “lay out the facts” regarding a report that criticized the company’s business practices. Secondary loan prices and stocks for drug and biotechnology companies have also been impacted by the spotlight on Valeant.
Hopes Fade For Congressional Intervention To Block Medicare Premium Hike
Though there is bipartisan interest in a fix, lawmakers are struggling to find an offset to pay for this change. The premium cost increase, which stems from the fact that there will be no Social Security cost-of-living adjustment this year, would impact a large percentage of Medicare beneficiaries.
With Debt Ceiling Challenges Looming, Ryan Makes Bid To Become House Speaker
Meanwhile, the race to succeed Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee is heating up.
Texas, Louisiana and Kansas Sue Obama Administration Over Health Law Fee
Attorneys general from the three states filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services and the Internal Revenue Service, challenging the Health Insurance Providers Fee that helps pay for Obamacare.
GAO Finds Health Marketplaces Still Have Problems Validating Eligibility, Subsidies
The report says the problems have led to insurance subsidy payments to people who are also on Medicaid and leaves the operation vulnerable to fraud. In other health law news, an insurance co-operative in South Carolina is closing, The Associated Press looks at what’s new as enrollment season grows near and California lays plans to draw more people into the market.
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie Faces Lawsuit From Quarantined Ebola Nurse
A year after Kaci Hickox returned from treating Ebola patients in Sierra Leone, she was quarantined against her will at New Jersey’s Newark Airport. She is now suing Gov. Chris Christie and state health department officials.
First Edition: October 23, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Paul Ryan’s Strengths And Weakness; Trump’s Mixed Signals On Health
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: The Medical Tab Of Congressional Gridlock; Why Go To Work With The Flu?
Each week, KHN finds interesting reads from around the Web.
News outlets report on health issues in Minnesota, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wyoming, Missouri, California, Florida, Arizona, Washington and Vermont.
Florida Pill Mill Bill Would Ease Opioid Restrictions
Some lawmakers say a law cracking down on misuse of the drugs has been too successful, leading some to go without the prescription drugs that would ease their pain. Also in Florida, a needle exchange proposal gains traction.
Ohio Senate OKs Bill To End Funding For Planned Parenthood
The measure, which passed 23-10, would divert about $1.3 million in federal funding from the reproductive health organization’s clinics to federally qualified health centers.
San Diego Shigella Outbreak Now Exceeds 90 Patients
And, according to public health officials, at least a dozen were in intensive care after contracting the bacterial infection after eating at a San Jose seafood restaurant.
