Latest KFF Health News Stories
First 3-D Prescription Drug OK’d By FDA
The Food and Drug Administration approved the first three-dimensional printed drug — a medication to treat seizures. Elsewhere, statistics on medical scope safety are called “outdated,” rules on e-cigarettes lag and medical marijuana legislation stalls.
New Cancer Drug Cocktails Expected To Test Pricing Ceilings
Also, as concerns over skyrocketing prescription drug costs continue, Marketplace reports on the powers Medicare might have to negotiate prices.
Federal Officials Tell State Inspectors To Watch For Nursing Home Errors With Blood Thinners
The directive follows reports of hospitalizations and deaths. Also in the news are accounts of Medicare penalties for high hospital readmission rates, changes in Medicare coverage for men dealing with impotence and increases in new federal employees’ long-term-care premiums.
Senate Push To Cut Off Planned Parenthood’s Federal Funds Blocked
Democrats are able to stall a bill that would halt funding for the women’s health-care organization. Republicans pledge to continue the fight, which could extend into the budget debate this fall.
Obama Administration Calls On States To Push Back On Big Insurance Rate Increases
The move could set up a clash with insurers that say they lost money on policies sold on the health law’s marketplaces. Some are seeking premium hikes of 10 to 40 percent or more. Meanwhile, Politico reports that states with thorough rate review processes are likely to see smaller rate increases.
Health Law Reduces Out-Of-Pocket Expenses, But Medical Costs Can Still Be Overwhelming
One of the key aims of the health law was to protect consumers from ruinous medical debt, but some people still find it difficult to pay their health bills. Also, another health law provision created an organization to figure out which medical treatments work best to help consumers and the government save money on care.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Health Law’s Record; Debate On Funding Planned Parenthood; An Ebola Vaccine
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, New York, Colorado, Alabama and Texas.
New Orleans Hospital Replacement Opens At Full-Scale Level
Ten years after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans’ Charity Hospital, a new facility opened up with hopes of preserving the former hospital’s mission. Meanwhile, new outlets report on other hospital developments in North Carolina, Alabama, California, West Virginia and Arizona.
Contaminated Scopes Pose Risk Of Bacterial Infection Despite Cleaning
Several recent outbreaks are among dozens of reports in a federal database that detail serious infection caused by these medical devices. In other news, the development of opioids that are less prone to abuse could be a boon for pharmaceutical companies. And those who experience side effects from vaccines can seek compensation from a government fund.
When Insurers Deny Long-Term Mental Care Treatment, The Results Can Be Dangerous
CBS 60 Minutes investigates the battles that parents fight for psychiatric care for their kids. And KHN looks into the practice and enforcement of a landmark federal “parity” law that requires insurance providers to cover mental illness as they would any other disease.
Obama Marks Medicare, Medicaid Anniversary With Vigorous Defense Of Programs
In his weekly Saturday address, the president derided critics who want to cut the programs. Meanwhile, some Medicare beneficiaries face a stiff increase in premiums.
Emails Highlight Hillary Clinton’s Role In Obamacare Passage
Fox News reports on a new batch of Clinton’s emails that reference efforts the current Democratic presidential hopeful made to reach out to members of Congress in support of the health law. Meanwhile, news outlets also report on this week’s GOP primary debate.
Wariness Surrounds Wave Of Insurer Mergers
Consumer advocates, past regulators and health policy observers are raising concerns about how the marketplace changes may impact consumers.
Wisconsin Rejects $360M In Federal Health Law Money
Gov. Scott Walker, who is running for president, and other Republican lawmakers argue that the state needs to be able to pay for its own health care costs, but those who support accepting the funds say politics are at the heart of the decision.
Intraparty Divisions On Health Law Repeal Tactics Impact Republicans’ Budget Roadmap
In other Capitol Hill news, a provision of the House’s VA legislation offers stronger protections for whistleblowers. And MinnPost profiles the family of the young woman whose death helped inspire a bill to combat eating disorders.
Senate To Vote Today On Planned Parenthood Federal Funding
News outlets report on today’s scheduled vote, which comes in the wake of a series of secret videos taken by anti-abortion activists that raise controversial and unsettling issues about Planned Parenthood’s program to collect fetal tissue for biomedical research.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
