Latest KFF Health News Stories
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets cover health care issues in Indiana, Minnesota, California, Georgia, Kansas, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, Massachusetts, Arizona and Texas.
In Mass., Opioid Use Claims More Than 1,000 Lives In 2014
This number, which was released Tuesday, is a 33 percent increase over 2012 and is leading state officials to call for a comprehensive response.
Consumer Group Sues Cigna Over Mail Order Drug Rules
Consumer Watchdog says the policy, which requires medication to be dispensed via the mail, discriminates against people with HIV and AIDS because it is unreliable, might violate their privacy and prevents them from interacting in person with a pharmacist. Meanwhile, big companies are considering adding some genetic tests to wellness programs and the parent company of Milwaukee’s Assurant Health says it will be shut or sold.
Aetna May Reconsider 2016 Obamacare Rates If High Court Rejects Subsidies
Nonetheless, the nation’s third largest insurer has increased its 2015 earnings forecast. Also in insurance company news, Anthem touts its effort to change how it pays primary care doctors as it delivers stronger-than-expected earnings. And Humana is helping members boost their health — and hold down medical costs — by developing health apps for mobile phones.
Lawmakers Target Stopping VA Whistleblower Retaliation
Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, is pushing whistleblower-protection legislation he says would set a federal government precedent, but some advocates worry it could backfire. And Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is demanding that Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald account for the “beyond unacceptable” treatment of whistleblowers.
Senate Finance Committee Scrutinizes Medicare Appeals Process
The panel is calling for more attention to the increasing backlog of Medicare appeals claims and seeking out ideas that might help address the logjam.
Efforts To Refine ‘Cures Bill’ Continue As Bipartisan Backers Eye Thursday Unveiling
The Hill reports that a funding increase for the National Institutes of Health is among the remaining sticking points in what is being termed a landmark medical innovation measure.
Sen. Corker Blocks GOP Budget Deal Progress
The Tennessee Republican’s objection stems from what he terms a spending “gimmick” that produces billions in fantasy savings.
Two New Reports Highlight How States Are Finding Savings By Expanding Medicaid
Meanwhile, news outlets also examine Medicaid expansion developments in Alabama, Louisiana and Missouri.
Florida House Adjourns Early After Tiring Of Fight With Senate Over Medicaid
The state Senate is advancing a plan for Medicaid expansion but House leaders are adamantly opposed. Also, Florida’s governor has filed suit against federal officials, arguing that they are trying to coerce the state into accepting an expansion plan by threatening to cut some funding for hospitals.
More Flexibility For Medicare Part D To Pursue Rebates Would Lead To Savings, Report Finds
The ability to negotiate additional prescription drug rebates for Medicaid beneficiaries saved the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services $16.7 billion, according to a report from HHS’ Office of Inspector General. Medicare Part D does not have the same flexibility, something the OIG study recommends Congress and CMS work to fix.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Can New Medicare Pay Improve Quality?; Kyle Bass’ Patent Challenges
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets cover health care issues in Pennsylvania, Florida, New Mexico, Connecticut, Hawaii, North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, Maryland, Wisconsin, Minnesota, D.C., Massachusetts and Oregon.
Georgia’s Second-Largest Hospital To Settle Medicare Fraud Case For $20 Million
The Macon-based Medical Center of Central Georgia was alleged to have billed Medicare for “medically unnecessary” services that were more costly than the ones the hospital should have performed.
FDA Calls For New Drug Labels To Explain Risks, Benefits For Pregnant Women
The government is also calling for reducing fluoride levels in water after children developed splotchy teeth, and the Journal of the American Medical Association interviews the new U.S. surgeon general.
Plugged-In Patients And Doctors Alter Traditional Power Dynamic
Online consultations, self-generated health data and easily accessible information is changing typical doctor-patient interactions, but there are still challenges. Also, a new study suggests ways to improve the negatives of weekend hospital stays.
Aetna, Universal Health, Post Strong Profits
The quarterly shareholder reports by the insurer and the health care provider continue the good showing of health care companies since implementation of the health care law. In other news, the FDA orders Medtronic to halt production and distribution of one type of implanted drug pump.
Tennessee Provides A Lens For Viewing Medicaid Managed Care’s Access Issues, Challenges
As Tennessee and many other states move increasingly to managed care in their Medicaid programs, federal officials weigh new protections for enrollees. Elsewhere, about 40 percent of Connecticut babies are covered by Medicaid, the Office of the Inspector General finds shortcomings, fraud vulnerabilities in Colorado low income health insurance program, and N.J. Gov. Chris Christie’s comments about the program’s cost increases are examined.
