Latest KFF Health News Stories
Florida Medicaid Expansion Fracas Continues
Also in the news, the latest on the Medicaid expansion debate in Ohio, Alaska and Louisiana, and an Obamacare public relations contract extension in Illinois.
High Court Sends Health Law Contraception Challenge Back To Lower Court
The earlier appeals court decision predated the Supreme Court’s June 2014 ruling that family-owned Hobby Lobby Stores Ltd could seek exemptions on religious grounds from the contraception provision of the health law. The 6th U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati will now revisit its decision. Other news outlets examine how tax refunds were impacted by the health law and the continued need for outreach to Hispanics.
Apparent GOP Budget Deal Hits Snag
News outlets report that, on the eve of its unveiling, the agreement struck between House and Senate Republican negotiators appears to be stalled by Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. According to coverage, the negotiated blueprint currently takes aim at President Barack Obama’s health law and would cut entitlement programs. However, a proposal by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to turn Medicare into a voucher program was dropped.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Quality, Price Details Often Overlooked; VA Needs To Reconsider Options
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets cover health care issues in Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Oregon, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Washington.
Mixed Results After Cardinal Healthcare Takes Over N.C. Mental Health Care
In the meantime, Chicago braces for the closure of mental health centers after cuts, and inpatient psychiatric facilities get a modest Medicare pay increase.
Vivek Murthy, the nation’s latest top doctor, was sworn in last week. His confirmation to the post was held up for more than a year because of his views on gun violence. Meanwhile, The New York Times reports on Michael Botticelli, the Obama administration’s ‘drug czar’ who has first hand knowledge of addiction.
Guidance Advanced To Press Health Insurers To Step Up Data Protection Efforts
Modern Healthcare reports that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners adopted new principles to aid state regulators in holding insurers accountable and making sure companies have taken the right steps to protect against cyberattacks.
Doctors, Hospitals Turn To Patients For Delivery Tips, Advice
In the meantime, nursing students at Temple University in Philadelphia look at poverty and health care, and barbers at one shop in Maryland urge their clients to get colonoscopies. And a bill in Maryland would require extra funding for school counselors.
MS Patients Hit With ‘Alarming Rise’ In Cost Of Older Drugs
A new study shows that people with multiple sclerosis have been hit with skyrocketing bills for medicines introduced long ago. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reports that more pharmaceutical companies are buying drugs they see as undervalued, then raising the prices and driving up the cost of drugs.
Medicare Report Details Provider Penalties, Incentives
The Wall Street Journal writes that, according to a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services report, more than 460,000 providers failed to comply with the Physician Quality Reporting System in 2013.
Administration Pushes Medicaid Expansion As Replacement For Hospital Funding
News outlets also update Medicaid expansion developments in Florida and Pennsylvania.
Conservatives Favor Fast-Track Approach To Repealing Health Law
They’re also lobbying for increased funding for medical research. Meanwhile, Republican leaders appear likely to drop Paul Ryan’s proposal to privatize Medicare to ensure passage of Congress’ first full budget in six years.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Mammogram Recommendations May Influence Insurance Coverage; New Privacy Concerns
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets cover health care issues in New Hampshire, California, New York, Missouri, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois and Maryland.
Even As Prescription Drug Overdose Death Rates Soar, States Fail To Take Simple Preventive Step
Stateline reports on how states could make it more difficult for doctors to prescribe one of the most dangerous narcotics. In other news, Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation to fight drug abuse and a new study details Americans’ heavy alcohol use at a county level. Meanwhile, Alabama continues to address problems associated with a recreational drug known as Spice.
Burwell Commits To Address Problems With Digital Health Records
The Health and Human Services secretary made that promise during a Senate hearing. Meanwhile, about half the physicians and other providers eligible to participate in the incentive program did so in 2013, according to an administration report.
State Lawmakers Look For Ways To Blunt Rising Drug Prices
A growing number of state legislatures are weighing bills to force drug makers to disclose their costs to justify price increases. Meanwhile, Quest Diagnostics reports revenue growth while AstraZeneca’s profit falls as a patent expires on its bestselling heartburn drug.
