Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘Cures’ Bill Triggers Concerns That Speedier Drug Approvals Could Compromise Patient Safety
Meanwhile, Reuters reports on a recent ruling regarding off-label drug marketing.
Meanwhile, the pharmacy benefits company is also making news for its push for revised treatment guidelines for patients with high cholesterol to help choose the best, and most cost-effective, medications. And the Washington Post looks at CVS’s replacement of Viagra coverage with Cialis.
New Businesses Seek To Meet Consumers’ Demands For Non-Emergency Housecalls
A variety of firms have started up that provide medical care where and when consumers want it. Also, news outlets examine a civil case against a now-bankrupt laboratory and how the health care sector has performed for hedge funds this year.
National Nurses Union Endorses Bernie Sanders
Sanders’ long-standing support of the single-payer health system is one of his positions that appears to have resonated with the 185,000-member nurses’ organization. It’s the first national labor endorsement lost by Hillary Clinton.
Gallup Poll Details Rapid Changes In Nation’s Health Coverage Picture
The twice-a-year survey tracks state-by-state insurance coverage and offers a progress report on the impact of the Affordable Care Act since it took effect.
Watchdog: Not All Health Exchange Controls Were Effective In Confirming Subsidy Eligibility
According to the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services, some consumers who obtained coverage or subsidies through healthcare.gov may not actually have qualified. Also, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services because of inconsistencies in the data, is delaying the release of information regarding how much health insurance companies will receive or be charged — as a result of a health law provision — to even out the risks of covering people who were previously uninsured.
First Edition: August 11, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Individual Mandate Survives Another Challenge; GOP Debate Sidesteps Health Law
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from New York, Wisconsin, California, Kansas, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois and Virginia.
Cincinnati Hospitals Test All Mothers Or Infants — Regardless Of Background — For Opiates
This step is a response to the sweeping heroin and drug epidemic in the area. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports on the District of Columbia’s marijuana law and synthetic drug issues.
News outlets also report on Medicaid news from Arkansas and Texas.
Psychologists’ Society Endorses Ban On Involvement In National Security Interrogations
The American Psychological Association overwhelmingly approves the ban following concerns about psychologists’ role in harsh interrogations programs during the Bush administration.
Medical Scope Maker Sees Jump In Sales Despite Ties To Superbug Outbreaks
In news about another surgical tool, concerns that the laparoscopic power morcellator can spread cancer in women prompt 12 lawmakers to urge the Government Accountability Office to investigate.
Nurse Practitioners Fill Needs In Underserved Areas, Emergency Care
Two newspapers profile the expansion of duties for nurse practitioners. Also in the news, a California law is expanding dental hygienists’ options, and some video game makers are hoping to prove they are good for mental health.
Thieves Stealing Personal Data To Get Health Care, Prescription Drugs
The Wall Street Journal examines the increasing number of identity thefts linked to medical care and the difficulties it can cause for consumers.
Anthem’s Ties With Blue Cross Brand Could Snarl Merger With Cigna
And in news about another insurance provider, the stock market is reacting to reports that a Centene subsidiary is losing a Medicaid contract in Illinois worth $1.8 billion over five years.
House Panel Seeks Interviews With Planned Parenthood Officials, Tissue Suppliers
Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee released a letter in which they ask to speak with some of the Planned Parenthood officials who, on a secretly taped video, discuss providing fetal tissue to medical researchers.
Federal Court Rules Against Four Catholic Nonprofit Groups On Contraception Mandate Challenge
Last week, the court reversed a decision by a lower court that allowed the organizations to get around this Affordable Care Act requirement.
Meanwhile, news outlets look ahead to the next phases in the implementation of the health law, including delayed anti-discrimination rules from the administration as well as efforts by health care providers to make sure those who have gained insurance coverage use it to help their health.
House Republicans Eye Medicare Overhaul Push
The legislation, yet to be drafted, will likely include “premium support” for beneficiaries on the program. Elsewhere, Medicare will pay for an expensive cancer treatment and Select Medical’s long-term hospitals face the prospect of harm from new payment rules in the program.
