Latest KFF Health News Stories
News outlets report on health issues from New York, Illinois, West Virginia, California, Kentucky, Puerto Rico, Kansas, North Carolina, New Jersey and Missouri.
Insurance Rates May Rise In Kansas And Iowa Next Year
The Kansas Insurance Department projected that the state may see hikes as high as 38 percent in some plans. In Iowa, Conventry Health Care wants to raise rates by 18 percent.
Texas Lawmakers Pass Bill Requiring Special Stickers On Marketplace Insurance Cards
Advocates say the marking will help remind customers to pay their monthly premiums, but critics wonder why such a designation is needed. In other news from state legislatures, efforts have stalled in California on Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to expand a tax to more managed care plans and in Oregon on a bill to institute a state-wide sick leave policy.
Fla. Senate Offers Compromise On Medicaid Impasse
Senators say the proposal meets concerns from House members about Medicaid expansion and allows the lawmakers to reach a budget in the special session that begins next week. But, at least initially, the offer did not garner approval from the governor or House leaders.
HHS Awards $112M To Help Doctors Fight Heart Disease
The grants will be used to create regional groups of experts to help smaller medical practices. News outlets also report on other public health issues, including new evidence about umbilical cord care after birth, concerns about college students and tanning beds, some doctors’ reluctance to order colon cancer screening and new efforts to fight Alzheimer’s disease.
CDC Responds To Lassa Fever Death In N.J.
Federal officials are tracing the victim’s travels and treating the case with caution, as the virus can be spread from person to person in rare cases. Lassa fever shares symptoms with Ebola, but is nowhere near as deadly — nearly 99 percent of people survive it.
Bernie Sanders Kicks Off Candidacy With A Focus On Key Health Issues
At his first official presidential campaign rally, the Vermont senator hammered his progressive vision, including a “Medicare-for-all” system of universal health care.
Insurers, Drug-Benefit Managers Seek To Link Drug Prices To Effectiveness
The sky-rocketing costs for new drugs are propelling the effort. But pharmaceutical companies suggest there are better ways to set new pricing models. Also in the news, two patients are suing Anthem Blue Cross, alleging that the insurer would not pay for an expensive new Hepatitis C drug, and a rebuff by the Supreme Court is raising interest among drug makers.
Tech Companies, Hospitals And Labs Blocking Electronic Exchange Of Medical Records
A fear of losing business to competitors is driving resistance to the federal government’s push toward digital records. In other health industry news, it is estimated that the average data breach cost for companies is $3.8 million. Meanwhile, the market outlook is uncertain for 6 new proton-beam centers soon to open. And the improved economic outlook for the health care industry has increased demand for travel nurses.
Senate Republicans Back Bill Allowing For Sale Of Over-The-Counter Birth Control
Some women’s reproductive health organizations like Planned Parenthood have opposed the idea, which they argue could drive up contraception prices or consumer coverage costs. Elsewhere, veterans’ groups are applauding Senate passage of a bill that allows more choice in doctors.
States Consider Teaming Up To Support Their Cash-Strapped Health Exchanges
With federal funding for the state-run health insurance marketplaces expiring, California and Oregon are looking into the possibility of combining efforts into a multi-state exchange. New York and Connecticut have also held preliminary talks. Meanwhile, Republicans discuss White House negotiation tactics in case the Supreme Court rules the federal exchange subsidies illegal. And that is not the only question before the justices that could impact health care policy.
CMS Releases Sweeping Rules For Private Medicaid Plans
Highlights of the 653-page proposed regulation for Medicaid managed care organizations include profit guidelines, new standards for doctors and hospital networks, as well as quality ratings for their plans.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
CMS Releases Regulations To Overhaul Medicaid Managed Care
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services unveiled Tuesday nearly 700 pages of long-anticipated rules that will impact millions of Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries currently enrolled in managed care organizations, as well as stakeholders like health care providers, insurers and state agencies. The federal regulations have not been updated since 2002.
Viewpoints: Exchanges May Not Be Sustainable; Gamble On Hospitals; Regulate Toxic Chemicals
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Texas Senate Advances Abortion Bill; Synthetic Drug Raises Concerns In Fla.
News outlets report on health issues from Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Texas.
Health Law Offers Little Help For Georgians Who Can’t Afford Dental Care
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports on the complexity of dental coverage under insurance policies. In North Carolina, nonprofit pediatric clinic provides dentistry for kids on Medicaid that the founders say could serve as a promising model in other regions.
Seniors Facing Hunger Problems While At The Same Time Parents Worry About Kids’ Weight
Several news stories examine nutrition issues.
Demand For Care Spikes With New York’s Maternal Depression Law
Meanwhile, other mental health issues are posing challenges for law enforcement: In Illinois, an inmate who “cracked” is eating metal and leather — and costing $1 million in medical treatment. Elsewhere, the shortage of opiate treatments is bringing calls for reform. A narrowed measure passed in Connecticut, aimed at helping police officers with PTSD, is generating criticism. And alternatives to jail for the mentally ill are explored in North Carolina.
Democrats, GOP Lawmakers Rallying Around Efforts To Stem Drug Overdoses
The increasing number of deaths around the country is raising alarms. Also on Capitol Hill, a new bill to move money from an asbestos trust fund is being criticized by public health advocates, and The Washington Post Fact Checker looks at a controversy about an abortion bill and new science on when a fetus can be delivered successfully.
