Latest KFF Health News Stories
Humana Explores Possible Sale As Health Insurance Marketplace Changes
News outlets report that Humana’s presence in Medicare Advantage program makes it a prime target for acquisition. And, as reports emerged about its possible sale, the insurer’s stock soared.
GOP Lawmakers Face Pushback On Obamacare Repeal Efforts
The Senate parliamentarian suggests that parts of the health law cannot be undone through the obscure procedure known as “reconciliation” because they don’t affect the federal budget. Meanwhile, a study by the nation’s actuaries questions the impact of Republican plans to quell market turmoil should the high court strike down the health law’s insurance subsidies in about three dozen states.
Fla. Lawmakers Return To Special Session Seeking To End Impasse On Budget, Medicaid
There are few signs of progress in reaching a compromise since the legislative session ended abruptly with Republicans in the House and Senate torn about how to handle a cut in federal Medicaid funding for hospitals and the option of expanding the state’s Medicaid program. Across the country in Montana, where the legislature barely passed an expansion bill this year, officials named the panel that will oversee that program and included two prominent critics.
With Premium Costs Already Tough For Many, Rates Are Forecast To Go Up
A New Mexico insurer is proposing a 50 percent hike, while in Ohio, premiums are likely to go up 13 percent. Meanwhile, in a new California survey, 44 percent of the state’s health exchange customers reported difficulty in paying monthly premiums.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Doctors’ Frustrations With EHRs; The Blame Game On Subsidies
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: RUC And Medicare Pay; Rx For Marketplace Patients; Who’s Homebound?
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health issues from California, Alabama, Texas, Indiana, North Carolina, Maryland, D.C., Ohio, Kansas and Florida.
Children’s Mental Health Services Get Attention In New York, Minnesota
Also in Minnesota, the legislature has stepped up funding for a number of mental health programs.
Study Tracks Patients After Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation
The often poor outcomes raise questions about who should be a candidate for such care and what their families should be told. Meanwhile, researchers are using video games to target issues ranging from cancer to teen pregnancy and electronic health records become a prime target for hackers.
Shipments Of Live Anthrax Probed
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a team looking into how the military shipped the spores to more than a dozen labs around the country. Meanwhile, USA Today reports that many of the country’s high containment biological research labs are secretive about what they are doing.
Teva To Pay $1.2B To Settle Charges That A Subsidiary Blocked Lower-Cost Generics
The Federal Trade Commission alleged Cephalon paid four competitors to delay marketing generic versions of its money-making sleeping pill, Provigil. The settlement is a victory in the federal government’s efforts against a drug industry practice known as “pay-for-delay.”
Former Congressman Alleges Capitol Physicians Failed To Alert Him To Cancer Threat
Former Rep. Steve LaTourette, R-Ohio, who is battling pancreatic cancer, says the doctors failed to give him important information about a lesion on the pancreas and the need for follow-up appointments. Also in the news, Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., pledges renewed support for community health clinics.
Congressional Republicans Remain Split Over Plans For King V. Burwell Decision Fallout
Lawmakers differ over whether to extend the health law’s insurance tax credits on a temporary basis if the Supreme Court voids them.
N.C. Man’s Saga Shows Continuing Coverage Gaps
The Charlotte Observer looks into the story of a man who quit his job and, therefore, no longer qualified for a federal insurance subsidy in North Carolina — just before he became ill with a potentially deadly intestinal infection. Meanwhile, Politico Pro reports how some states are seeking to shield mid-size companies from Obamacare requirements and The Financial Times reports on a study about the administrative costs associated with the expansion in insurance coverage.
Fla. Governor Hints At Veto If Lawmakers Pass Senate Compromise To Expand Medicaid
Also, new details on Gov. Rick Scott’s plan to find money for hospitals and end the state’s budget impasse suggest it would cut overall reimbursements to hospitals. The lobbying on the issue continues to grow in the state.
Judge Considers Bid To Dismiss House GOP Case Against Obama Administration And The Health Law
House Republicans filed suit alleging that the Obama administration has overstepped its Constitutional bounds. The administration, in turn, filed a motion to dismiss the case and argued in part that if the lawmakers don’t like the law they should work to change it in Congress.
Congressional Proposal To Streamline FDA Approvals Worries Consumer Advocates
As the House moves forward with the “21st Century Cures” bill, some warn that its provision allowing “clinical experience” over randomized controlled trials could lead to lower standards when approving new uses for existing drugs. Other outlets report on more pharma news, including lessons learned from an international drug pricing study and examples of insurers and drug companies teaming up to reduce sticker shock on new speciality drugs.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP Wrestles With Court Response; Mental Health And Poverty; Need For Nurses
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
