Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Rethinking Seniors’ Care; Immediate Demands For Hospital Payments; Gov. Scott’s Switch
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets offer articles on health care issues from California, the District of Columbia, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
Federal Officials Criticized For IT Oversight Problems
Other stories explore the sharp rise in medical record data thefts and Aetna’s fining for providing inaccurate information about in-network pharmacies.
Experts Urge Removing Financial Barriers To Organ Donation
In a paper published in the American Journal of Transplantation, the group says the nation should find ethical ways to get rid of financial “disincentives.” Also in the news, the ACLU is seeking federal records about reproductive health care for immigrant minors who are in the country illegally.
Overtreatment For Breast Cancer Costs $4B Annually, Study Finds
The research, published in the journal Health Affairs, examines the costs associated with mammograms that generate false alarms and treatment of tumors unlikely to cause problems.
Congress Underfunds Federal Food Safety Effort
Officials at the Food and Drug Administration say the funding shortfall could undermine Congress’s intent when it passed a sweeping food safety law in 2010. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors urge a judge to punish two egg executives found responsible for a major 2010 salmonella outbreak.
Obama To Frame Climate Change As A Threat To Nation’s Health
The president plans to spotlight the ways that climate change might impact health and to describe steps that companies such as Google and Microsoft are taking to help prepare the nation’s health systems for the effects of a more erratic climate .
Florida Governor Now Opposes Medicaid Expansion
Two years ago, Republican Gov. Rick Scott stunned the political world when he came out in favor of Medicaid expansion for Florida. But he reversed himself Monday as talks with federal officials founder over Florida’s request that the federal government extend funds to hospitals that serve low-income patients.
Alabama’s Marketplace History Cuts Across Narrative Presented To Court By Law’s Foes
The Huffington Post details how Alabama officials weighed whether to build their own health insurance exchange or join the one created by the federal government. One thing they never considered was whether the decision might make Alabama residents ineligible for subsidies.
Administration Announces Increased Payments To Medicare Advantage Plans
The final announcement about rates reverses a slight decrease proposed in February. Also in Medicare news, The Hill looks at a lobbying effort seeking to derail the House bill to revamp payments to doctors and the departing head of MedPAC looks back at his tenure.
Rule Proposed For Medicaid Mental Health Parity
Enrollees in Medicaid managed care plans would get the same access to mental health and substance abuse services as consumers covered by private plans if the proposal is enacted.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Senate Should Get To Work On Medicare; Mark Cuban’s Mistakes On Health Care
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Women Often Don’t Get Quick, Proper Treatment For Heart Attacks
Researchers seek to find out why women don’t seek or get appropriate care. Other news about health treatments include a look at the annual physical, mental health parity concerns and an effort to keep FBI agents in shape.
Medicare Payment Fix Faces Challenges From Some Deficit Hawks
The Associated Press looks at the details of the House plan to change how Medicare reimburses doctors and the opposition it could face in the Senate. Also, KHN details another change to doctor pay: a requirement in the health law to link it to quality.
Billionaires Harness Money, Technology In Pursuit Of Fountain Of Youth
The Washington Post reports on how some of Silicon Valley’s tech titans are using their billions to transform biomedical research, and on how ALS patients are pressuring the FDA for quick access to a new, yet-to-be-approved drug.
More People Face Risk Of Crippling Medical Bills Under High-Deductible Plans
The Charlotte Observer spotlights the growing shift by employers of costs to workers, which can result in devastating bills for a person who experiences a medical crisis. Meanwhile, the high prices of some new drugs are being scrutinized.
Alaska Legislative Hearings This Week Will Focus On Governor’s Medicaid Expansion Plan
Plus, a roundup of other Medicaid-related stories impacting Florida, Colorado, New Hampshire and Louisiana.
Lawmakers Push Bills To Repeal ‘Cadillac,’ Medical Device Taxes
Business and labor unions work to kill the federal health law’s so-called Cadillac tax on expensive insurance policies, while a Massachusetts Democrat touts bipartisan legislation to roll back a tax aimed at medical device makers. Meanwhile, the health law increases tax refunds for some while decreasing them for others and the filing deadline for Obamacare customers given the wrong tax forms is extended until Oct. 15.
State Highlights: Health Issues In Jails; VA Waits In Florida, Calif. Right-To-Die Bill
News outlets examine health issues in California, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri and New York.
