Latest KFF Health News Stories
Counterfeit Drugs For Sale: FDA Issues Warning Regarding Online Pharmacies
The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that many online pharmacies are fraudulent, according to the Associated Press.
Liberal Christians Protest Hobby Lobby Lawsuit Over Contraception Coverage Mandate
Elsewhere, fallout from Texas’ budget cuts for family funding services has forced several clinics to close.
Report: States, Feds Collected $30B In Fraud Settlements In 20 Years
A new report finds federal and state authorities have collected more than $30 billion from drug company fraud settlements in the last 20 years.
Republican Governors Push HHS For Health Law Implementation Details
In yet another letter sent Thursday to the Obama administration, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, the chairman of the Republican Governors Association, demanded information and offered a new round of criticism regarding the overhaul. Also on Thursday, the Department of Health and Human Services announced $224 million in grant awards to five states to help fund the development of health exchanges.
Maryland Sets Insurance Marketplace Plan Benchmark; Other State Health Law News
In Maryland, a board sets a state employee health plan as the benchmark for others in the marketplace. In the meantime, New Mexico examines what it has to gain from a Medicaid expansion, and Virginians give a thumbs down to the health law.
State Highlights: Free Calif. Health Care Clinic A Big Draw
A selection of health policy stories from California and North Carolina.
Research Roundup: Saving Money With Hospital Observation Units
Analyses, briefs and research from Health Affairs, JAMA, the Archives of Internal Medicine, the Milbank Quarterly and the Commonwealth Fund.
First Edition: September 28, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about political and policy-oriented health care developments.
Talk On The Trail: Romney Praises His Own Mass. Health Reforms, Denounces The 2010 Health Law
In what The Washington Post describes as “political flexibility,” GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney touted the state health law he signed while Massachusetts’ governor as proof of compassion and empathy, while also sharply criticizing the federal health law, which is viewed as President Barack Obama’s signature legislative achievement.
Polls: Obama Scores Higher In Trust On Medicare
A new Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll found that 52 percent of the public trusts President Barack Obama over GOP presidential pick Mitt Romney to do a beter job with Medicare’s future, although young people are more receptive than seniors to Republican Medicare proposals. Meanwhile, a survey by AP-GfK found substantial belief in the widely challenged idea that the law includes “death panels.”
Inspector General: Medicare Wrongly Paid Millions For Refills On Restricted Prescriptions
A government report concludes that Medicare regularly paid for refilled pain pills and other meds that actually require a fresh prescription, according to The Associated Press.
Big Employers Change The Way They Provide Health Benefits
The Wall Street Journal reports on developments related to the health benefits provided by two large employers. Also, in the backgroun, The Associated Press reports on how smart decision-making and money saving will be eaiser during this year’s open enrollment season.
Medicaid: Ariz. Expansion Savings Detailed; Kan. Prepares For Managed Care Approval
In Arizona, a new report details how a Medicaid expansion there would save the state money and create jobs. In Kansas, an official says the state’s planned move of Medicaid recipients to managed care is likely to be approved by federal authorities.
Viewpoints: Obama, Romney Pitch Health Care Plans In NEJM
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
HHS To States, Lawmakers: Federal Exchange Will Be Ready On Time
This pair of stories from CQ HealthBeat take a look at various issues emerging regarding the implementation of helath exchanges.
Politico: GOP Budget Plan In The Red Without Ryan Cuts
Politico examines the impact that a little-noticed change in the House Republican budget plan will have on Medicare.
FDA, Docs, Consumers Scrutinizing Medical Apps
Consumers are increasingly relying on mobile applications to monitor their own health as some question whether the FDA can evaluate the apps fast enough.
Texas Budget Cutting Causes Closure Of 50 Clinics Offering Family Planning Services
In the meantime, Missouri has fined Aetna $1.5 million for failing to allow employers to opt-out of contraception coverage in their plans, and Virginia’s Attorney General approves new regulations on abortion clinics.
State Roundup: Pharmacies Struggle With New Drug Controls
A selection of health policy news from Maryland, Florida, Massachusetts, California, Kansas and Oregon.
Longer Looks: Brains Are Saved As High School Football Season Begins
This week’s articles come from ABC News, The New York Times, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Reuters.
