Good Sleep Helps Kids Become Slimmer, Healthier Teens: Study

Good Sleep Helps Kids Become Slimmer, Healthier Teens: Study: Regular bedtimes and adequate sleep during childhood may contribute toward a healthy weight in the teen years, a new study finds.

Opioid Overdose Deaths Triple Among Teens, Kids

Opioid Overdose Deaths Triple Among Teens, Kids: In the past two decades, opioid overdose death rates among U.S. kids and teens have tripled, a new study shows.

Exchange enrollment extended in counties ravaged by hurricane | Georgia Health News

Exchange enrollment extended in counties ravaged by hurricane | Georgia Health News

Obamacare to remain in place pending appeal - Modern Healthcare

Obamacare to remain in place pending appeal - Modern Healthcare: The federal judge in Texas who struck down the individual mandate — and Obamacare with it — finalized his decision and paved the way for an appeal. He agreed the law should remain in place as the case wends through the courts.

Kidney Disease Risk Tied to Sugar-Sweetened Drinks

Kidney Disease Risk Tied to Sugar-Sweetened Drinks: People who drink lots of sugar-sweetened drinks may be putting themselves at a heightened risk for kidney disease, a new study suggests.

2018 Year in Review: Dealmaking still a hot topic - Modern Healthcare

2018 Year in Review: Dealmaking still a hot topic - Modern Healthcare: Physician practices took the spotlight in 2018, as health systems, payers and private equity firms rush to gobble them up.

2018 Year in Review: Interoperability remained just beyond the horizon - Modern Healthcare

2018 Year in Review: Interoperability remained just beyond the horizon - Modern Healthcare: Interoperability remained top of mind in 2018, with players big and small, entrenched and untraditional, joining the cacophonous call for a health system in which patient data can move between providers and, sometimes, even move via the patients themselves.

Being Bullied May Alter the Teen Brain

Being Bullied May Alter the Teen Brain: Teens who are often bullied may be left with shrinkage in key parts of their brain, increasing their risk for mental illness, European researchers report.

Where is the flu getting bad: CDC says 7 children have died from flu

Where is the flu getting bad: CDC says 7 children have died from flu: Where is the flu getting bad: CDC says 7 children have died as flu season starts

Georgia lawmakers propose legalizing medical marijuana sales

Georgia lawmakers propose legalizing medical marijuana sales: A Georgia legislative committee is recommending legal in-state medical marijuana growth, manufacture and sales.

Changing Epidemiology of Herpes Zoster After Vaccine Adoption in the U.S.

Changing Epidemiology of Herpes Zoster After Vaccine Adoption in the U.S.: Shingles is becoming less common in both adults and children in the U.S., according to results from a database study.

Lawsuit claims Arkansas Medicaid work requirements stripped coverage from 17,000

Lawsuit claims Arkansas Medicaid work requirements stripped coverage from 17,000: Nearly 17,000 Arkansas residents have lost Medicaid coverage due to new work requirements, according to a court filing obtained by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

The Top 10 Georgia health care stories in 2018 | Georgia Health News

The Top 10 Georgia health care stories in 2018 | Georgia Health News

Is Juice on School Menus a Problem?

Is Juice on School Menus a Problem?: When given the option, students in school meal programs are more likely to choose fruit juice over more nutritious whole fruit or milk, a new study finds.

Certain Birthmarks Warrant Quick Treatment, Pediatricians Say

Certain Birthmarks Warrant Quick Treatment, Pediatricians Say: For common birthmarks, doctors should abandon the traditional wait-and-see approach, a leading group of pediatricians says.

Ga. cuts food stamps for thousands with new system tracking recipients | WSB-TV

Ga. cuts food stamps for thousands with new system tracking recipients | WSB-TV: The Trump administration last week announced plans to increase enforcement of a 22-year-old law withdrawing food stamps from certain adults who are not working.

Top 10 Georgia health care stories in 2018 | Georgia Health News

Top 10 Georgia health care stories in 2018 | Georgia Health News

Year in review: The provider mergers that made headlines in 2018 | FierceHealthcare

Year in review: The provider mergers that made headlines in 2018  | FierceHealthcare: Providers have yet to slake their thirst for mergers—with several big-ticket mega-deals dominating headlines in 2018—but experts warn that there’s unlikely to be an immediate pay off for patients.

2018 Year in Review: Healthcare tackles public health in absence of government action - Modern Healthcare

2018 Year in Review: Healthcare tackles public health in absence of government action - Modern Healthcare: Providers and payers took the lead on public health in 2018, solidifying their stance and mobilizing on the biggest public health issues.

2018 Year in Review: Health insurance business defined by flexibility - Modern Healthcare

2018 Year in Review: Health insurance business defined by flexibility - Modern Healthcare: In 2018, the Trump administration offered insurers and states extra tools to sidestep the Affordable Care Act. As costs and new competition rose, insurers sought courtships that further blurred the lines between payers and providers.

Surgeon General Calls for New E-Cig Restrictions | Medpage Today

Surgeon General Calls for New E-Cig Restrictions | Medpage Today: 'I am officially declaring e-cigarette use among youth an epidemic'

Michigan, Arkansas confirm 1st pediatric flu deaths

Michigan, Arkansas confirm 1st pediatric flu deaths: Arkansas and Michigan reported their first pediatric flu-related deaths of the 2018-19 season.

Flu Has Arrived for the Holidays, CDC Head Says

Flu Has Arrived for the Holidays, CDC Head Says: The flu has ramped up in time for Christmas, the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

2018 Healthcare Year in Review - Modern Healthcare

2018 Healthcare Year in Review - Modern Healthcare: Repeal was replaced for much of 2018, but then December came along. A dozen states advanced plans to impose new enrollment mandates on Medicaid beneficiaries. Deaths mounted from opioids and gun violence, and consumer-facing companies continued their push into healthcare.

2018 Year in Review: Bookended by Obamacare, 2018 was the year of policy change - Modern Healthcare

2018 Year in Review: Bookended by Obamacare, 2018 was the year of policy change - Modern Healthcare: In 2018, as a lawsuit to overturn Obamacare simmered in the courts, the Trump administration charted its course on a healthcare overhaul. Hospitals and drug manufacturers were the main targets.

2018 Year in Review: Medicaid expansion battle shifted to executive branch, states - Modern Healthcare

2018 Year in Review: Medicaid expansion battle shifted to executive branch, states - Modern Healthcare: With congressional action to repeal the Affordable Care Act off the table in 2018, the Trump administration and the states engaged in a tense push and pull through the year between expanding, not expanding, and limiting Medicaid eligibility.

Even Non-Concussion Head Hits Affect Young Football Players' Vision

Even Non-Concussion Head Hits Affect Young Football Players' Vision: New research on 12 high school football players tracked for a season found that repeat head impacts affected the boys' vision -- even if those hits didn't result in concussion.

Toy Guns Pose Big Threat to Young Eyes

Toy Guns Pose Big Threat to Young Eyes: Thinking of buying your kid a BB, pellet or paintball gun for Christmas? Don't forget eye protection, the American Academy of Ophthalmology urges.

CVS rebuffs oversight monitor as D.C. court reviews Aetna deal | FierceHealthcare

CVS rebuffs oversight monitor as D.C. court reviews Aetna deal | FierceHealthcare: CVS told a D.C. district court Thursday that a court-appointed monitor is unnecessary to ensure the company keeps Aetna's operations separate as the court reviews the $69 billion transaction. The company offered to submit sworn quarterly declarations indicating it is keeping certain aspects of Aetna's business separate.

Cigna and Express Scripts close on $67 billion merger - Modern Healthcare

Cigna and Express Scripts close on $67 billion merger - Modern Healthcare: Health insurer Cigna Corp. and pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts said they closed their merger on Thursday, less than a year after the companies first agreed to combine in a deal that further transforms the healthcare landscape.

Molina, Centene face the greatest financial exposure following ACA ruling | FierceHealthcare

Molina, Centene face the greatest financial exposure following ACA ruling | FierceHealthcare: Editor's Note: St. Louis-based Centene Corp. is one of the four Georgia Medicaid CMOs, operating the Peach State Health Plan. With their AmBetter product, they are also a major player in the Georgia ACA exchange market, which this story references.

The Major Causes of Death in Children and Adolescents in the United States | NEJM

The Major Causes of Death in Children and Adolescents in the United States | NEJM: This report details the 10 leading causes for the 20,360 deaths of children and adolescents in the United States in 2016.

Trump Administration Unveils Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure | U.S. EPA News Releases | US EPA

Trump Administration Unveils Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure | U.S. EPA News Releases | US EPA: EPA News Release: Trump Administration Unveils Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure

As flu season gets rolling, Georgia hit harder than any state | Georgia Health News

As flu season gets rolling, Georgia hit harder than any state | Georgia Health News

Judge Seeks Monitoring of CVS and Aetna During Antitrust Review - The New York Times

Judge Seeks Monitoring of CVS and Aetna During Antitrust Review - The New York Times: A federal judge overseeing the merger settlement wants the combined companies to keep some operations separate while he examines the $69 billion deal.

Investor suit claims Centene hid $900M tax liability in HealthNet purchase | FierceHealthcare

Investor suit claims Centene hid $900M tax liability in HealthNet purchase | FierceHealthcare: Insurance giant Centene has been hit with another shareholder lawsuit, alleging company executives concealed financial concerns in its $6.8 billion acquisition of HealthNet. The latest complaint includes new details that Centene hid nearly $1 billion in HealthNet's potential tax liabilities.

Georgia up slightly in state health rankings, but still on lower end | Georgia Health News

Georgia up slightly in state health rankings, but still on lower end | Georgia Health News

Are Children Severely Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder Underrepresented in Treatment Studies? An Analysis of the Literature | SpringerLink

Are Children Severely Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder Underrepresented in Treatment Studies? An Analysis of the Literature | SpringerLink: Despite significant advances in autism research, experts have noted that children severely affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) appear to have been understudied. Rigorous analysis of this...

States Ask Judge to Declare Health Law Still in Effect While Ruling Is Appealed - The New York Times

States Ask Judge to Declare Health Law Still in Effect While Ruling Is Appealed - The New York Times: States that support the Affordable Care Act said a ruling striking down the law had created “ambiguity” and “poses a dangerous threat to the health care of millions of Americans.”

Surgeon general to healthcare professionals: Ask kids about e-cigarette use | FierceHealthcare

Surgeon general to healthcare professionals: Ask kids about e-cigarette use | FierceHealthcare: With e-cigarette use doubling among high school seniors in the last year alone, the U.S. surgeon general issued a rare advisory warning Tuesday about the health risk to kids.

CVS-Aetna to keep some business operations separate while judge weighs merger - Modern Healthcare

CVS-Aetna to keep some business operations separate while judge weighs merger - Modern Healthcare: A federal judge Tuesday declined to put a timeline on when he might—or might not—sign off on CVS Health's $70 billion acquisition of Aetna.

Texas ACA ruling complicates politics of Medicaid expansion - Modern Healthcare

Texas ACA ruling complicates politics of Medicaid expansion - Modern Healthcare: Medicaid expansion advocates in states moving toward expansion, including Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and Utah, worry opponents will cite the Texas ruling as a reason not to push forward.

Health systems should look within to address social determinants - Modern Healthcare

Health systems should look within to address social determinants - Modern Healthcare: There's now a strong understanding that social factors can have a greater impact on health and well-being than clinical care. Health systems should use that knowledge to improve the health of their own employees as well as their patients.

5 ways CMS can better address social determinants of health in Medicaid | FierceHealthcare

5 ways CMS can better address social determinants of health in Medicaid | FierceHealthcare: While many states now require Medicaid managed care organizations to address social determinants of health, federal law doesn't provide much flexibility to do so, the Association for Community Affiliated Plans warned. The organization offered five ways CMS can enable these strategies.

Obamacare Thrown Out by Judge, Raising Insurance Uncertainty | Newsmax.com

Obamacare Thrown Out by Judge, Raising Insurance Uncertainty | Newsmax.com: Obamacare was struck down by a Texas federal judge in a ruling that casts uncertainty on insurance coverage for millions of U.S. residents.The decision Friday finding the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional comes just before the end of a six-week open enrollment period for...

Infants, Family Are Affected by Mother's Perinatal Depression

Infants, Family Are Affected by Mother's Perinatal Depression

Teen Vaping Soared In 2018 | 90.1 FM WABE

Teen Vaping Soared In 2018 | 90.1 FM WABE: A dramatic increase in vaping among high school students is the largest yearly change ever seen in a long-running survey tracking substance use and abuse by teens.

Obamacare's uncertain fate leaves Congress, industry lying in wait - Modern Healthcare

Obamacare's uncertain fate leaves Congress, industry lying in wait - Modern Healthcare: A federal judge still hasn't finalized his controversial decision to overturn Obamacare, leaving government and industry unclear on their next steps.

Healthy Sleep Habits for Kids Pay Off

Healthy Sleep Habits for Kids Pay Off: Good sleep routines can help children get the rest they need, researchers say.

U.S. Flu Activity Low Right Now, but Rising: CDC

U.S. Flu Activity Low Right Now, but Rising: CDC: Flu season is getting off to a slow but steady start, a U.S. health official said Friday.

Maternal mortality legislation heads to President Trump's desk for signing | FierceHealthcare

Maternal mortality legislation heads to President Trump's desk for signing | FierceHealthcare: Legislation aimed at reducing deaths of women from pregnancy and childbirth will advance to the president's desk for his signature after passing the Senate on Thursday.

N.I.H. to Scrutinize Private Donations to Scientific Research Projects - The New York Times

N.I.H. to Scrutinize Private Donations to Scientific Research Projects - The New York Times: After halting a discredited alcohol study, officials will enforce new policies to ensure that private support does not compromise scientific integrity.

Judge's Obamacare ruling creates long-term uncertainty

https://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20181216/NEWS/181219934/judges-obamacare-ruling-creates-long-term-uncertainty:

Court: Testimony from OxyContin maker must be unsealed - Modern Healthcare

Court: Testimony from OxyContin maker must be unsealed - Modern Healthcare: A Kentucky appeals court says the secret testimony from a former president of one of the world's largest manufacturers of dangerously addictive opioid painkillers must be released to the public.

Medicaid overspends billions on supplemental payments - Modern Healthcare

Medicaid overspends billions on supplemental payments - Modern Healthcare: A federal advisory panel for Medicaid wants HHS to better monitor Medicaid's biggest supplemental payment program for hospitals after finding that states have been overspending billions of dollars.

AAP Statement on Senate Passage of Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization

AAP Statement on Senate Passage of Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization

Women Doctors Say They're Penalized for Motherhood

Women Doctors Say They're Penalized for Motherhood: Women juggling a medical career and motherhood often face significant workplace discrimination, a new study finds.

Report Highlights Fentanyl's Deadly Role In The Overdose Crisis : Shots - Health News : NPR

Report Highlights Fentanyl's Deadly Role In The Overdose Crisis : Shots - Health News : NPR: When fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, infiltrated the drug supply in the U.S. it had an immediate, dramatic effect on the overdose rate.

Health law sign-ups lagging as Saturday deadline is looming

Health law sign-ups lagging as Saturday deadline is looming: WASHINGTON (AP) — With just days left to enroll, fewer people are signing up for the Affordable Care Act , even though premiums are stable, more plans are available and millions of uninsured people can still get financial help. Barring an enrollment surge, the nation's uninsured rate could edge up again after a yearslong coverage expansion that has seen about 20 million people obtain health insurance.

Tennessee Rep. Mark Green claims vaccines may cause autism, questions CDC data

Tennessee Rep. Mark Green claims vaccines may cause autism, questions CDC data: Not only did Green express hesitation about the CDC's stance on vaccines, he said he believed the agency has "fraudulently managed" the data.

More Sleep in Seattle: Later Start to School Brings Kids Better Grades

More Sleep in Seattle: Later Start to School Brings Kids Better Grades: Would delaying the start of school help sleep-deprived teens get more of the shut-eye they need?

Extreme Dieting in Teens Often Intensifies in Adulthood

Extreme Dieting in Teens Often Intensifies in Adulthood: Extreme dieting behaviors often begin in the teen years and worsen in adulthood, a new study finds.

Healthcare groups rip Trump proposal penalizing legal immigrants for using Medicaid - Modern Healthcare

Healthcare groups rip Trump proposal penalizing legal immigrants for using Medicaid - Modern Healthcare: Healthcare industry groups uniformly blasted the Trump administration's so-called public charge rule, warning it would have broad negative effects on the healthcare system, government budgets and public health.

IHI 2018: How one pediatrician found herself at the center of Flint’s water crisis | FierceHealthcare

IHI 2018: How one pediatrician found herself at the center of Flint’s water crisis  | FierceHealthcare: When pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha, M.D., put out the research that revealed children living in the Michigan city had elevated levels of lead in their blood as a result of the region’s contaminated water, political figures chastised her for stepping outside a physician’s typical role. She raised the alarm anyway.

Arkansas Medicaid work requirements add new option: phoning it in - Modern Healthcare

Arkansas Medicaid work requirements add new option: phoning it in - Modern Healthcare: Facing mounting criticism over its Medicaid work requirement, Arkansas will allow enrollees to report their compliance with the mandate over the phone rather than solely through an internet portal.

FDA says new rules should increase competition for insulin, but others aren't as sure - Modern Healthcare

FDA says new rules should increase competition for insulin, but others aren't as sure - Modern Healthcare: The Food and Drug Administration's new guidance should create a clear path for generic makers of insulin to enter the market. But some say it will do little to reverse its rising cost.

Blues antitrust case just got tougher for the insurers - Modern Healthcare

Blues antitrust case just got tougher for the insurers - Modern Healthcare: A federal appeals court on Wednesday ruled that Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurers must defend themselves on much less favorable legal grounds against a major class-action case accusing them of anticompetitive practices.

Non-children's hospitals fall short when treating kids for pneumonia, study finds

Non-children's hospitals fall short when treating kids for pneumonia, study finds: Non-children's hospitals fall short when treating kids for pneumonia, study finds

Parental Perception of Child Weight Status Predicted by Child BMI z Scores

Parental Perception of Child Weight Status Predicted by Child BMI z Scores: Higher body mass index z scores in children strongly predicted parental perception that their child was overweight 2 years later, reflecting an awareness of already rising BMI.

Babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome More Likely to be Born with Smaller Heads

Babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome More Likely to be Born with Smaller Heads

‘We’re Fighting For Our Lives’: Patients Protest Sky-High Insulin Prices | Kaiser Health News

‘We’re Fighting For Our Lives’: Patients Protest Sky-High Insulin Prices | Kaiser Health News: The price of insulin keeps going up. For people with Type 1 diabetes, high prices can be a life-or-death issue. Now a grass-roots movement is pushing for change.

Medical marijuana farming and sales proposed in Georgia

Medical marijuana farming and sales proposed in Georgia: Georgia’s medical marijuana program has expanded over the past three years, but patients have no way to legally obtain it. Cultivation, manufacture and distribution of medical marijuana products will likely be considered by the Georgia General Assembly during its 2019 legislative session.

How can we lower healthcare costs? Key GOP senator seeks ideas - Modern Healthcare

How can we lower healthcare costs? Key GOP senator seeks ideas - Modern Healthcare: Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) will focus the Senate health committee's 2019 agenda around healthcare costs. He has asked for specific proposals from high-profile think tanks and industry groups.

Electronic Health Records Bogging Docs Down

Electronic Health Records Bogging Docs Down: Electronic health records are supposed to help doctors, but stress from using them may lead to burnout -- and primary care doctors are at greatest risk, new research suggests.

Opioids Exact Another Toll on Newborns: Smaller Heads

Opioids Exact Another Toll on Newborns: Smaller Heads: Infants born addicted to opioids may be more likely to have smaller heads that might hinder their development, new research suggests.

Autism, ADHD in One Child Tied to Raised Risk in Siblings

Autism, ADHD in One Child Tied to Raised Risk in Siblings: Autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are so closely linked that they not only run in families, but each increases the risk of the other in future siblings, a new study finds.

Generic drug price-fixing investigation expands to 300 drugs and 16 companies - The Washington Post

Generic drug price-fixing investigation expands to 300 drugs and 16 companies - The Washington Post: Executives fixed prices and blocked competition in their “sandbox,” authorities say.

Prominent Doctors Aren’t Disclosing Their Industry Ties — ProPublica

Prominent Doctors Aren’t Disclosing Their Industry Ties — ProPublica: The dean of Yale’s medical school, the incoming president of a prominent cancer group and the head of a Texas cancer center are among leading medical figures…

Health insurer, employer groups call on Congress to end surprise billing - Modern Healthcare

Health insurer, employer groups call on Congress to end surprise billing - Modern Healthcare: Nine groups representing health insurers, employers and consumers called for federal legislation to protect patients from surprise medical bills from out-of-network providers.

Congress to pass children's health home legislation by year-end - Modern Healthcare

Congress to pass children's health home legislation by year-end - Modern Healthcare: Congress is considering a revised bill to establish provider-coordinated health homes for chronically ill children during its lame duck session. The U.S. House of Representatives has cut the amount of federal Medicaid money that would fund the homes.

Momentum is building to take a fresh look at HIPAA | Health Data Management

Momentum is building to take a fresh look at HIPAA | Health Data Management: Professional associations and other stakeholders believe the time is right to revisit the HIPAA law.

Family, School Support May Help Stop Bullies in Their Tracks

Family, School Support May Help Stop Bullies in Their Tracks: Children with strong family ties and school support are more likely to try to stop bullying when they see it, new research suggests.

Peyton Anderson Foundation awards $2 million grant to Navicent | The Telegraph

Peyton Anderson Foundation awards $2 million grant to Navicent | The Telegraph: A renovation and expansion for Navicent Health’s children’s hospital has been in the works for years. A new grant from the Peyton Anderson Foundation put the hospital just over its $40 million fundraising goal.

Fourth Georgia case of mysterious illness confirmed | Georgia Health News

Fourth Georgia case of mysterious illness confirmed | Georgia Health News

Obama health law sign-ups lagging for 2019

Obama health law sign-ups lagging for 2019: WASHINGTON (AP) — With open enrollment ending next week, the government says sign-ups for coverage under former President Barack Obama's health care law are lagging when compared with last year. Figures released Thursday by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services show that about 3.2 million people have signed up so far for subsidized private insurance, compared with about 3.6 million at the same time last year. Open enrollment ends Dec. 15. Health law supporters are concerned. The number of new customers is down nearly 18 percent.

Are Kids' Playgrounds Really Safe?

Are Kids' Playgrounds Really Safe?: The numbers are alarming.

As deadline nears, ACA enrollment lags in Georgia | Georgia Health News

As deadline nears, ACA enrollment lags in Georgia | Georgia Health News

Legislators plan a broad revamp of state’s powerful CON laws | Georgia Health News

Legislators plan a broad revamp of state’s powerful CON laws  | Georgia Health News

Physician fee schedule reform needed to bridge primary-care gap - Modern Healthcare

Physician fee schedule reform needed to bridge primary-care gap - Modern Healthcare: To the dismay of many policy experts and entities like the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, updates to the fee schedule have benefited procedure-oriented specialties at the expense of primary-care doctors.

Opioid Scripts From Dentists Linked to Opioid Abuse in Youth | Medpage Today

Opioid Scripts From Dentists Linked to Opioid Abuse in Youth | Medpage Today: A substantial proportion of overall opioid exposure in young people occurs in the dental setting, warranting an examination of prescribing practices

Study links stress from EHR use to physician burnout | Health Data Management

Study links stress from EHR use to physician burnout | Health Data Management: Rhode Island Department of Health survey shows stressors are measurable, prevalent and specialty related.

Holiday Decorations Safety Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics

Holiday Decorations Safety Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics

Scans, Ultrasound Spot Zika Brain Defects

Scans, Ultrasound Spot Zika Brain Defects: Ultrasounds and MRIs during pregnancy and after birth can detect most Zika-related brain abnormalities in infants, researchers report.

Bipartisan senators introduce new drug pricing bill | TheHill

Bipartisan senators introduce new drug pricing bill | TheHill: A bill introduced by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) will seek to crack down on the tactics used by drug companies like Mylan to overcharge taxpayers for Medicaid rebates.

N.H. Democrats blast Medicaid for changing work requirements - Modern Healthcare Transformation Hub - Modern Healthcare

N.H. Democrats blast Medicaid for changing work requirements - Modern Healthcare Transformation Hub - Modern Healthcare: New Hampshire's new Democratic legislative leaders are criticizing the CMS for revising the state's proposed Medicaid work requirement program without the state asking for the changes.

Idaho Medicaid expansion heads to state Supreme Court - Modern Healthcare

Idaho Medicaid expansion heads to state Supreme Court - Modern Healthcare: Idaho's highest court will hear arguments in January in a lawsuit seeking to block the state's voter-approved Medicaid expansion.

Could Soaps, Shampoos Be Pushing Girls Into Early Puberty?

Could Soaps, Shampoos Be Pushing Girls Into Early Puberty?: Exposure to chemicals found in a wide array of personal care products has been linked to early puberty among girls, a new investigation warns.

Obamacare Helped More Women Access Care Before Pregnancy: Study

Obamacare Helped More Women Access Care Before Pregnancy: Study: Ever since the Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid in some states, more women have received health care before pregnancy, a new study finds.

Drug Recalls Put Spotlight on Drug Supply Chains

Drug Recalls Put Spotlight on Drug Supply Chains: Nearly 8 out of 10 medications Americans take have some component made abroad, largely in developing industrial powers China and India.

Pregnant women face risk despite federal ER law | Georgia Health News

Pregnant women face risk despite federal ER law | Georgia Health News

Old-Fashioned Play Beats Digital Toys for Kids, Pediatricians Say

Old-Fashioned Play Beats Digital Toys for Kids, Pediatricians Say: If you're shopping for toys this holiday season, make sure some simple, old-fashioned items are on your list, pediatricians say.

Doctors More Cautious Now When Prescribing Opioids to Kids

Doctors More Cautious Now When Prescribing Opioids to Kids: There's been a steady decline in opioid prescriptions for children and teens in the United States since 2012, a new study reveals.

Cost of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: $23,000 Annually Per Case

Cost of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: $23,000 Annually Per Case: About 630,000 babies worldwide are born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) each year. They'll need care averaging $23,000 annually, new research suggests.

CVS Ordered by U.S. Judge to Defend Consummating Aetna Deal - Bloomberg

CVS Ordered by U.S. Judge to Defend Consummating Aetna Deal - Bloomberg: CVS Health Corp. and Aetna Inc., which completed their merger last week before getting court approval for a settlement with the Justice Department, were ordered by a federal judge to justify combining their operations.

US judge objects to 'rubber stamp' approach to CVS, Aetna deal

US judge objects to 'rubber stamp' approach to CVS, Aetna deal: Although CVS Health's deal to buy Aetna for $69 billion closed Nov. 28, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon raised the prospect of not approving the deal during a routine legal process post-transaction, according to Reuters.

U.S. judge raises prospect of not approving CVS-Aetna deal | Reuters

U.S. judge raises prospect of not approving CVS-Aetna deal | Reuters: In an unusual move on Thursday, a federal judge raised the prospect of not approving CVS Health Corp's deal to buy insurer Aetna Inc, which closed earlier this week, during a routine portion of the legal process.

Hargan: Value-based payment impossible without interoperable health IT | Health Data Management

Hargan: Value-based payment impossible without interoperable health IT | Health Data Management: Interoperability is critical in order to successfully transition away from fee-for-service, says HHS deputy secretary.

AAP Updates Recommendations on Screening Preterm Infants for a Leading Cause of Childhood Blindness

AAP Updates Recommendations on Screening Preterm Infants for a Leading Cause of Childhood Blindness: Updated screening recommendations for preterm infants at risk of developing Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Study: 10 Percent of Child Asthma Preventable By Reducing Overweight and Obesity in Children

Study: 10 Percent of Child Asthma Preventable By Reducing Overweight and Obesity in Children: Obesity is a major preventable risk factor for pediatric asthma.

Untangling the Ties Between Troubled Teens and Pot Use

Untangling the Ties Between Troubled Teens and Pot Use: Teens with behavioral problems are more likely than others to use marijuana -- but the drug itself doesn't increase conduct problems, a new study indicates.

Depression Is a Risk for Teens, Adults With Epilepsy

Depression Is a Risk for Teens, Adults With Epilepsy: Teens and adults with epilepsy are at increased risk for depression and should undergo regular screening, two new studies say.

Georgia sees an increase in uninsured kids | Georgia Health News

Georgia sees an increase in uninsured kids | Georgia Health News

Meth, Opioid Use in Pregnancy on the Rise

Meth, Opioid Use in Pregnancy on the Rise: Methamphetamine and opioid use has soared among pregnant American women, putting the health of baby and mother at risk, a new study finds.

Secondhand Pot Smoke Can Harm an Asthmatic Child

Secondhand Pot Smoke Can Harm an Asthmatic Child: A 6-year-old boy with severe asthma wasn't responding to the usual treatments. It was only when family members stopped smoking marijuana at home that his breathing got better, according to his doctor.

Rate of children without insurance rises for first time since 2008 - Modern Healthcare

Rate of children without insurance rises for first time since 2008 - Modern Healthcare: Anti-immigration rhetoric by the Trump administration may be a reason why the rate of children without insurance is on the rise for the first time since 2008, according to a new report.

CMS allows states to get creative with federal exchange funds under 1332 waivers - Modern Healthcare

CMS allows states to get creative with federal exchange funds under 1332 waivers - Modern Healthcare: The CMS has issued four new examples on how states can use 1332 waivers to customize health insurance offerings. But a former agency official warns that using any of the new flexibilities could result in litigation.

Number of uninsured children climbs, reversing more than a decade of progress, report finds - Los Angeles Times

Number of uninsured children climbs, reversing more than a decade of progress, report finds - Los Angeles Times: The number of children in the United States without health insurance increased last year for the first time in more than a decade, according to a new report that highlights potentially worrisome backsliding in pediatric care.

More Teens Try Pot Before Booze, Cigarettes

More Teens Try Pot Before Booze, Cigarettes: Rebellious teens used to reach for cigarettes or alcohol. Now, marijuana is increasingly their first choice, a new study reveals.

Could Young Age at School Start Lead to False Diagnosis of ADHD?

Could Young Age at School Start Lead to False Diagnosis of ADHD?: Does being the youngest in the class up your child's odds of being erroneously diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

New HHS recommendations focus on freeing clinicians from EHR burdens | FierceHealthcare

New HHS recommendations focus on freeing clinicians from EHR burdens | FierceHealthcare: A new draft strategy issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Wednesday details three overarching goals to reduce clinician burden revolving around entering information into the EHRs, meeting regulatory requirements and improving EHR ease of use

Trump health chief 'looking closely' at thousands who lost Medicaid from work requirements | TheHill

Trump health chief 'looking closely' at thousands who lost Medicaid from work requirements | TheHill: Seema Verma, though, indicated she would not slow down approvals of work requirements in more states.

Under Trump, Number Of Uninsured Kids Rose For First Time This Decade | Kaiser Health News

Under Trump, Number Of Uninsured Kids Rose For First Time This Decade | Kaiser Health News: About 276,000 more children are among the uninsured, a new report finds. Though the uptick is statistically small, it is striking because uninsured rates usually decrease during periods of economic growth.

Health homes for chronically ill kids spark lame-duck battle - Modern Healthcare

Health homes for chronically ill kids spark lame-duck battle - Modern Healthcare: Children's hospitals want Congress to set up a provider-coordinated health home model for kids with complex conditions, setting up a turf battle with Medicaid insurers. But as the deadline tightens, a wide array of skeptics aren't sure it's worth the fight.

CVS Health and Aetna close $70 billion merger - Modern Healthcare

CVS Health and Aetna close $70 billion merger - Modern Healthcare: CVS Health and Aetna closed their $70 billion merger on Wednesday, bringing together one of the nation's largest pharmacy chains and one of the largest health insurers in a deal that transforms the healthcare landscape.

New treatment gives hope for children with polio-like illness AFM

New treatment gives hope for children with polio-like illness AFM: Cases of a mysterious illness that's leaving children paralyzed have nearly doubled in the last mont...

Virginia submits proposed Medicaid work requirement plan to feds - Modern Healthcare

Virginia submits proposed Medicaid work requirement plan to feds - Modern Healthcare: Virginia has submitted its proposed work requirement plan for some Medicaid recipients to the federal government for approval.

CMS' Seema Verma says administration forging ahead on work requirements as it examines Arkansas | FierceHealthcare

CMS' Seema Verma says administration forging ahead on work requirements as it examines Arkansas | FierceHealthcare: Despite large numbers of Arkansas residents losing Medicaid eligibility under that state's work requirement law, the Trump administration is doubling down on its support of a "long list" of other states seeking to create their own Medicaid work requirements.

Freeze-Dried Vaccine May Help Rid World of Polio

Freeze-Dried Vaccine May Help Rid World of Polio: A freeze-dried polio vaccine that could be used in locations without refrigeration might help doctors conquer the disease, researchers report.

AHA: There's Still Time to Get a Flu Shot Before Peak Season Hits

AHA: There's Still Time to Get a Flu Shot Before Peak Season Hits: health experts recommend that anyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot by November at the latest because the vaccine takes two weeks to become effective.

Sugary Drinks: A Big Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

Sugary Drinks: A Big Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: New research suggests that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, such as cola, likely boost your risk of type 2 diabetes much more than the sugar found in fruit or even 100 percent fruit juices.

An Anti-Vaxxer’s New Crusade — ProPublica

An Anti-Vaxxer’s New Crusade — ProPublica: Dr. David Ayoub used to be active in the anti-vaccination movement. Now he’s challenging mainstream science again — as an expert witness for accused child…

Audit: Iowa Medicaid savings barely half what was projected - Modern Healthcare

Audit: Iowa Medicaid savings barely half what was projected - Modern Healthcare: Iowa saved $126 million this year from privatizing its Medicaid system, barely half what former Gov. Terry Branstad projected when he forced the change in 2016.

Trump Administration Invites Health Care Industry to Help Rewrite Ban on Kickbacks - The New York Times

Trump Administration Invites Health Care Industry to Help Rewrite Ban on Kickbacks - The New York Times: The goal is to open pathways for doctors and hospitals to work together to improve care and save money. The challenge will be to accomplish that without also increasing the risk of fraud.

Brain Changes Seen in MRIs of Young Football Players

Brain Changes Seen in MRIs of Young Football Players: High-impact hits may affect the brain development of children and teens after just one season of football, preliminary research suggests.

Newly Mapped Genes May Hold Keys to ADHD

Newly Mapped Genes May Hold Keys to ADHD: Millions of American kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have a genetic vulnerability to the disease, a new study suggests.

Is there an ROI on wishes granted through Make-A-Wish? This study says yes | FierceHealthcare

Is there an ROI on wishes granted through Make-A-Wish? This study says yes | FierceHealthcare: There are sustained health benefits resulting in fewer unplanned admissions and emergency department visits among seriously ill pediatric patients who have a wish granted from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a new study found.

CVS-Aetna merger imminent after clearing final state regulatory hurdle - Modern Healthcare

CVS-Aetna merger imminent after clearing final state regulatory hurdle - Modern Healthcare: The $69 billion merger between pharmacy giant CVS Health and national health insurer Aetna has nabbed all required state approvals and is projected to close on or around Wednesday.

What will be on Brian Kemp’s agenda for health care? | Georgia Health News

What will be on Brian Kemp’s agenda for health care? | Georgia Health News

Obesity Boosts Childhood Asthma Risk by 30 Percent

Obesity Boosts Childhood Asthma Risk by 30 Percent: The wheezy lung disease asthma is yet one more problem linked to excess weight in childhood, a new study suggests.

U.S. Autism Rate Rises to 1 in 40 Children: Report

U.S. Autism Rate Rises to 1 in 40 Children: Report: A new government study finds that roughly 1 in 40 American children has autism, a huge jump from the previous estimate of 1 in every 59 children.

Medicaid demonstrations aren't properly evaluated. Randomized trials could fix that | FierceHealthcare

Medicaid demonstrations aren't properly evaluated. Randomized trials could fix that | FierceHealthcare: Section 1115 waivers are meant to be experiments that allow states to test coverage approaches that don't meet federal program rules. However, most of their evaluations are not rigorously studied, argues a new commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine.

AAP Issues Statement to Guide Pediatricians in Awareness and Respect for Global Health Issues

AAP Issues Statement to Guide Pediatricians in Awareness and Respect for Global Health Issues: AAP policy statement offers offers insight on how global health impacts local health within the U.S.

Family Meals Make for Teens Who Eat Healthy

Family Meals Make for Teens Who Eat Healthy: Want your teenager to eat better? Have more family meals, even if your family isn't particularly close, new research suggests.

Music Therapy Helps Kids With Autism Connect to Others

Music Therapy Helps Kids With Autism Connect to Others: When a child with autism can play the piano or sing a song, their brains may benefit, new research suggests.

Feds re-approve new rules for Kentucky Medicaid

Feds re-approve new rules for Kentucky Medicaid: FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Trump administration has again approved new rules for some of Kentucky's Medicaid population, requiring them to either get a job, volunteer in the community or go to school to keep their government-funded health coverage. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services announced the approval on Tuesday, nearly five months after a federal judge blocked the state's first attempt. State officials say the new rules can begin as soon as April 1 and will be phased in regionally over several months. They will require adults ages 19 to 64, with some exceptions, to complete at least 80 hours per month of "community engagement" to keep their health benefits. That includes getting a job, looking for a job, going to school, volunteering for community service or taking a job training course.

Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department | From the American Academy of Pediatrics | Pediatrics

Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department | From the American Academy of Pediatrics | Pediatrics: This is a revision of the previous joint Policy Statement titled “Guidelines for Care of Children in the Emergency Department.” Children have unique physical and psychosocial needs that are heightened in the setting of serious or life-threatening emergencies. The majority of children who are ill and injured are brought to community hospital emergency departments (EDs) by virtue of proximity. It is therefore imperative that all EDs have the appropriate resources (medications, equipment, policies, and education) and capable staff to provide effective emergency care for children. In this Policy Statement, we outline the resources necessary for EDs to stand ready to care for children of all ages. These recommendations are consistent with the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (now called the National Academy of Medicine) in its report “The Future of Emergency Care in the US Health System.” Although resources within emergency and trauma care systems vary locally, regionally, and nationally, it is essential that ED staff, administrators, and medical directors seek to meet or exceed these recommendations to ensure that high-quality emergency care is available for all children. T

Ex-health chief Price joins new Georgia governor's transition team | TheHill

Ex-health chief Price joins new Georgia governor's transition team | TheHill: Price resigned last year amid a private jet controversy.

Feds re-approve new rules for Kentucky Medicaid - Modern Healthcare

Feds re-approve new rules for Kentucky Medicaid - Modern Healthcare: The Trump administration has again approved new rules for some of Kentucky's Medicaid population, requiring them to either get a job, volunteer in the community or go to school to keep their government-funded health coverage.

FDA seeks ban on menthol cigarettes to fight teen smoking | Georgia Health News

FDA seeks ban on menthol cigarettes to fight teen smoking | Georgia Health News

Does Air Pollution Raise Autism Risk?

Does Air Pollution Raise Autism Risk?: Traffic-related air pollution may play a role in development of autism, new research suggests.

Opioids Increasingly Tied to Deaths of Pregnant Women

Opioids Increasingly Tied to Deaths of Pregnant Women: As the U.S. opioid epidemic rages unchecked, new research shows that pregnancy-related deaths due to opioid misuse more than doubled between 2007 and 2016.

Secondhand Pot Smoke Found in Kids' Lungs

Secondhand Pot Smoke Found in Kids' Lungs: If you're a pot-smoking parent and you think your kids aren't affected, think again.

Nearly 1 in 12 U.S. Kids Has a Food Allergy

Nearly 1 in 12 U.S. Kids Has a Food Allergy: Almost 8 percent of American children have food allergies, and 1 in 5 of those kids suffers an allergic reaction severe enough to wind up in the hospital, a new study finds.

Soaring brand-name drug prices more than offset growing generic use - Modern Healthcare

Soaring brand-name drug prices more than offset growing generic use - Modern Healthcare: In 2017, brand-name prescription drugs made up only 17% of total prescriptions filled but represented 79% of total drug spending, according to an updated study from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Evzio: The opioid overdose-reversal drug with a $4000+ price tag - 60 Minutes - CBS News

Evzio: The opioid overdose-reversal drug with a $4000+ price tag - 60 Minutes - CBS News: Naloxone can save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose, but is it accessible? The price for an injector of the drug has skyrocketed

Medicaid expansion supporters already looking toward 2020 ballots - POLITICO

Medicaid expansion supporters already looking toward 2020 ballots - POLITICO: Six states where Medicaid could be expanded through the ballot are on their radar: Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Big 8 health insurers rake in more than $7B in Q3, setting up strong finish to 2018 | FierceHealthcare

Big 8 health insurers rake in more than $7B in Q3, setting up strong finish to 2018 | FierceHealthcare: Most health insurance companies profited handsomely by the end of this past quarter. Aetna, Molina and UnitedHealth performed especially well, albeit for varying reasons.

1 in 5 U.S. High School Students Now Vapes: CDC

1 in 5 U.S. High School Students Now Vapes: CDC: More than 20 percent of high school students use electronic cigarettes, risking nicotine addiction, lung damage and the temptation to try traditional smokes, U.S. health officials reported Thursday.

State cuts $9.3 million fund for Columbus medical school | The Telegraph

State cuts $9.3 million fund for Columbus medical school | The Telegraph: Georgia lawmakers cut proposed $9.3 million toward a proposed Mercer University medical school campus in Columbus. Governor Nathan Deal urged lawmakers to focus instead on Hurricane Michael relief.

Primary-care visits dropped 18% from 2012 to 2016 - Modern Healthcare

Primary-care visits dropped 18% from 2012 to 2016 - Modern Healthcare: There has been a relatively steady decline in primary-care visits since 2009, although nurse practitioners and physician assistants are making up some ground, according to new research from the Health Care Cost Institute.

Arkansas drops 3,815 more Medicaid enrollees over work requirement - Modern Healthcare

Arkansas drops 3,815 more Medicaid enrollees over work requirement - Modern Healthcare: Nearly 4,000 Arkansans lost their Medicaid expansion coverage in October because they didn't comply with the state's new work requirement. Another 8,462 low-income adults lost benefits in the previous two months.

Medicaid birthing model yields success for CMS - Modern Healthcare

Medicaid birthing model yields success for CMS - Modern Healthcare: A federal initiative targeting pregnant Medicaid patients reduced medical costs for both mothers and their babies.

CMS may allow hospitals to pay for housing through Medicaid - Modern Healthcare

CMS may allow hospitals to pay for housing through Medicaid - Modern Healthcare: The CMS might allow hospitals and health systems to pay directly for housing, healthy food or other solutions for the "whole person" through the Medicaid program, according to HHS Secretary Alex Azar.

Even Young Football Players Not Immune to Damage From Head Injuries

Even Young Football Players Not Immune to Damage From Head Injuries: The long-term effects of head injuries in football players begin at a young age, a new study finds.

Under Pressure, Juul Withdraws Most Flavored E-Cigs From Market

Under Pressure, Juul Withdraws Most Flavored E-Cigs From Market: Juul Labs, which commands 70 percent of the U.S. e-cigarette market, announced Tuesday that it would cease selling most flavored versions of its popular vaping pods in retail stores.

Two Factors at Birth Can Boost a Child's Obesity Risk

Two Factors at Birth Can Boost a Child's Obesity Risk: Kids who were born large and whose mothers developed a form of diabetes during pregnancy have nearly triple the odds of becoming overweight or obese in childhood, new research shows.

Childbirth In The Age Of Addiction: New Mom Worries About Maintaining Sobriety | Kaiser Health News

Childbirth In The Age Of Addiction: New Mom Worries About Maintaining Sobriety | Kaiser Health News: For mothers in recovery from opioid addiction, narcotic pain relief during and after delivery can put sobriety at risk.

Study Suggests Parents Shouldn't Worry if Their Infant Doesn't Sleep Through the Night by 6-12 Months of Age

Study Suggests Parents Shouldn't Worry if Their Infant Doesn't Sleep Through the Night by 6-12 Months of Age

FDA Will Ban Many Flavored E-Cigarettes

FDA Will Ban Many Flavored E-Cigarettes: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will soon announce a ban on sales of most flavored electronic cigarettes in retail stores and gas stations across the United States, according to media reports.

Some Activity Fine for Kids Recovering From Concussions, Docs Say

Some Activity Fine for Kids Recovering From Concussions, Docs Say: Children and teens who suffer a sports-related concussion should reduce, but not eliminate, physical and mental activity in the days after their injury, an American Academy of Pediatrics report says.

Concussion Tied to Suicide Risk

Concussion Tied to Suicide Risk: People who have experienced either a concussion or a mild traumatic brain injury are twice as likely to commit suicide than others, a new review suggests.

Dead End for Treatment of Polio-Like Disorder Striking Kids

Dead End for Treatment of Polio-Like Disorder Striking Kids: The antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) is ineffective in treating a rare, polio-like disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis in children, researchers are reporting.

Federal panel warns of people losing health coverage in Arkansas from work requirement | TheHill

Federal panel warns of people losing health coverage in Arkansas from work requirement | TheHill: The commission called for a pause in revoking Medicaid coverage over the work requirement in Arkansas.

Listen: Teen Vaping Sparks FDA Crackdown | Kaiser Health News

Listen: Teen Vaping Sparks FDA Crackdown | Kaiser Health News: Federal regulators want to ban the sale of most flavored e-cigarettes at retail locations like gas stations and convenience stores.

Special session starts Tuesday - The Newnan Times-Herald

Special session starts Tuesday - The Newnan Times-Herald

State OKs new hospital for Children’s Healthcare | Georgia Health News

State OKs new hospital for Children’s Healthcare | Georgia Health News

Washington doctor makes history with election to Congress; all incumbent docs re-elected | FierceHealthcare

Washington doctor makes history with election to Congress; all incumbent docs re-elected | FierceHealthcare: A Washington state pediatrician has made history as the first female physician elected to Congress.  Kim Schrier, M.D.

CMS floats new network-adequacy requirements for Medicaid managed care programs | FierceHealthcare

CMS floats new network-adequacy requirements for Medicaid managed care programs | FierceHealthcare: The Trump administration wants to give states more freedom to states overseeing Medicaid managed care and ease network-adequacy standards. Part of a proposed rule released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Thursday would allow states to include telehealth providers are part of networ- adequacy standards and strengthen federal oversight payments.

Autumn upturn: Leapfrog safety ratings improve in Georgia | Georgia Health News

Autumn upturn: Leapfrog safety ratings improve in Georgia | Georgia Health News

CMS will tweak, not overhaul, Medicaid managed care - Modern Healthcare

CMS will tweak, not overhaul, Medicaid managed care - Modern Healthcare: The CMS wants to make a series of smaller changes to an Obama-era rulemaking that revamped managed Medicaid policy two years ago. The proposals fall short of the overhaul that states expected.

Kratom Use in Pregnancy Spurs Withdrawal Symptoms in Newborns

Kratom Use in Pregnancy Spurs Withdrawal Symptoms in Newborns: Although the herbal supplement kratom is still legal and widely available, its opioid-like effects have caused significant withdrawal symptoms in at least two newborns in the United States and that should raise concerns, researchers say.

Postpartum mental health care is scarce in Middle Georgia | The Telegraph

Postpartum mental health care is scarce in Middle Georgia | The Telegraph

Midterm Election Boosts Medicaid Expansion, But Challenges Remain | Kaiser Health News

Midterm Election Boosts Medicaid Expansion, But Challenges Remain | Kaiser Health News: Following the vote, nearly 500,000 uninsured adults in five states are poised to gain Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act, say advocates. But many conservatives remain opposed to the expansion.

Medicaid expansion scores election wins and losses across the country - Modern Healthcare

Medicaid expansion scores election wins and losses across the country - Modern Healthcare: From the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains to New England, Medicaid expansion got a big boost Tuesday from successful ballot initiatives in three states and gubernatorial victories by two Democrats who made expansion a central issue.

AI shows success in reducing premature births - Modern Healthcare

AI shows success in reducing premature births - Modern Healthcare: Kentucky-based Medicaid managed-care health insurer Passport Health Plan has introduced a pilot program to address the high rate of premature births among its members by using analytics to identify at-risk patient earlier in their pregnancies.

Smartphones, Summer Birth Could Raise Kids' Odds for Nearsightedness

Smartphones, Summer Birth Could Raise Kids' Odds for Nearsightedness: Kids with summer birthdays, especially those who spend long hours playing on smartphones and tablets, might be at greater risk for vision problems, a new study suggests.

Beck elected Georgia insurance commissioner | Georgia Health News

Beck elected Georgia insurance commissioner | Georgia Health News

Midterm Results Show Health Is Important To Voters But No Magic Bullet | Kaiser Health News

Midterm Results Show Health Is Important To Voters But No Magic Bullet | Kaiser Health News: Even though they are taking control of the House, Democrats will be unlikely to advance many initiatives on health that don’t meet Republican approval since the GOP controls the Senate and the White House. But they can block any efforts to weaken the Affordable Care Act or change Medicaid or Medicare.

Soda Industry Steals Page From Tobacco To Combat Taxes On Sugary Drinks | Kaiser Health News

Soda Industry Steals Page From Tobacco To Combat Taxes On Sugary Drinks | Kaiser Health News: Voters in Oregon and Washington will decide whether to strip cities of the ability to tax sugary drinks.

Ga. governor candidates and health care | Georgia Health News

Ga. governor candidates and health care | Georgia Health News

Anesthesia in Kids Not Tied to Developmental Problems | Medpage Today

Anesthesia in Kids Not Tied to Developmental Problems | Medpage Today: Sibling analysis shows no difference in early cognitive outcomes after a single surgery

In Search Of Insurance Savings, Consumers Can Get Unwittingly Wedged Into Narrow-Network Plans | Kaiser Health News

In Search Of Insurance Savings, Consumers Can Get Unwittingly Wedged Into Narrow-Network Plans | Kaiser Health News: Restrictive lists of doctors and hospitals expose people to larger out-of-pocket costs, but trend appears to be slowing.

Big Tobacco Is Spending $17 Million To Block A Montana Tobacco Tax : Shots - Health News : NPR

Big Tobacco Is Spending $17 Million To Block A Montana Tobacco Tax : Shots - Health News : NPR: If the state's ballot initiative to fund Medicaid's expansion passes, it will mean a $2-per-pack increase in taxes on cigarettes and a new tax on electronic cigarettes.

Soft Furniture No Cushion Against Falls for Young Kids

Soft Furniture No Cushion Against Falls for Young Kids: It's a scene played out in many homes across America -- parents place their baby on a bed or sofa, thinking the child is safe while Mom or Dad slips away for a few moments.

Sleep May Speed Kids' Recovery From Concussion

Sleep May Speed Kids' Recovery From Concussion: Good sleep helps speed young athletes recover from a concussion, a new study reports.

Shareholder suit claims Anthem executives ignored risks of Cigna merger | FierceHealthcare

Shareholder suit claims Anthem executives ignored risks of Cigna merger | FierceHealthcare: Already ensnared in a bitter legal battle with Cigna over $14 billion in breakup costs, Anthem's top brass is facing a new shareholder lawsuit alleging the board of directors and former CEO Joseph Swedish ignored "insurmountable barriers" to the merger's approval.

Giving back: Immigrant doctors helping immigrant patients | Georgia Health News

Giving back: Immigrant doctors helping immigrant patients | Georgia Health News

Midterm elections 2018: 4 key healthcare issues in the U.S. - Modern Healthcare

Midterm elections 2018: 4 key healthcare issues in the U.S. - Modern Healthcare: Healthcare is top of mind for many 2018 midterm voters. In addition to picking lawmakers who will shape federal policy, many states have Medicaid expansion, provider pay provisions and other measures on their ballots.

Antibiotics During Infancy May Up Childhood Obesity Risk

Antibiotics During Infancy May Up Childhood Obesity Risk: Babies who are prescribed antibiotics before they're 2 years old may be more likely to become obese children, new research suggests.

Guns Kill Fewer Kids in States With Strict Firearm Laws

Guns Kill Fewer Kids in States With Strict Firearm Laws: Kids are safer in states with strict gun laws, a new preliminary study reports.

Obesity May Harm Kids' Academics, Coping Skills

Obesity May Harm Kids' Academics, Coping Skills: Obese kids may have extra difficulty with schoolwork and coping under stress, a preliminary study suggests.

‘Is There A Gun In Your Home?’ No One Is Teaching Doctors How To Ask | 90.1 FM WABE

‘Is There A Gun In Your Home?’ No One Is Teaching Doctors How To Ask | 90.1 FM WABE: Earlier this fall in Atlanta, about a hundred Emory University medical students gathered during lunch, scarfing down their meal before a panel discussion. They came, on their own time, to learn how to talk to their future patients about gun safety.

‘D’ grade: Georgia’s preterm births rise | Georgia Health News

‘D’ grade: Georgia’s preterm births rise | Georgia Health News

Trained to be a doctor, but held back by red tape | Georgia Health News

Trained to be a doctor, but held back by red tape | Georgia Health News

The Election’s Impact On Health Care: Some Bellwether Races To Watch | Kaiser Health News

The Election’s Impact On Health Care: Some Bellwether Races To Watch | Kaiser Health News: A number of health issues — from preexisting conditions to Medicaid expansion to changes to Medicare — could be at stake when voters head to the polls Tuesday.

Lawmakers target insulin rebates, pay-for-delay for future reform - Modern Healthcare

Lawmakers target insulin rebates, pay-for-delay for future reform - Modern Healthcare: The co-chairs of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus want to shake up how insulin manufacturers use rebates, setting a potential template for legislative action on drug pricing next year.

Bullish post-election Medicaid expansion outlook may not match end result - Modern Healthcare

Bullish post-election Medicaid expansion outlook may not match end result - Modern Healthcare: Although a new report predicts 2.7 million people in nine states could soon become eligible for Medicaid, expansion could look very different state by state.

Autism Risk: Mom's Health May Matter More Than Meds

Autism Risk: Mom's Health May Matter More Than Meds: Many pregnant women may wonder if antidepressants -- or other drugs acting on the brain's neurotransmitters -- might raise their baby's odds of developing autism. Now, reassuring research suggests that's not the case.

Students get reality check on distracted driving - News - The Augusta Chronicle - Augusta, GA

Students get reality check on distracted driving - News - The Augusta Chronicle - Augusta, GA

Decision time is near . . . for people enrolling in insurance exchange | Georgia Health News

Decision time is near . . . for people enrolling in insurance exchange | Georgia Health News

Red-state governor races could bring Medicaid expansion to millions - POLITICO

Red-state governor races could bring Medicaid expansion to millions - POLITICO: A blue wave might drive the biggest enrollment spike since Obamacare was first implemented.

Wisconsin can impose Medicaid work requirements, time limits, but not drug testing - Modern Healthcare

Wisconsin can impose Medicaid work requirements, time limits, but not drug testing - Modern Healthcare: The CMS on Wednesday gave Wisconsin permission to impose work requirements on beneficiaries. It's the first state to receive a green light for the policy without expanding Medicaid. The agency rejected the state's mandatory drug testing proposal.

Children's hospitals bear largest brunt of Trump immigration crackdown - Modern Healthcare

Children's hospitals bear largest brunt of Trump immigration crackdown - Modern Healthcare: Children's hospitals could see their revenue dip if increased anti-immigration sentiment from the Trump administration causes an exodus from Medicaid. Chronically ill children on Medicaid primarily go to these facilities for their hospital stays.

Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe

Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe: Rules for new drivers instituted in Massachusetts back in 2007 have led to fewer car crashes, including fewer deadly crashes, among drivers in their teens.

The Real Reasons Parents Refuse HPV Vaccination

The Real Reasons Parents Refuse HPV Vaccination: Safety concerns are a main reason American parents hesitate to have their children vaccinated against the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), according to a new study.

New Evidence Pot May Harm the Teen Brain

New Evidence Pot May Harm the Teen Brain: Teens who stop smoking pot can think and learn better afterward, even if they are only light users, a new study reports.

Kids' Pedestrian Death Rate Rises on Halloween: Study

Kids' Pedestrian Death Rate Rises on Halloween: Study: Trick-or-treating is a Halloween tradition that can quickly turn disastrous, with new research showing a more than 40 percent spike in pedestrian deaths on the spooky holiday.

Crisis text line connects teens with help and it's untraceable | 11alive.com

Crisis text line connects teens with help and it's untraceable | 11alive.com: In the first nine months of Text 4 Help, students sent 466 text messages. Here are some examples: "No one understands me," "I'm afraid of failing, "My friend is suicidal," "I don't have any friends."

Guns send over 8,000 US kids to ER each year, analysis says

Guns send over 8,000 US kids to ER each year, analysis says: Gun injuries, including many from assaults, sent 75,000 U.S. children and teens to emergency rooms over nine years at a cost of almost $3 billion, a first-of-its-kind study found. Researchers called it the first nationally representative study on ER visits for gun injuries among U.S. kids. They found that more than one-third of the wounded children were hospitalized and 6 percent died. Injuries declined during most of the 2006-14 study, but there was an upswing in the final year. The researchers found that 11 of every 100,000 children and teens treated in U.S. emergency rooms have gun-related injuries. That amounts to about 8,300 kids each year.

Bullish post-election Medicaid expansion outlook may not match end result - Modern Healthcare

Bullish post-election Medicaid expansion outlook may not match end result - Modern Healthcare: Although a new report predicts 2.7 million people in nine states could soon become eligible for Medicaid, expansion could look very different state by state.

Gun Violence Among U.S. Youth Has High Price Tag

Gun Violence Among U.S. Youth Has High Price Tag: Treating gunshot wounds in American children and teens costs roughly $270 million a year in hospital bills, researchers report.

In California, Some Doctors Sell 'Medical Exemptions' for Kids' Vaccinations

In California, Some Doctors Sell 'Medical Exemptions' for Kids' Vaccinations: A handful of California doctors are making hay off anti-vaccine parents, charging hundreds of dollars to issue medical exemptions for required childhood vaccinations, a new study claims.

Common Chemical Tied to Language Delay in Kids

Common Chemical Tied to Language Delay in Kids: Children may suffer delayed language skills if their mothers come in contact with common chemicals called phthalates in early pregnancy, new research suggests.

Many Teens Are 'Sextortion' Targets

Many Teens Are 'Sextortion' Targets: Parents of teens can add "sextortion" to the list of things to worry about, because a new study shows that 5 percent of teenagers are targets of this cybercrime.

Special Report: Doctors born in India filling medical gaps | Georgia Health News

Special Report: Doctors born in India filling medical gaps | Georgia Health News

Will Trump's push for flexibility help revamp insurance markets? - Modern Healthcare

Will Trump's push for flexibility help revamp insurance markets? - Modern Healthcare: Observers are divided over whether the Trump administration's moves to allow states to sidestep certain aspects of the Affordable Care Act will ultimately harm the marketplace and the vulnerable people who shop for coverage there.

Family Leave Boosts Breastfeeding Rates, But Mostly for Affluent Moms

Family Leave Boosts Breastfeeding Rates, But Mostly for Affluent Moms: Paid leave for new mothers may increase breastfeeding rates, but mainly among women with higher incomes, a new study contends.

Decorative Contact Lenses a Danger at Halloween, Any Time

Decorative Contact Lenses a Danger at Halloween, Any Time: Colorful or unusual-looking contact lenses are popular at Halloween, but they could harm your eyes, vision experts warn.

Getting Flu Shot Annually Won't Undermine Its Effectiveness in Kids

Getting Flu Shot Annually Won't Undermine Its Effectiveness in Kids: Does getting a flu shot every year diminish its power to protect children?

Report: ACA premiums 16% higher than they would have been with individual mandate | FierceHealthcare

Report: ACA premiums 16% higher than they would have been with individual mandate | FierceHealthcare: A recent Kaiser analysis found that the repeal of cost-sharing reduction payments and the individual mandate penalty is driving up premium costs significantly.

Medicaid will pay doctors, hospitals more next year - Modern Healthcare

Medicaid will pay doctors, hospitals more next year - Modern Healthcare: The majority of state Medicaid agencies are planning to issue raises next year for providers thanks to the stronger economy. States are also seeing the first drop in Medicaid enrollment in a decade.

Aetna, Anthem expected to continue positive earnings news - Modern Healthcare

Aetna, Anthem expected to continue positive earnings news - Modern Healthcare: Several heavy hitters deliver their earnings results this week, including insurers Aetna and Anthem, both of which are expected to build on positive results from the prior quarter.

Will Trump's push for flexibility help revamp insurance markets? - Modern Healthcare

Will Trump's push for flexibility help revamp insurance markets? - Modern Healthcare: Observers are divided over whether the Trump administration's moves to allow states to sidestep certain aspects of the Affordable Care Act will ultimately harm the marketplace and the vulnerable people who shop for coverage there.

Smoke Alarm With Mom's Voice Wakes Children Faster

Smoke Alarm With Mom's Voice Wakes Children Faster: Young children are more likely to be awakened by a smoke alarm that uses their mother's voice than one with a typical high-pitched alarm, a new study finds.

GEORGIA TODDLER AFM CASE: Georgia toddler paralyzed overnight as AFM fears grow nationwide | WSB-TV

GEORGIA TODDLER AFM CASE: Georgia toddler paralyzed overnight as AFM fears grow nationwide | WSB-TV: A Georgia mother said her toddler went to bed sick and woke up paralyzed from the neck down.

Georgia No. 8 in youth obesity, report says | Georgia Health News

Georgia No. 8 in youth obesity, report says | Georgia Health News

FDA approves Genentech's fast-acting single-dose flu medicine Xofluza

FDA approves Genentech's fast-acting single-dose flu medicine Xofluza: Baloxavir, the only single-dose, oral medicine approved to treat the flu, has been shown to dramatically reduce the duration of symptoms.

Medicaid will pay doctors, hospitals more next year - Modern Healthcare

Medicaid will pay doctors, hospitals more next year - Modern Healthcare: The majority of state Medicaid agencies are planning to issue raises next year for providers thanks to the stronger economy. States are also seeing the first drop in Medicaid enrollment in a decade.

Obesity a Painful Reality for 1 in 6 U.S. Youths

Obesity a Painful Reality for 1 in 6 U.S. Youths: One in six American kids struggles with obesity, and minorities struggle the most, a new report shows.

Feds will aid infants and mothers affected by the opioid epidemic - The Washington Post

Feds will aid infants and mothers affected by the opioid epidemic - The Washington Post: The effort will help newborns dependent on drugs and women who use opioids in pregnancy.

Abrams, Kemp clash in Georgia gubernatorial debate | The Telegraph

Abrams, Kemp clash in Georgia gubernatorial debate | The Telegraph: Candidates for Georgia governor Democrat Stacey Abrams and Republican Secretary of State Brian Kemp demonstrated in a debate that they’re far apart on policy, even as they’re very close in a recent poll.

Trump signs bipartisan measure to confront opioid crisis - Modern Healthcare

Trump signs bipartisan measure to confront opioid crisis - Modern Healthcare: President Donald Trump pledged to put an "extremely big dent" in the scourge of drug addiction in America as he signed legislation intended to help tackle the opioid crisis, the deadliest epidemic of overdoses in the country's history.

Kids With Autism, Delays More Likely to Be Overweight by Age 5: Study

Kids With Autism, Delays More Likely to Be Overweight by Age 5: Study: Children with autism or developmental delays may be at increased risk for obesity, a new study finds.

More transparency urged on tax donation program for rural hospitals | Georgia Health News

More transparency urged on tax donation program for rural hospitals | Georgia Health News

Waiver flexibility could widen gap between states - Modern Healthcare

Waiver flexibility could widen gap between states - Modern Healthcare: In handing states greater flexibility to overhaul their insurance markets through waivers, the Trump administration has paved the way for states to diverge further in the access and affordability of its residents' coverage, insurance experts said.

Breastfeeding May Shield Baby From Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Breastfeeding May Shield Baby From Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: Another study backs up the belief that "breast is best" when it comes to a baby's health.

Making Halloween Less Scary for Teens With Allergies, Asthma

Making Halloween Less Scary for Teens With Allergies, Asthma: Teens with allergies and asthma can enjoy Halloween as long as they take precautions, an allergist says.

Disabling Hip Ailment Is Another Health Risk for Obese Kids

Disabling Hip Ailment Is Another Health Risk for Obese Kids: Childhood obesity has been linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and early heart disease, but new research now ties it to a sometimes crippling hip condition.

National Health Law Program: Medicaid work requirements are bad policy disguised as flexibility | FierceHealthcare

National Health Law Program: Medicaid work requirements are bad policy disguised as flexibility | FierceHealthcare: Flexibility can be extremely valuable in crafting effective health policy—or it can underpin poor policy, with potentially dangerous consequences, experts warn.

Savannah/Chatham students urged to report bullying | Georgia Health News

Savannah/Chatham students urged to report bullying | Georgia Health News

Primary Care Doctors ‘Not Doing Enough’ To Curb STDs | Kaiser Health News

Primary Care Doctors ‘Not Doing Enough’ To Curb STDs | Kaiser Health News: As rates of sexually transmitted diseases surge, public health officials want physicians to step up screening and treatment of patients.

E-Cigarettes Slowed Wound Healing in Animal Study

E-Cigarettes Slowed Wound Healing in Animal Study: "Based on our findings, e-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes as it relates to timely wound healing," said study corresponding author Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel. He's chief of facial plastic surgery at Boston Medical Center.

Blue Cross to exit Obamacare market in some Georgia counties

Blue Cross to exit Obamacare market in some Georgia counties: Georgia still expects every county to be covered by at least one insurance option under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

Home health aides test political clout in Georgia governor's race - POLITICO

Home health aides test political clout in Georgia governor's race - POLITICO: The National Domestic Workers Alliance claims a membership of more than 2.5 million and has ambitions of matching the political footprint of labor unions.

As Billions In Tax Dollars Flow To Private Medicaid Plans, Who’s Minding The Store? | Kaiser Health News

As Billions In Tax Dollars Flow To Private Medicaid Plans, Who’s Minding The Store? | Kaiser Health News: Insurance companies profit from government contracts but are subject to little oversight of how they spend the money or care for patients. The expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act has only exacerbated the problem.

For EHR Reporting Program, cost transparency is top of mind - Modern Healthcare

For EHR Reporting Program, cost transparency is top of mind - Modern Healthcare: The ONC intends to use the EHR Reporting Program to disseminate information about certified software that gauges products' usability, security and interoperability.

Medicaid expansion is about reclaiming dollars, Va. governor says - Modern Healthcare

Medicaid expansion is about reclaiming dollars, Va. governor says - Modern Healthcare: For states that haven't expanded Medicaid, the push to do so isn't just about leaving money on the table. It's also about no longer subsidizing other states without benefit, according to Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia.

Will Republicans keep their new promises on pre-existing condition protections? - Modern Healthcare

Will Republicans keep their new promises on pre-existing condition protections? - Modern Healthcare: Despite congressional GOP candidates' promises, health policy analysts doubt whether victorious Republicans would move to replace those ACA protections with equally strong measures to cover people with health conditions as part of repeal legislation.

Survey: 50 percent of parents believe this myth about the flu shot

Survey: 50 percent of parents believe this myth about the flu shot: more than half of parents with children under age 18 believe their child can get the flu from the flu shot and a third of them think that the shot does not protect against the flu.

Number of Autism Genes Now Tops 100

Number of Autism Genes Now Tops 100: The number of genes known to be associated with autism now stands at 102, researchers report.

Georgia among the worst states for housing for foster children

Georgia among the worst states for housing for foster children: Does Georgia need more foster care homes?

Health Care Tops Guns, Economy As Voters’ Top Issue | Kaiser Health News

Health Care Tops Guns, Economy As Voters’ Top Issue | Kaiser Health News: Nearly three-quarters of voters say that health care is the most important issue for them, but fewer than half are hearing much from candidates about it, according to a poll released by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Rare mystery illness hits 3 Georgia kids this year | Georgia Health News

Rare mystery illness hits 3 Georgia kids this year | Georgia Health News: Three Georgia children have been reported this year as having a rare, polio-like health condition, state officials said Wednesday.

Countries That Ban Spanking See Less Teen Violence: Study

Countries That Ban Spanking See Less Teen Violence: Study: Nations that officially frown upon hitting kids as a form of punishment appear to have teens who are less prone to violence, new research suggests.

CDC Warns of Polio-Like Virus Striking More U.S. Kids

CDC Warns of Polio-Like Virus Striking More U.S. Kids: A rare but devastating polio-like virus appears to have made itself at home in the United States, partially paralyzing hundreds of children.

Florida Child Dies From Flu, the First Young Death Reported in the U.S. This Season - The New York Times

Florida Child Dies From Flu, the First Young Death Reported in the U.S. This Season - The New York Times: A child in Florida who had not received the flu vaccine died from the virus, state officials announced on Monday, the first influenza-related pediatric death reported in the country this flu season.

UGA researchers simulate traumatic brain injuries in lab | Georgia Health News

UGA researchers simulate traumatic brain injuries in lab | Georgia Health News: The lack of therapeutic intervention has been a longstanding frustration for those who study concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. Now some Georgia researchers may be making headway in addressing the issue.

States Act To Safeguard Young Cancer Patients’ Chances To Have Children | Kaiser Health News

States Act To Safeguard Young Cancer Patients’ Chances To Have Children | Kaiser Health News: Fighting cancer often involves toxic therapies that can cause infertility. In the past couple of years, five states have moved to require that plans pay for services such as egg removal and storage.

More members, including sicker ones, drive UnitedHealth revenue, profit higher - Modern Healthcare

More members, including sicker ones, drive UnitedHealth revenue, profit higher - Modern Healthcare: UnitedHealth Group recorded higher revenue and profit in the third quarter of 2018, as it served more members, including those with higher acuity health conditions.

Anthem's $16M breach settlement reminds others to assess their cyber risks - Modern Healthcare

Anthem's $16M breach settlement reminds others to assess their cyber risks - Modern Healthcare: Anthem will pay the federal government $16 million for a data breach that affected almost 79 million people. It's the largest data-breach settlement to date, and it signals the importance of conducting deep risk assessments.

Drugmakers Funnel Millions To Lawmakers; A Few Dozen Get $100,000-Plus | Kaiser Health News

Drugmakers Funnel Millions To Lawmakers; A Few Dozen Get $100,000-Plus | Kaiser Health News: Drugmakers' contributions to lawmakers have peaked as surging drug prices emerge as a hot-button political issue. In the past decade, Congress has received nearly $79 million from 68 pharma PACs, run by employees of companies that make drugs treating everything from cancer to erectile dysfunction.