Health Headlines for Wednesday, October 26
Affordable Care Act Premium Increases Are a Fixable Problem
New York Times
The Affordable Care Act has improved and expanded health insurance to cover millions more Americans.
EpiPen rival plans return to U.S. market in first-half 2017
Reuters
Privately held drugmaker Kaleo Inc announced on Wednesday plans for a U.S. relaunch of its Auvi-Q injector for life-threatening allergic reactions in the first half of next year.
What to do when a health crisis pushes you over the limit
Reuters
In an age when out-of-pocket costs for healthcare keep rising, you might take (small) comfort in the fact that insurers are required by the Affordable Care Act to provide a cap on how much a person is compelled to spend in a year.
Breastfeeding support helps new moms stick with it, U.S. doctors say
Reuters
Women who want to breastfeed their babies may be more likely to try it and to stick with it when they receive education and support, new U.S. guidelines conclude.
BlueCross BlueShield offers seniors stable rates, new options for 2017
Clarence Bee
Tens of thousands of Medicare eligible Western New York seniors can re-evaluate their options and enroll in a health insurance plan that best meets their needs. With the annual enrollment window now open, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York has announced stable rates and a range of options for seniors to choose from, as well as the support they need to make the most educated decision.
E-cigarettes could be used to help combat obesity in smokers trying to quit: study
Reuters
Researchers in Britain and New Zealand have found a potential new use for electronic cigarettes in smokers who want to give up – controlling appetite and limiting the weight gain that often comes with quitting.
Bypass surgery may be better than stents for patients who skip meds
Reuters
For heart disease patients who adhere to optimal medical therapy, outcomes of coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may not differ, a new study finds.
Americans’ salaries can’t keep up with rising medical costs
New York Post
Americans are spending more of their paychecks on health insurance because stagnant wages aren’t keeping up with spiraling medical costs, according to a new study.
NY health insurance marketplace rates to increase
Record Online
Insurance rates for companies on New York state’s marketplace will increase next year by an average of about 8 percent for small-business group plans, and nearly 17 percent for individual plans.