Spectrum: Autism Research News

The Affordable Care Act brought coverage to thousands of children in a state that had one of the highest rates of uninsured minors in the United States.

The California Department of Health Care Services says this was the first fine imposed against one of its Medicaid managed care plans since at least 2000.

The Orphan Drug Act has opened the door to almost unlimited price tags for drugs to treat rare diseases — burdening insurers, government programs, and families for whom obtaining the medication is often a matter of life and death.

The system intended to help those with rare diseases is being manipulated by drugmakers to maximize profits and to protect niche markets for medicines that millions of people already take — and it’s all legal.

If the ACA is repealed, it could mean loss of coverage for several surprising health provisions, including therapy for children with autism, breast-feeding support for working mothers and assistance with emergency room visits.

The 21st Century Cures Act, having passed the U.S. Senate, now goes to President Barack Obama, who has promised to sign it.

A sprawling health bill expected to pass the U.S. Senate and become law before the end of the year is a grab bag for industries that spent plenty of money lobbying to make sure it happened that way.

More than 1,455 lobbyists representing 400 companies, universities and other organizations have pushed for or against an earlier House version of the 21st Century Cures bill.

If passed, the $6.3 billion 21st Century Cures Act would make mental health a national priority.

The lure of the pharmaceutical industry — along with a slow hiring process — has the Food and Drug Administration’s drug approval team struggling to hire and retain staff.