Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health insurers could be effectively eliminated under some of the Democratic plans, and, in general, the companies are a primary target of candidates’ fiery rhetoric over health care costs. But they have to be careful in fighting back too hard: highlighting the issue risks signaling to investors that the Democratic plans could actually come to pass.
Medicare is popular among its 60 million beneficiaries, but the program also has limitations, and it is certainly not “free.” The New York Times takes a deep dive into the federal program that’s such a hot topic of conversation in the 2020 race. Meanwhile, the support from moderates for a public option shows just how far the party has come on health care.
White House advisers are eager to protect President Donald Trump from a repeat of the blue wave that took the House in 2018. It was widely believed that their health care message played a large part in the Democrats regaining the lower chamber. As part of the push to craft a strategy, the White House has prepared executive orders shoring up Medicare and requiring price transparency from hospitals.
Harris Hits Biden Over Previous Stance On Hyde Amendment: ‘Do You Now Say You Regret That?’
The scuffle between Sen. Kamala Harris and former Vice President Joe Biden didn’t end at just their health care plans. Harris called Biden out for supporting the Hyde amendment in the past, an abortion-related issue he came under fire for earlier in the 2020 race. Biden responded by accusing Harris of mischaracterizing his stance on the issue. Other health care topics that came up at the debate ranged from the Flint water crisis to immigration.
Health care once again took center stage at the second night of the latest round of 2020 Democratic presidential debates. Front-runner candidates former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) scuffled over their health plans — with Biden arguing that the Affordable Care Act should be built up while Harris backed a more progressive expansion of Medicare. Their arguments echo a larger fight within the party over where to go next with health care. Media outlets offer in-depth coverage of the debate night from fact checking dubious figures to taking a look at where the other candidates stand on the issue.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
California Bill Would Fight Deals That Delay Generic Drugs
As California Attorney General Xavier Becerra cracks down on pharmaceutical companies he said paid competitors to delay generic versions of their drugs, he’s also pushing for legislation that would give his department tools to catch more of them. It’s the first of its kind in the nation.
The Talk Seniors Need To Have With Doctors Before Surgery
Surgeons are rethinking the old notions of “informed consent.” With older patients especially, a push is on to talk candidly about what a surgery will do, its risks and how it will affect their quality of life.
Biden-Harris Debate Rematch Highlights Health Plan Differences
The Wednesday night event marked the second night in a row for Democratic presidential hopefuls to stake claims on how to fix the health care system.
La revancha del debate Biden-Harris destaca diferencias en los planes de salud
Hay casi tantas versiones de “Medicare para Todos” como candidatos demócratas, y cada uno piensa que su plan es el camino para asegurar a todos los estadounidenses.
Trump Administration ‘Open For Business’ On Drug Imports From Canada
HHS secretary announces a preliminary plan Wednesday to allow Americans to import certain lower-cost drugs from Canada. Manufacturers were quick to criticize the plan, saying it does not guarantee the safety of drugs coming into the country.
Azar Announces System Will Be Set Up To Allow Americans To Legally Access Cheaper Drugs From Canada
The Food and Drug Administration will have oversight of the process, HHS Secretary Alex Azar said. The move comes after the Trump administration has faced several setbacks on its drug pricing strategy.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care issues and others.
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Opinion writers weigh in on health care issues being raised at the Democratic debates and on other topics as well.
Media outlets report on news from Colorado, North Carolina, New Hampshire, California, Ohio, Indiana, Massachusetts, Florida, Missouri, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland and Oregon.
Perspectives: Unsustainable Spending For Unchecked Drug Pricing Could Unravel Medicaid Safety Net
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Prompted by an investigation by journalists from ProPublica and an organization called MLK50, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Tennessee announced major reforms in its collection policies. Yet the faith-based hospital, which temporarily suspended collection lawsuits this month, said it would not altogether stop such lawsuits.
Other conditions that could be linked to changes in the placenta include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability. The lab-grown placentas will help scientists gather clues on just where these disorders start, and hopefully lead to breakthroughs in preventing them. In other public health news: cancer, epilepsy, ketamine, diapers, heartburn and more.
The study published in Lancet focused on the disease burden of pediatric cancers and stressed the importance of adequate care around the world. “If you don’t have access to care and treatment of childhood cancer, you die,” said Lisa Force, a pediatric oncologist who led the study. “There are years that a child could have contributed to their society that they have now lost.” News on children’s health also looks at traumatic brain injuries, underserved communities and environmental hazards.