Latest KFF Health News Stories
Kentucky Governor Cuts Coverage For 460,000 As ‘Unfortunate Consequence’ To Work Requirements Ruling
Republican Gov. Matt Bevin’s office said the Medicaid work requirement changes had offered “a sustainable path” to provide the dental and vision benefits, but said the judge’s move to block them means there’s “no longer a viable method” to provide the services. Some experts say, though, that the announcement is misleading and people will continue receiving their benefits.
The data shows that, even though the total number of people choosing a health plan for 2018 dipped, a higher proportion of those who picked coverage went on to make a premium payment so that they would actually be insured.
Collins Thinks Chief Justice Roberts Will Act As Bulwark Against Attempts To Overturn Roe V. Wade
“I think, for example, [Chief Justice] John Roberts given his respect for precedent and his cautious approach, despite what personal views he may hold, I would be very surprised if the chief justice would ever vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, just to give you an example,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said. Collins, who has a history of supporting abortion rights, is being watched carefully as one of the crucial votes for any Supreme Court nominee.
Liberal Groups Gird For A Fight As Trump Begins Interviewing Supreme Court Nominees
A new group is pouring millions into the fight over the Supreme Court pick. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s widely publicized list of potential nominees was a winning part of his campaign strategy, but it may now have become a liability.
NOTE TO READERS: KHN’s First Edition will not be published July 4. Look for it again in your inbox July 5. Here’s today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Out-Of-Pocket Costs Put HIV Prevention Drug Out Of Reach For Many At Risk
It’s getting increasingly difficult for patients to afford Truvada, also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, because of the drug’s high price and insurance company efforts to restrict the use of coupons that shield patients from it.
More Nurse Practitioners Now Pursue Residency Programs To Hone Skills
Proponents say the residencies provide help dealing with increasingly difficult cases, but some nursing groups contend that the programs are not necessary.
Despite U.S. Court’s Ruling, Medicaid Work Requirements Advance In Other States
It’s not yet clear what impact the decision on Kentucky’s mandate will have on other state programs.
Immigrant Families Placed In Detention Centers Face Health Care Challenges
The Trump administration plans to detain immigrant families indefinitely in facilities run by the Department of Homeland Security, an agency with little experience in handling their complex needs.
Viewpoints: Fight Back Against The Ban On Soda Taxes; Stop Using Opioid Prescriptions As Easy Fix
Opinion pages look at these and other health issues.
Editorial pages express views on health care policy issues.
Media outlets report on news from Connecticut, California, Ohio, New York, Colorado, Minnesota, Arizona, Michigan, Tennessee and Iowa.
More Than 800 Young Children In New York Public Housing Had Elevated Levels Of Lead In Their Blood
“It is horrifying that the department of health kept this information under wraps and it is outrageous that the city continues to justify and minimize this scandal,” said the city comptroller, Scott M. Stringer.
Iowa Court Rejects 72-Hour Waiting Period For Abortion, Says Women Have Right To Procedure
Abortion rights advocates said the ruling also weakened chances for the “fetal heartbeat law” passed this year.
Hospitals Scramble To Find Alternatives To Medications As Drug Shortages Persist
Hospitals and ER departments nationwide are coming up short when they need drugs such as morphine. “So many substances are short, and we’re dancing every shift,” said Dr. James Augustine, a doctor in Cincinnati.” In other public health news: palliative sedation, glaucoma, gaming addictions, ovarian cysts, emphysema and more.
More Americans Sent Home From China After Being Struck With Mysterious Illness
The tally of affected diplomats keeps growing, but officials still don’t have an answer to what’s at the root of the cause of the traumatic brain injuries.
Watching a loved one struggle with addiction can be a source of constant stress and take a physical toll in the long run. In other news on the crisis: violence in emergency rooms, blue-lit bathrooms, and legal action against a drugmaker.
Jury Sides With Patient That $229,112.13 Hospital Bill Was Unreasonable
Disputes over astronomical hospital prices are moving into the courts as more employers refuse to pay for their workers’ full bills. Meanwhile, to deal with skyrocketing health costs, some patients are turning to crowdfunding sites for help.
Before the federal health law, geography played a large role in Americans’ ability to get affordable coverage. Now, as some states take advantage of the administration’s relaxation of restrictions and others work to build up the protections granted by the ACA, there might be a return to those geographical disparities.
With Purchase Of PillPack, Amazon Will Have Access To Shoppers’ Personal Health Data
“Prescription drug information is highly personal information—it can tell if someone has cancer, if they have a sexually transmitted disease,” said Julie Roth, a health care regulatory attorney. Meanwhile, experts say the deal should act as a wake-up call to the rest of the industry that other companies need to step up their game on customer experience.