Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

La administración Trump busca frenar el creciente negocio de la marihuana

KFF Health News Original

El fiscal general de Estados Unidos, Jeff Sessions, anuló una norma de la era Obama con la cual se desalentó a los fiscales federales a tomar medidas enérgicas contra la venta y el consumo de marihuana.

Parsing The Policies: Trump And Association Health Plans; What About Out-Of-Pocket Health Care Costs?

Morning Briefing

Opinion writers examine a range of health policy issues, including the Trump administration’s proposed rule to pave the way for the creation of more association health plans and a push for Congress to restore funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

While Cancer Deaths Are Decreasing, U.S.’s No. 2 Killer Still Remains Formidable Foe

Morning Briefing

Experts credit a decline in tobacco use for the improved rates, along with breakthrough drugs that have improved the chance of surviving a diagnosis. In other public health news: the IV bag shortage linked to the hurricane in Puerto Rico may be over soon; a study finds that antioxidants don’t ease muscles after exercise; and more.

Pipeline Of Generics Into Drug Marketplace Contributing To Lower Prices, CVS And Walgreens Say

Morning Briefing

But the influx of the medications might help the companies’ bottom lines because generics generally have a higher margin than name-brand drugs. Meanwhile, the industry is primed for another wave of mega-mergers in the coming year.

Large Health Systems Asking Medicare For Relief From Some MACRA Requirements

Morning Briefing

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has already announced that physician practices with less than $90,000 in Medicare revenue or fewer than 200 unique Medicare patients per year did not have to comply with the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) that set up a new payment formula for doctors. Larger health systems are complaining that they need relief from the burden as well, though.

Picking Name Out Of Bowl Might Determine Fate Of Medicaid Expansion In Virginia

Morning Briefing

A House of Delegates race in Virginia is drawing national attention because the seat determines if Republicans retain power of the state chamber. The outcome will affect how hot-button issues such as Medicaid expansion play out in the state. The winner for the seat — the Republican candidate — was selected on Thursday, but the loser will have an option to request a recount.

Administration Decision On Medicaid Work Requirements Expected Soon

Morning Briefing

Nine states are applying for federal waivers to impose the requirements for able-bodied adults enrolled in Medicaid. The Obama administration had refused such requests. Elsewhere, tensions are growing in Maine as the governor seeks to stop the Medicaid expansion approved by voters, frustrations with Iowa’s managed care program are raising concerns among lawmakers and budget requests for Medicaid programs in Arkansas and Alabama come in lower than expected.

Justice Department Announces It’s No Longer Taking Hands-Off Approach To Legalized Marijuana

Morning Briefing

Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he is revoking an Obama-era policy that was deferential to states’ permissive marijuana laws, but it’s not clear exactly what that means. However, the industry, which was riding a high from California legalizing recreational marijuana use, is worried.