Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: August 17, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Often Missing In The Health Care Debate: Women’s Voices
When leaders in Washington discuss the future of American health care, women are not always in the room. Here, nine women share their personal stories, fears and hopes.
Más médicos apoyan un sistema de salud universal
Una nueva encuesta revela que cada vez más los profesionales de la salud se inclinan a un sistema con un pagador único que se haga cargo de las cuentas médicas.
Viewpoints: Trump Driving Premium Increases; Opioid Treatment For Prisoners
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives: Drug Companies Getting Stingy With Subsidies; Supreme Court Deals Blow To Consumers
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Drugmakers ‘Game The System And Game The Rules,’ FDA Head Gottlieb Says
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
State Highlights: Ohio Co-Op Accused Of Fraud; California Heads Toward Serious Doctor Shortage
Media outlets report on news from Ohio, California, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Texas, Arizona and Colorado.
Contaminated And Unsafe Water Flows Through Communities Across Country
A new research center will study chemicals not yet regulated by the federal government but that have been linked to cancer and other diseases. And News21 releases its investigation that finds as many as 63 million Americans are exposed to unsafe drinking water. In related news, tainted water in a North Carolina river raises questions for state lawmakers.
Hospitals in Massachusetts, Colorado, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Illinois make news today.
Georgia Medicaid Director And Aide Leave; State Officials Offer No Explanations
Linda Wiant’s departure appeared to come suddenly and followed the exit of a deputy, Marcey Alter, earlier in the week. News outlets also report on the trial involving the Mississippi Medicaid director and developments in New Hampshire and Maine.
Texas Governor Signs Law That Cuts Insurance Coverage Of Abortion
The measure, which passed the Legislature on a party-line vote, does not offer exceptions for cases of rape or incest. Meanwhile, in Oregon, the governor signs a bill expanding coverage for the procedure and other reproductive health services.
South Carolina Files Lawsuit Against Maker Of OxyContin Over Alleged Deceptive Marketing
The suit accuses Purdue Pharma of violating the state’s Unfair Trade Practices Act. With similar cases recently filed in Birmingham, Ala., and Cincinnati, the litigation is following in the court path used against Big Tobacco. In other news on the national crisis: teen overdose deaths rise; the lure of “body brokers”; when antidotes fail against synthetic drugs; and more.
Physicians Increasingly Support Single-Payer Health Care, Survey Finds
Fifty-six percent of doctors either expressed strong support or were somewhat supportive of a single-payer system, according to a survey by the physician recruitment firm Merritt Hawkins.
What To Do If A Medical Bill Triggers Sticker Shock?
The Wall Street Journal suggests that consumers should negotiate medical costs, question charges and move quickly to resolve disputes or arrange payment plans. In another story, the Journal notes a trend in which consumers appear less anxious for the latest treatment or medical technology when it also is the most expensive.
Startup Aledade’s Ambitious Goal: Reduce Health Care Costs While Improving Care Quality
The New York Times profiles the progress the company has made at two primary care practices in Kansas. In other industry news, health insurer Oscar posts a $57.6 million first-half loss. And Sabra Health Care shareholders approve a proposed merger with Care Capital Properties.
HHS Rolls Back Two Programs Designed To Test New Medicare Payment Models
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said it will cancel the Obama-era pilot programs that required Medicare providers to participate in new care delivery models for things such as heart attacks, bypass surgeries, and some hip and femur fractures.
Nevada’s Insurance ‘Bare Market’ Now Appears Covered
The health insurer Centene Corp. decided to expand its reach in Nevada, offering health plans in rural counties that were at risk of having no options next year. The step is viewed as a victory for Obamacare supporters.
At August Recess Town Hall Meetings, Colo. Sen. Faces Health Policy Heat
Sen. Cory Gardner faced cheers and boos from constituents — along with lots of questions about his support for efforts on Capitol Hill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Other members of Congress are finding themselves in similar circumstances.
White House Tries To Push Congress To Try Again On Obamacare Repeal
One key Trump administration target is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), but the president is also keeping up his attacks on Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), whose no vote last month was pivotal to preventing Senate passage of any legislation to undo the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) is meeting with White House officials on his repeal-and-replace plan.
CBO: Trump’s Threat To Stop Health Subsidies Would Increase Premiums And The Deficit
The Congressional Budget Office found that if President Donald Trump opts to halt certain insurance subsidies it would increase the federal deficit by $194 billion and cause the premium costs for a popular Obamacare plan to increase significantly.