Latest KFF Health News Stories
Post-Election, Americans Aren’t As Eager To Repeal ACA, Poll Finds
Only one in four Americans want a full repeal, down from nearly one-third in October.
GOP Embraces Repeal-Now, Replace-In-Three-Years Strategy On Health Law
Congressional Republicans plan to vote to repeal the health law immediately to fulfill campaign promises, but are giving themselves up to three years to come up with a replacement for the legislation that wouldn’t leave millions without coverage. Meanwhile, when they do come up with a new bill, they’ll need to work with Democrats to get it through the Senate.
Congressional Democrats Eye Medicare As ‘Winning Wedge Issue’
Meanwhile, McClatchy reports on how Kansas lawmakers agree that Medicare should be changed but they are hesitant about “privatization.”
After Easily Passing Through House, Cures Bill Now Faces More Vocal Detractors In Senate
The house votes to approve the wide-sweeping legislation, 392-26. The Senate is expected to take action next week.
First Edition: December 1, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Some GOP Voters Skittish On Full Repeal, Poll Finds
Trump backers expressed support for some of the health law’s consumer protections, such as allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26.
Slowing Down Hospital Discharge Requires Fast Action
Seniors who feel they’re being rushed out of the hospital can file an appeal to halt the process but they need to act fast.
Health Law’s Test Kitchen For Payment Reforms Could Offer Tool For GOP Ideas
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation was charged by the health law with exploring payment reforms that could cut health care costs and possibly improve quality. But its future is hinged to whether GOP lawmakers see value in its work.
Enfermos… ¿y en bancarrota? Consumidores gastarán más en drogas en 2017
En 2017, muchos más planes de salud en los mercados de seguros requerirán que los consumidores paguen una sustancial parte del costo de los medicamentos más caros, dicen, para disuadir a pacientes muy enfermos de elegir sus planes.
Viewpoints: The 21st Century Safety Net; The Outlook For Privatizing Medicare
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On Trump’s Plans For Health Care And Obamacare’s Last Gasps
Opinion and editorial writers offer their thoughts about what is next in the nation’s health policy debate.
Perspectives: Aggressive Government Intervention On Prices Would Backfire
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
High Drug Costs Take Backseat To ACA Overhaul, But Problem Won’t Disappear
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
Outlets report on health news from Texas, Maryland, California, Florida and Illinois.
‘It’s Never Too Late’: Older People Who Quit Smoking Still Benefit
Research finds that smokers who gave up cigarettes in their 60s had a lower chance of dying during the study period than those who kept smoking. In related news, data finds smoking to be a leading factor in Kansas City deaths. Meanwhile, Florida reports a drop in adult and teen smoking rates.
Meanwhile, Tennessee and Colorado are also taking steps to accommodate aging residents.
Needle Exchanges Work, But Resource Shortages, Users’ Unsafe Practices Undermine Success
Although the programs are showing results, problems still exist. There are rarely enough needles for users, even when an area has an established exchange program. In addition, white people tend to share needles and are less likely to seek out clean syringes. Meanwhile, the rising cost of an anti-overdose medication is causing panic for those who desperately need it.
Puerto Rico’s Zika Cases Plunge, But Its Lasting Effect Still Felt On Island
Meanwhile, a company in Florida has developed medication for people who have contracted the virus.
Anti-Vaccination Movement Optimistic They’ll Find An Ally In Trump White House
Donald Trump has signaled that he’s sympathetic to the movement, despite extensive scientific evidence debunking fears about vaccinations.
Emboldened Abortion Opponents Move Quickly To Capitalize On Election Wins
“It’s definitely going to be a busy session,” said Ingrid Duran, director of state legislation for the National Right to Life Committee. “Right now is the time that our affiliates are shaping their legislative agendas and what they’d like to see passed.”