Latest KFF Health News Stories
Drug Makers: Most People Don’t Pay Retail
Executives are pushing back against the recent outcry over high drug costs, saying media outlets are focusing on the list prices rather than the discounted ones they say consumers are actually paying. In other pharmaceutical news, Merck settles a class action lawsuit over a painkiller it pulled from the market, and the costs of targeted cancer drugs is growing.
UnitedHealth Posts $720M Loss From Health Law Plans, But Tops Analysts’ Profit Forecasts
The biggest U.S. insurer got a boost from its pharmacy benefit management business, but the company will evaluate in the first half of this year whether it will continue to offer Obamacare plans in 2017.
As Enrollment Period Nears Close, Advocates Ponder Why Texas Sign-Ups Lag
The Dallas Morning News examines why Texas is not as successful as Florida in signing up people for health insurance. Also in the news is a look at hospitals’ efforts to get into insurance networks and a reminder to consumers that penalties for not having a plan will rise in 2016.
Ryan Vows To Have Health Care Platform Ready For Republican Nominee
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., says Republicans in Congress will craft a five-point agenda looking at national security, the economy, health care, poverty and the Constitution. In other Capitol Hill news, Rep. John Kline of Minnesota is opening an inquiry over the deaths of drug-dependent newborns.
Barbs Fly At Debate As Clinton, Sanders Battle Over Health Care
In the last Democratic faceoff before the Iowa caucuses, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders’ heated words underscore the ever-narrowing race between the two. In a series of pointed exchanges, Clinton continued her attack on Sanders’ newly released “Medicare for all” health plan, while Sanders went after her ties to Wall Street.
Sanders Unveils Details For Single-Payer Health Care Plan
On Sunday, after receiving criticism from front-runner Hillary Clinton for not providing the details of his universal health care plan, Sen. Bernie Sanders outlined his vision, which would cost $1.38 trillion a year and include a 2.2 percent tax increase on all income.
First Edition: January 19, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Determining Whether A Marketplace Plan Covers Abortion Is Still Difficult
Many insurers leave out information about abortion coverage on the summary of benefits and coverage.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Long-Term Care Needs; Publishing All Research Results; Surprise Bills
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health care developments in Florida, New Jersey, South Carolina, Connecticut, Michigan, North Carolina and Illinois.
Courtroom Clash: Health Care Companies, Iowa Officials Spar Over State’s Medicaid Privatization Plan
Thursday’s courtroom action centered on Gov. Terry Branstad’s plan to privatize Iowa’s $4.2 billion Medicaid program. Also, Democratic state legislators are pushing to ensure that accountability is part of the effort to shift the program’s management to private companies. One report estimates that oversight could cost as much as $17 million.
Teen-Specific Addiction Treatment Options Lag, But New Efforts Aim To Fix The Disparity
Many programs are geared toward adult care, but communities are now adopting strategies to meet the unique needs of young people suffering with addiction. Elsewhere, new research finds warning labels on sugary drinks might actually work, and a cafe for Alzheimer’s patients opens.
Watchdog Blasts FDA’s Lax Drug Safety Oversight
The Government Accountability Office highlights the lack of post-market monitoring of drugs that were cleared in expedited approval programs. In other pharmaceutical news, Anthem is turning the tables on Express Scripts over drug pricing, and the FDA rejects a drug application for a muscular dystrophy treatment.
In Undercover Video Suit, Planned Parenthood Alleges Conspiracy, Fraud By Activists
The organization argues that the Center for Medical Progress acted illegally when it secretly recorded videos alleging the reproductive health organization profited from selling fetal tissue from abortions. The center fired back, calling the lawsuit “frivolous.”
Ryan: Mental Health Legislation Has Fighting Chance Even In Election Year
The political realities of 2016 shortens the list of what House Speaker Paul Ryan will be able to accomplish. But Ryan highlights a bill making it easier for people with addiction, depression and other mental illnesses to get treatment as one that has promise. Elsewhere on Capitol Hill, acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt will testify on co-ops and the Medicare Payment Advisory Committee will look at a drug discount program.
Ky. Governor’s Plan To Revamp Medicaid Raises Concerns About Poor Communities
Some people worry that Gov. Matt Bevin’s plan to replace Kentucky’s traditional Medicaid expansion with one that would require enrollees to contribute financially to their health care could undermine gains made in the “neediest corners of America,” the Louisville Courier-Journal reports. Other outlets look at Louisiana’s decision to expand Medicaid and the Obama administration’s proposal to extend federal funding for the program.
Consumers Who Opt Against Health Coverage May Be Surprised At Tax Penalty’s Size
Going without health insurance will cost $695 or 2.5 percent of income, whichever is greater. But some consumers who did pick up coverage on the health law’s marketplaces still find their share of costs is hefty.
Realist Vs. Crusader: Health Care Tussle Reflects Divergent Leadership Styles Of Dem Candidates
Hillary Clinton in recent days has fired up attacks on Bernie Sanders’ health care plan, but the battle goes deeper than a single policy issue. Some say it demonstrates what kind of governing style — pragmatism versus a political revolution — each would bring to the White House. In other news, the Republican field duked it out at Thursday’s debate, with Donald Trump and Ted Cruz exchanging the harshest volleys.
First Edition: January 15, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.