Latest KFF Health News Stories
The issue is divisive within the party and also leaves progressive Democrats open for attack from Republicans claiming the candidates are supporting socialized medicine. Democrats are trying to hone their message to signal support for more universal health care while also avoiding the contentious phrase. Meanwhile, health care is found to be top of mind for voters as the midterm elections creep closer.
N.C. Farm Bureau Wants To Eschew Some Of Health Law’s Rules — And It Has A Blueprint To Follow
The North Carolina Farm Bureau has looked to Iowa and Tennessee organizations to model their requests to skirt health law regulations. The bureau’s pitch to state lawmakers comes after the Trump administration in January proposed a rule to allow more small businesses and self-employed workers to band together to buy insurance through association health plans. Meanwhile, although there are some bright spots, it looks like premiums will skyrocket again next year.
The provisions that should be “struck down” include protecting people with pre-existing medical conditions from being charged more or being denied coverage, according to the Justice Department. Now, it will be up to several Democratic state attorneys general to defend the law, and they have already received permission to intervene in the case.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Suicide Ideation; Medicaid Expansion; And Premium Changes
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Opinion writers focus on these and other health care issues.
Opinion writers look at health policies and potential pitfalls they face.
Longer Looks: Equality In Medicine; Title X; And Police Promoting Addiction Treatment
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on news from Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, California, Ohio, Kansas, New Hampshire, Louisiana and Florida.
Marijuana Addiction Is Surging, But Experts Are Having Hard Time Convincing People It Even Exists
Treatment centers are seeing an upswing in people seeking help for marijuana dependency. But as the drug gains in popularity and public acceptance, doctors are battling the misconception that pot is not addicting. In other public health news: Ebola, eyesight, 3-parent babies, tobacco, hepatitis C, liver disease, malpractice, and more.
Warning Signs Of Kate Spade’s Suicide? Family Members Offer Different Opinions
While the fashion designer’s husband acknowledges her severe depression, he says he saw no indication she was on the verge of taking her life. Meanwhile, her older sister says she’s not surprised and that Kate was self-medicating.
Athenahealth CEO Jonathan Bush Steps Down Following Allegations About Misconduct Involving Women
The company said it has plans to explore a sale or merger following Jonathan Bush’s departure. In other health care industry news, CVS names a post-merger executive team and Fortive offers to buy a Johnson & Johnson business.
Michigan’s Medicaid Work Requirement Advances On Expected Path To Approval
The state is just the latest to move toward adding more restrictions to its program, something governors and legislatures are jumping on since CMS signaled its willingness to grant waivers. Medicaid news comes out of Virginia, Texas, Florida and Mississippi, as well.
Candidates Tap Into Constituents’ Personal Struggles With Opioids To Woo Voters
The opioid epidemic has become a campaign issue as the midterms approach, and, for once, Republicans and Democrats are using strikingly similar language to talk about the issue. Meanwhile, the House is expected to vote on a package of opioid bills next week and HHS Secretary Alex Azar defends the Trump administration’s approach to fighting the crisis.
The legislation gives companies more wiggle room, but most say they are not going to use it. Patients are “no better off today with Right to Try than [they were] yesterday,” says Arthur Caplan, head of medical ethics at NYU School of Medicine. In other pharma news: lawmakers want companies to develop new antibiotics but they’re not offering any extra incentives; Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) introduces a bill to increase transparency over patient advocacy group payments; tips on getting around pharmacists’ gag rule; and more.
International Medical Mystery Deepens As More American Diplomats Are Evacuated From China
The medical mystery started in 2016, when American Embassy employees and their family members began falling ill in Havana, Cuba. In all, 24 of them were stricken with headaches, nausea, hearing loss, cognitive issues and other symptoms after saying they heard odd sounds. Now, officials are seeing the same signs in diplomats who were stationed in China.
What’s In A Name? Trump Wants To Re-Name HHS, Move Certain Safety-Net Programs Into Agency
Sources say the president wants to shift the food stamp program out from the Agriculture Department and into HHS. But the biggest changes outlined by the White House are unlikely to be implemented because moving multibillion-dollar programs and renaming federal departments generally requires congressional action.
San Francisco Votes To Keep Ban On Flavored Vaping Products Despite Ad Blitz From Big Tobacco
The ban is one of the strictest in the nation, and R.J. Reynolds poured millions into getting it overturned. The campaign to keep the ban spent about $2.3 million, with the lion’s share coming from former New York City mayor and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg.
California Voters Face Stark Ideological Choice Come The General Election
The race for California governor was narrowed down to Democrat Gavin Newsom and Republican John Cox. The outcome of the race could both shape the fate of the Affordable Care Act in the state and influence whether Republicans in Washington take another shot at dismantling the landmark law. “For the Affordable Care Act, California is a bellwether state,” said David Blumenthal, president of the Commonwealth Fund.
Trump Signs Sweeping VA Overhaul That Expands Private Care Options Into Law
The VA Mission Act, which Congress passed with bipartisan support before Memorial Day, was designed to overhaul the way veterans get private-sector care, close or consolidate underused facilities and provide new incentives to hire doctors, among other changes. Lawmakers are still trying to pay for the legislation, but President Donald Trump is opposed to their plan to fund the changes.
