Latest KFF Health News Stories
Azar: ‘There’s Little We Can Do To Stop’ High Premium Increases
HHS Secretary Alex Azar, while testifying to Congress Wednesday, defended the Trump administration from claims it was trying to sabotage the health law. Azar also said that President Donald Trump is taking steps to try to make coverage more affordable, such as extending short-term policies and allowing association health plans. The secretary spoke about Medicare, as well.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages look at these and other health care issues.
Perspectives: The Hidden Cause Of Death — High Drug Prices
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
When The Condition A Drug Treats Is Taboo To Talk About, Prices Can Go Left Unchecked
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Louisiana, Georgia, Alaska, Texas, Missouri, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, California, Florida, Pennsylvania and Kansas.
Some of the more than 260,000 children infected with the virus are making slow progress, according to scientists studying the impacts of microcephaly and other deficits.
Mental Health And Suicide In Spotlight Following Designer Kate Spade’s Death
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and it “does not discriminate,” advocates say. In other public health news: cancer, stool donors, 3-parent babies, depression, and weight-loss balloons.
Accounts Of 92 Million Users Hacked On Popular Online Genealogy Site
Also, in other health technology news, federal lawmakers raise concerns about gaps in a cyber law being implemented by HHS.
White House Revokes Attempt To Cut $252M In Ebola Funding As Part Of Rescissions Package
President Donald Trump is trying to build momentum behind the package, but lawmakers are also uneasy with some of the other suggested cuts to popular programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
FDA Puts Bad Actors On Notice: Agency Is Cracking Down On Illegal Online Opioid Sales
The extent of the FDA’s direct enforcement authority is unclear, but the agency warned companies that fail to correct violations outlined in the warning letters that they could have their products seized or face other legal action.
House Republicans Signal Support For $1.1B Fix For Unexpected Shortfall With Veterans’ Health Care
The funding gap cropped up after Congress passed a major overhaul of the veterans’ health care system, which opened up more avenues for patients seeking private care. Meanwhile, a new review of the Veterans Affairs hospital in Arizona that was at the heart of the national crisis over veterans’ health finds further safety and care issues at the facility.
Lawmakers To Move Forward With Bill To Bring Generics To Market Faster
The measure has languished, but branded drugmakers have since relaxed their opposition to the legislation. The shift in position comes as the companies hope the bill will help with their “doughnut hole” problem.
It comes down to the “cascade phenomenon,” insurers say. Even if a smaller company doesn’t expect to lose members, it will still feel the pain from the changes in the industry because of how the health law has tied the marketplace together with the permanent risk adjustment program.
Calif. Gubernatorial Candidate Pledges Universal Health Care Coverage Push Following Primary Victory
Gavin Newsom, the Democratic lieutenant governor and a proponent of a single-payer health care system, won a spot in the general race for governor last night. He’ll face Republican businessman John Cox in the fall.
The Medicare trust fund, which covers hospitalizations, will be depleted in 2026, the Trump administration reports. An aging population is also putting strain on the reserves.
Editorial writers look at these and other health care issues.
Different Takes: To Regulate Health Care Or Not? Not So Fast With Assumptions
Opinion writers express views on how to achieve lower health care costs and insure everyone.
Media outlets report on news from Illinois, Florida, California, Tennessee and Puerto Rico.
