Latest KFF Health News Stories
ACA Outreach Cutbacks, Shorter Enrollment Window Likely To Hurt Vulnerable Populations
The health law sparked some of the biggest gains in coverage for minority populations. But those same populations may be the ones most effected by the administration’s decision to slash sign-up efforts. The deadline for coverage passed on Friday, and although the pace of enrollment surged over last year, the shorter window will likely result in fewer sign-ups overall.
First Edition: December 18, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from news outlets around the country.
Research Roundup: Coverage And Access; #MeToo Movement In Medicine; And Hospitals
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from Arizona, Oregon, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Minnesota, California, D.C., Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania and Washington.
#MeToo Movement Shines Light On Sexual Harassment In Medical Research Industry
About one in three women in the field report experiencing workplace sexual harassment. In other public health news: high glucose levels during pregnancy, caregivers, macular degeneration and mass shootings.
Some Mental Health Providers Hesitant To Make Room In Already Crowded System For Drug Users
As states try to get a handle on the opioid crisis, police are shifting their focus from arresting drug offenders to helping them get treatment. But there are already too many people on waitlists who are outside the criminal justice system, and some mental health providers are worried about what will happen to those patients if they make room for the new ones.
‘It’s Heartbreaking’: As Zika Babies Age, Devastating Health Effects Become More Clear
Fifteen of the 19 children, who ranged from 19 months to 2 years of age, had not met the developmental milestones — like being able to sit up by themselves — that a healthy 6-month-old would meet.
World’s Biggest Generic Drugmaker To Slash 14,000 Jobs, Close Some Facilities
Teva Pharmaceuticals has been hit hard by declining generics prices.
Calif. Lawmaker Proposes Medicaid Cover Undocumented Immigrants
The state has already eliminated legal residency requirements for Medicaid coverage for people under 19. But Assemblyman Phil Ting, who heads the Assembly’s budget committee, wants to extend that to all ages. News outlets also report on Medicaid developments in Louisiana, Montana and Connecticut.
Telemedicine Could Be Impacted By FCC Repeal Of Net Neutrality Rules
Patients seeking to connect with health providers from home could find it hard to get the internet service that they need, some telemedicine advocates fear. Also, the Department of Veterans Affairs has put its new contract for an electronic health record on hold.
CHIP Funding Morass: How Did Something Everyone Seems To Agree On Get To This Point?
The Children’s Health Insurance Program has always enjoyed widespread bipartisan support, but Congress has dawdled over renewing its funding for the past three months as states slowly run out of money.
The Ripples Of GOP’s Tax Bill Would Be Felt Across Health Industry
From the repeal of the individual mandate to triggered Medicare cuts, PBS takes a look at how the tax bill would impact health care. But, with two ailing Republican senators and another one coming out against the legislation, the certainty of its passage is not a given.
Experts Starting To Question If Struggling Bipartisan Health Bill Would Even Be Good For Consumers
Because of a weird quirk, the effects of the Trump administration stopping subsidies to insurers have been tempered enough that if the bipartisan bill passed it actually might do more harm than good for consumers. Some still say, though, that there are benefits to passing the legislation, which is losing support on Capitol Hill anyway.
Abbreviated Enrollment Period Ends Today For Federal Exchanges, Some States
Although the pace of this year’s sign-up outstripped last year, the shorter time period means there will likely be fewer total enrollees. Outlets also report on enrollment news out California, Colorado, New Hampshire, Florida, Massachusetts and Texas.
First Edition: December 15, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Handicapping The Health Law’s Future; ‘Tis The Season… For The Flu’
A selection of opinions on health care from news outlets around the country.
Longer Looks: The Future Of Pharma; Jimmy Kimmel On CHIP; And Presidential Health
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on news from Washington, D.C., Florida, Connecticut, California, Indiana, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Georgia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Ohio Governor Likely To Sign Bill Banning Down Syndrome Abortions Following Passage In Legislature
A similar measure in Indiana has been blocked by a federal judge, who ruled the state has no authority to limit a woman’s reasons for ending a pregnancy. Outlets report on abortion news from Pennsylvania and Arkansas, as well.
