Latest KFF Health News Stories
Bill To Fix Health Law Wouldn’t Offset Coverage Losses If Mandate Is Repealed, CBO Estimates
The Congressional Budget Offices estimates that 4 million Americans would lose insurance coverage in 2019 if Congress repeals the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate as part of its tax legislation. The nonpartisan agency says that passing the Alexander-Murray bill, aimed at stabilizing the health law marketplaces, would not soften that blow.
Drug Pricing Dominates Senate Questioning Of HHS Nominee Alex Azar
Alex Azar testified Wednesday before a Senate committee considering his nomination to be the next head of the Department of Human and Human Services. Democratic lawmakers, and some Republicans like Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), raised questions about the former Eli Lilly executive’s policy positions and ability to regulate the industry where he made his career.
First Edition: November 30, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Worrisome Consolidation In Eyeglass Market; DOD-FDA Fight Highlights Approval Delays
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives: Drugmakers Seem To Be Getting Pass In Administration’s Efforts To Curb High Prices
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
The Supreme Court’s Patent Case That Has Pharma On Edge
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Wisconsin, Texas, Arizona, California, Louisiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Montana and Minnesota.
Despite Controversies, Iowa Governor Offers Defense Of Medicaid Program
The state will provide oversight of Medicaid benefits for about 10,000 Iowans who could not gain coverage through the two remaining managed care companies participating in Iowa’s program. At the same time, Iowa’s new health director gave his agency and the Medicaid program positive marks in a presentation to Gov. Kim Reynolds. Meanwhile, court rulings in Arkansas and Louisiana impact funding for Planned Parenthood.
Contract Standoff Between Anthem And Hartford HealthCare Could Disrupt Services
Outlets report on hospitals and medical system news from Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida and Kansas.
After Flint Water Crisis, Mich. Gov. Pushes For Replacement Of All Lead Pipes Within 20 Years
At the same time, though, Gov. Rick Snyder delayed for four years the implementation deadline for the nation’s toughest drinking water lead limit. In addition, Flint’s former utilities director pleads “no contest” in the city’s ongoing water probe.
WHO: Progress Has Stalled In Worldwide Effort To Eliminate Malaria
In other public health news, many Americans still live with the AIDS virus for years without realizing they have it; running doesn’t necessarily help the heart; and what happens when clinical trials fail?
Former DEA Officials Urge Repeal Of 2016 Law That Stripped Agency Of Its Most Potent Weapon
“This bill basically tore the heart out of the diversion program,” one official told senators Tuesday. In other opioid-related news, members of Congress meet in Baltimore to gauge the scope of the opioid epidemic, questions arise over the growing profession of opioid recovery coaches and more.
CMS Hospice Compare Site Provides Faulty Information To Consumers
In other news from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, providers continue to be confused by the agency’s “meaningful measures” quality-reporting framework.
Examples Of Wasteful Medical Care: A Surgeon Who Also Pierces Ears — For $1,877
ProPublica continues its investigation of unnecessary medical treatments and their role in driving up the cost of health care. And Stat looks at how the “value” movement is reshaping the health industry.
Record-Keeping Dispute Forces New Hampshire Doctor To Surrender License
Dr. Anna Konopka, 84, kept written records and did not log prescriptions as part of New Hampshire’s mandatory electronic drug monitoring program. In other health care personnel news, drug companies hire nurses to talk up their medicines and some doctors ignore health issues when screening urine for drugs.
Also in the news, 19 Democratic state attorneys general say the Trump administration’s plan to roll back the requirement for employers to include birth control in their health plans is unconstitutional.
A Detailed Look At Who Benefits From Tax Bill’s Repeal Of Individual Mandate
The New York Times provides a statistical guide to the people who opt to forego insurance and pay a penalty instead. Also in news about insurance coverage, one paper explores how sometimes an income drop can help make coverage more affordable and save money, and another insurer moves into the venture capital market.
HHS Nominee Alex Azar Heads To Hill To Face Questions On Pharma Ties, Health Law Views
President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services will answer senators’ questions Wednesday during his first confirmation hearing. Drug pricing and Obamacare are expected to top the subject list.
Wisconsin could lose as much as $115 million a year that provides health coverage to about 118,000 children in the state. Meanwhile, in Texas, congressional inaction would result in the termination of coverage for nearly a half a million kids.
As a Senate panel moves the Republicans’ tax plan forward, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) says support for eliminating the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate is solidifying. And President Donald Trump signals openness to paying subsidies to help lower-income Americans buy health coverage to gain the backing of key lawmaker Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). Meanwhile, other health items still on the agenda are stacking up.
