Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Bill To Fund Children’s Health Coverage Moves Toward House Vote, Bickering Intensifies
A hearing on the bill in the Rules Committee exposes increased tensions between Republicans and Democrats over how to pay for the funding of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which expired Sept. 30. That has left states scrambling to find money for the program.
Share Of Medicaid Enrollees In Private Managed Care Plans Rises With ACA Expansion
A new report by PwC finds the number of Medicaid enrollees covered by private health plans grew by 1 million last year and 12 states have at least 90 percent of their program participants covered by these managed care plans, up from nine last year and four in 2013. In other Medicaid news, Puerto Rico is seeking help as its crisis grows, Connecticut’s budget will cut services for at least 68,000 residents, and the federal government approves a small expansion for Utah.
Lawmaker’s Heartbeat Bill Would Effectively Ban Abortions At As Early As Six Weeks
Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) acknowledges that the strict legislation, if passed, would face legal challenges, possibly all the way up to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, outlets report on abortion news out of Oregon, Texas and Ohio, as well.
Hospitals Threaten Legal Action Over CMS’s Decision To Slash Lucrative Drug Subsidies
Critics of the 340B program, designed to help hospitals with large numbers of uninsured patients, say the significant margin on the drugs gives hospitals an incentive to overuse certain drugs or choose high-priced options.
Lawmakers Want To Reduce Medical Waste That Accounts For Billions A Year In Spending
A recent ProPublica report shows how drug companies force patients to pay for expensive liquid medications, such as eyedrops and cancer drugs, which are produced or packaged in ways that lead to waste. The lawmakers’ bill would task federal agencies with creating a plan to reduce that.
FDA Cracks Down On Companies Touting Their Marijuana Products As Cures To Cancer
“We don’t let companies market products that deliberately prey on sick people with baseless claims that their substances can shrink or cure cancer,” says Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb.
Opioid Commission Unveils Blueprint To Fight Crisis, But Passes Funding Buck To Congress
The group’s 56 recommendations include tightening prescription practices and expanding drug courts, prevention efforts, treatment access and law enforcement tactics.
Alexander Confident His Bipartisan Bill With Murray Has Good Chance Of Passing
Meanwhile, more than 200 health and business groups have announced their support for the legislation to shore up the health law marketplaces.
Trump Supports Plan To Tie Repeal Of Individual Mandate To Tax Overhaul, Throwing GOP A Curveball
The president’s tweets supporting the idea come a day after his press secretary said Trump would not require the language repealing the mandate be in the tax bill in order for him to sign it into law.
Confused About How To Buy Coverage Under The Health Law? You’re Not Alone.
Media outlets offer guides on how to be a savvy shopper during this open enrollment period.
Administration Only Sends Outreach Emails To Consumers Currently Covered Under ACA
That means millions fewer people received information than in past years when such mails also went to those who once signed up for or researched marketplace plans. Critics view the move as another example of the Trump administration’s attempts to undercut the health law.
Open Enrollment Kicks Off With Mostly Smooth Start But Fanfare Of Previous Years Is Absent
President Donald Trump didn’t acknowledge opening day for the health law exchanges, and his administration’s announcements were muted. But despite the confusion surrounding the marketplace, consumers still turn out to shop. Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama released a video to encourage people to get coverage.
First Edition: November 2, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Policy Thoughts: Tips For Navigating The ACA’s Open Enrollment Season
Opinion writers also examine issues such as the medical-loss ratio and some thoughts on seniors’ access to care and treatment.
Perspectives: Pharma Is Making Exciting Progress On Drugs But We’re Left With Sticker Shock
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Amazon Is Poised To Enter Pharma Landscape — So What Will That Look Like?
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Massachusetts, California, Michigan, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Utah, Minnesota, Washington, Missouri and Wisconsin.
It’s Not Rare For Those Contemplating Suicide To Deny It, But There May Be A Way To Predict It
New research looks at how the brain reacts to certain words when a person is considering suicide. In other public health news: heartburn drugs, discrimination and black licorice.
Fraud Lurks As Dark Threat In Age Where Digital Crowdfunding For Medical Costs Is Commonplace
GoFundMe pages to help cover medical costs crop up daily, but how can anyone be sure the money is actually going to a good cause?
