Latest KFF Health News Stories
Perspectives: All About Bernie’s ‘Medicare-For-All’ Plan
Editorial writers offer a variety of opinions on the single-payer health plan proposal advanced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
Media outlets report on news from Texas, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and Ohio.
Hospitals Involved In Safety Problems Rarely Face Serious Repercussions, Investigation Finds
USA Today has been following the probe into MedStar Washington Hospital Center for its sewage leaks. Outlets report on more hospital news from Kansas, Connecticut and Wisconsin as well.
LA Tries To Get Ahead Of Highly Contagious Hep A Outbreak That’s Sweeping San Diego
Since November, 421 people in San Diego County have been infected with the virus, including the 16 who died. So far Los Angeles has been spared, but they don’t want to be caught off-guard.
In hospitals, sickle cell patients are typically treated by generalists who know little about the disease and patients’ desperate need for pain relief. Some patients even delay seeking care because they know how much of a “battle” it will be. In other public health news, mental health after hurricanes, antidepressants, gut bacteria, leprosy, tattoos and more.
Insurers Restricting Access To Less Addictive Medication Because Opioids Are Cheaper
As the opioid crisis rages on, the roles of various members of the health care landscape have been examined to see how they’ve play a part. But insurers have been largely overlooked so far. In other news, some states are trying to cut down on opioid abuse via pets’ medication. Media outlets also report on news from the crisis out of California, New Jersey, Arizona and Ohio.
Under Pressure To Reduce Red Tape, FDA To Hold Hearing On Approval Process
The Food and Drug Administration implemented a more structured approach to how new drugs are approved based on their safety risks as part of the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act in 2010. At the meeting, the agency will likely hear testimony on experiences with this approach.
Ohio House Speaker Surveys Colleagues About Overriding Kasich’s Medicaid Expansion
Last summer, Ohio Gov. John Kasich vetoed the part of the state’s budget bill that would have frozen Medicaid expansion enrollment. Republicans in the House threatened to try to override the veto in July but eventually did not take a vote. Also in Medicaid news, Pennsylvania’s governor says that a cash shortfall is causing Medicaid payments to insurance companies to go out late.
Vermont Sets Its Focus On Statewide Model Of Care That Incentivizes Keeping Patients Healthy
After its single-payer efforts collapsed, the state is trying to revolutionize health care in a different way. The model is similar to how Medicare pays for care.
Unlike The Senate, House Panel Fails To Come To Terms On Plan For Children’s Health Insurance
Key Senate leaders agreed on a bipartisan funding bill last week for CHIP, but the House left town without announcing any agreement. The program’s funding authority runs out Sept. 30.
Anti-Abortion Advocates Pleased By Modest, But Sustained, Gains From Trump Administration
“Even with what’s already been done—add that to what we think will be done—I would say this is the most pro-life presidency in the modern era,” says Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List. “We’d be hard-pressed to say any other administration has made more gains.”
Following Tragedy, Nursing Home Vows It Sought Urgent Help Which Contradicts State Officials’ Story
One of the executives of the facility where eight residents died in the wake of the hurricane said she repeatedly called a special number given out to nursing homes that needed urgent help, and yet no one came. Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Scott has suspended the home from the state’s Medicaid program and announced new safety rules for facilities this weekend.
Anthem Reverses Course, Will Sell Plans On Individual Marketplace In Virginia
So far efforts to keep any county from being “bare” under the law have been successful. Meanwhile, Affordable Care Act navigators brace for deep budget cuts.
GOP Says It’s Close On Graham-Cassidy Bill, But Those Last Votes Have Always Been A Struggle
The measure from Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is the party’s last-ditch effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. And while Cassidy says he thinks he has about 48 or 49 votes, that still isn’t enough to pass it.
First Edition: September 18, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Different Takes: Sanders And Single-Payer; One Last Try On Obamacare Repeal; Building On Victory
Opinion writers across the country examine the health proposal offered by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), where things stand for congressional Democrats and Republicans, how the Trump administration is quietly moving against the Affordable Care Act and why it’s time for politicians to get real.
Research Roundup: Cost Sharing Reductions; Insurance Gains
Here is a selection of news coverage of other recent research:
Media outlets report on news from the District of Columbia, California, Iowa, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Oregon and Texas.
High-Risk Drinking In Older Adults A Growing Problem
The scientists who ran the study didn’t investigate causes, but speculate that anxiety caused by the recession, which hit right between the two surveys, may have played a part. In other public health news: lupus, nail-biting and other tics, end-of-life discussions, cervical cancer and more.
