Latest KFF Health News Stories
In Effort To Rein In Spending, Arizona Asks CMS To Waive Medicaid Requirement To Cover All Drugs
The state is the latest to ask for the waiver, which officials say would give them more leverage to extract additional rebates from drugmakers. Meanwhile, Colorado has lifted Medicaid restrictions on when patients can get hep C drugs.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said he would support passage of the bill sponsored by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). In other news, the health industry is about to be hit with a double-whammy from the Republican tax bill and a decision by the Department of Health and Human Services on short-term health plans; and The New York Times looks at where President Donald Trump gets it right — and wrong — about premiums.
Stopgap Spending Bill May Provide Temporary Relief For CHIP Program
A provision in the bill would make it easier for states — who are running out of funds for the program — to receive leftover money from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services through Dec. 31.
Tax Bill Shakes Up Health — From Medicare To The ACA To Medical Education
The tax bill that Republican lawmakers are finalizing would have wide-reaching effects on health issues. But the GOP still has negotiating ahead to get a bill that both the House and Senate will support. That hasn’t stopped some party leaders from looking forward to additional plans to revamp programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
What The CVS-Aetna Merger Means For You … And Other Insights On The $69B Deal
Media outlets take a look at how the potentially groundbreaking merger will impact consumers, shake up the health care landscape and more.
First Edition: December 5, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Media outlets report on news from California, Florida, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Minnesota, Ohio, Maryland, Georgia, Texas and Iowa.
When It Comes To Chemo, What Does Not Kill Cancer Makes It Stronger, New Study Confirms
But doctors aren’t saying don’t seek treatment, and the study might offer a way out of the conundrum. In other public health news: red wine, Tylenol and emotional pain; cancer gene tests; HIV; migraines; and more.
Uterine Transplant Program Hits Major Milestone With First Baby Born In U.S.
The successful delivery of the baby gives hope to millions of women who struggle with infertility. The transplant is only meant to be temporary, kept in just long enough for the woman to conceive one or two children.
Advocates For Those Recovering From Opioid Addiction Fear Consequences Of Medicaid Work Requirements
Red states that have been particularly hard hit by the opioid epidemic are also the ones rushing to add work requirements to their Medicaid programs. But critics say that could backfire for those who are seeking help recovering from addiction. In other news on the crisis: Kratom bans; how cartels are getting drugs into the country; limiting opioids in court; programs to get hospital patients directly into treatment; and more.
Senate Panel Adds $1 Billion To VA Funding For Private Care For Patients
The funding boost was not publicized by leaders of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. In addition, two members of the House are hoping to stop VA researchers from running tests on dogs.
Even As Patients Assume More Health Costs, Price Details Difficult To Find
Although consumers are often counseled to shop around for cheaper health care, the effort is challenging because of the lack of price transparency. Meanwhile in other news about insurance and the health law, media outlets in Iowa and Connecticut report that enrollment is going well there, but another report points out the extremes that some people must go to when hoping to keep affordable coverage.
Maine Voters’ Support For Medicaid Expansion Emboldens Other States
Efforts to overcome resistance to the Obamacare program are being revived in Nebraska, Idaho, Utah and Virginia. Also, Democrats in Kansas would like to block state action that ties the next governor’s hands on changing the privatized Medicaid program, and companies are eager to compete for Florida’s program.
Coordinated Care, Choice And Health Costs — The Myriad Challenges Of The U.S. Medical System
New outlets detail a range of dynamics within the health care system that can help and hinder patients ability to access affordable care.
Together, the companies touch most of the basic health services that people regularly use, and the merger could keep the transactions under one roof instead of spread out over multiple industry players.
Congress Still Dragging Feet Over CHIP: They’re ‘Playing Politics With Our Kids’ Health Care’
Lawmakers have included a provision to fund the program until the end of the year in a stopgap spending plan, but many states scramble in the meantime as money starts to run out.
Following Tax Victory, Republicans Start Eyeing Medicare
Republican leaders have been champing at the bit to cut government programs such as Medicare, and critics are now worried they’ll use swelling deficits created by the GOP tax bill as an excuse to go after the programs.
Individual Mandate Repeal Included In Senate Tax Bill Despite Dire Warnings About Market Instability
The House — which did not include repeal of the individual mandate — and the Senate still need to reconcile their versions of the tax legislation, but Republicans have been in favor of getting rid of the requirement since it was passed so it’s likely it will make it in the final law.
First Edition: December 4, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
