Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: It’s Time To Stop Drug Companies From ‘Gaming The System And Gaming The Rules’
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
‘I’m Not Interested In Their Money,’ Trump Says Of Pharma. But He Took It Anyway.
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Texas, Missouri, California, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Illinois.
Michigan Officials Bring Home A Message About Impact Of Medicaid Cuts
At a community forum, a diverse group of officials point out how proposals to cut federal funding to Medicaid could play out in Michigan. Also in Medicaid news, Maine voters weigh whether to expand the program there and Indiana hospitals are buying or leasing nursing homes to increase federal funding.
Google Faces Backlash From Eating Disorder Specialists After Adding Calorie Counts To Maps
The feature showed how many calories a person would burn walking instead of driving to their new location. But experts warned that it could be triggering to those suffering from an eating disorder. In other public health news: obsessive compulsive disorder, diabetes, patients’ bigoted remarks, obesity, HIV and dementia.
The report caused Rep. Tom Marino (R-Pa.) to withdraw his name for the White House drug czar position and has prompted Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) to introduce legislation to repeal the law.
Former Lilly Executive Is A Leading Candidate For HHS Secretary
Alex Azar, who served as general counsel at the Department of Health and Human Services during the George W. Bush administration, is a top contender for the job, according to reports in The Washington Post and Politico.
‘Single-Payer’ Is The Hot New Buzz Word. But What Actually Does It Mean?
The Washington Post lays out what exactly a single-payer system looks like. Meanwhile, the issue is becoming a talking point in Minnesota’s gubernatorial race.
Among Confusion And Premium Hikes, Insurers Scrambling To Shore Up Customer Base
Companies are predicting a drop off in sign-ups when enrollment season rolls around in just two weeks. Outlets report on marketplace news out of California, New Jersey and Washington, as well.
Alexander-Murray Deal Would Restore Insurer Subsidies For 2 Years, Increase Flexibility For States
“In my view, this agreement avoids chaos,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who has been leading bipartisan talks with Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.).
Future Of Bipartisan Health Deal Already Shaky As Trump Reverses Course On Support
As news of a deal first broke Tuesday, President Donald Trump initially signaled support for the efforts. But after other Republicans panned the measure he seemed to change his mind. And although Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) expressed confidence in their plan, it will be a tough slog for them to get it through both chambers.
First Edition: October 18, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Sens. Alexander, Murray Strike Deal To Shore Up Obamacare Subsidies, Marketplaces
The agreement would reportedly provide two years of funding for subsidy payments to health insurers, expand availability of catastrophic plans and restore some money for enrollment outreach.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives: Outrage Aimed At The Government’s Role In The Opioid Epidemic
A recent investigation by The Washington Post and 60 Minutes has triggered a serious scolding in editorial pages.
Opinion writers offer a variety of criticisms of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order loosening some health insurance restrictions and his decision to stop federal payments to support the Affordable Care Act’s cost-sharing reductions.
Outlets report on news from California, New York, Oregon, Texas, Georgia, Connecticut, Puerto Rico, West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois and Florida.
After Fixing Diversity Problem, Researchers Found Normal Brain Looks Different Than They Thought
The study originally had a disproportionately high number of kids with parents who have an advanced degree. Weighting the data to make it more representative offered insights of what the brain actually looks like. In other public health news: HPV, fertility and sleep.
Talking About Guns Can Be Politically Murky Ground For Doctors, But Experts Say It’s Necessary
And many doctors already think they should be addressing the topic with patients.
Case Of Undocumented Pregnant Girl Part Of Larger Administration Trend To Interfere With Abortions
For the last seven months, the Health and Human Services Department has intervened to prevent abortions sought by girls at federally funded shelters, even in cases of rape and incest and when the teen had a way to pay for the procedure. In other news, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) says he’ll bring the 20-week abortion ban to the floor, a look at how the administration’s birth control mandate will affect consumers and teens speak up for pregnancy prevention programs.
