Latest KFF Health News Stories
Newly Narrow Networks Make Navigating System ‘Almost As Bad As The Disease’ For Some Families
Insurers have pulled out of the individual marketplace across the country, leaving some people who need care for chronic diseases without any options.
For First Time, IRS Will Crack Down On Employers Not Offering Insurance To Workers
The Affordable Care Act requires large companies to offer their employees affordable insurance or pay stiff tax penalties, but the IRS has held off on enforcing the provision.
With Possible Individual Mandate Victory In Sight, GOP Warms To Plan To Stabilize Marketplace
One of the main goals of the measure is to reverse President Donald Trump’s decision to cut off cost-sharing payments to insurers. However, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) says Democrats won’t support the bipartisan plan if the individual mandate repeal remains in the tax package.
First GOP Senator Comes Out Against Tax Bill, A Possible Signal Of Troubled Waters Ahead
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said he can’t vote for either the House or Senate bill as written. Other lawmakers all voiced concerns about the measures.
Marketplace Would Be Fundamentally Rocked With Repeal Of Individual Mandate
Media outlets offer a look at what would happen to the Affordable Care Act exchanges if lawmakers include repeal of the individual mandate in their tax package. Meanwhile, Democrats seize on the turmoil as a way to get their base interested in the Republicans’ tax overhaul.
Despite Dire Predictions, This Year’s ACA Sign-Ups Continue To Surge Past Last Year’s Pace
But with a small enrollment window, it’s too early to tell what the final numbers will look like.
First Edition: November 16, 2017
LOOK AT US!: Kaiser Health News has a brand new look. With our readers’ feedback, we’ve changed the website to make it easier to discover important news, investigations, columns and multimedia. Check it out and let us know what you think.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives: HHS Pick Sends Message That Pharma Gravy Train Will Keep Chugging Along
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Tactic Of Using New Patents To Extend A Monopoly On A Drug Is Widespread, Study Finds
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from D.C., Connecticut, Texas, Arizona, Ohio, California and Missouri.
Complaints To Nursing Homes Can Result In Evictions In Minn.
An investigation by the Minneapolis Star Tribune finds complaints about involuntary discharges and transfers from senior care facilities have surged 50 percent since 2012. Meanwhile in Florida, nursing homes are asking the state to help pay for emergency generators.
Forget Bulky Fitbits, This Scientist Wants To Create Medical Wearables So Thin You Forget About Them
Ana Claudia Arias is developing such products as a bandage-like sensor that could monitor a wound’s healing process or one that could slip into a diabetic’s shoe and warn about foot ulcers the person wouldn’t be able to feel.
With Spotlight On Physical Devastation Football Causes, Question Becomes — Why Do Kids Still Play?
“Once upon a time a good hit would make me stand and cheer,” says Amy Stover. “Now, when I watch a game and a hit happens and someone goes down, I freeze, I feel sick. Will they get up? Are they okay? The consequences of the hit are so very vivid and real now.” In other public health news, gene editing, PTSD, maternal deaths, depression, soda, and more.
FDA Warns About Herbal Supplement Used As Addiction Treatment
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the supplement kratom is responsible for at least 36 recent deaths.
In Anticipated Study, Monthly Opioid Treatment Shown To Be About As Effective As Daily Pill
But the monthly treatment is more difficult because participants have to wean themselves off opioids for a period of three days before they could start taking Vivitrol. Because of that hurdle, patients failed to start on Vivitrol at four times the rate that they did on the daily medication Suboxone.
During HHS Nominee’s Tenure At Eli Lilly, Company Tripled Price Of A Top-Selling Insulin Drug
President Donald Trump touted Alex Azar as a “star” who could help combat high drug prices. But Azar’s history as a top pharma executive has critics worried.
Democrats Use CBO Report To Warn Tax Bill Will Trigger Medicare Cuts
The Congressional Budget Office warned that the tax bill could set off a budget rule that would necessitate cuts to Medicare of as much as $25 billion next year.
GOP Slips Repeal Of Individual Mandate Into Tax Bill In Hopes Of Scoring Two-In-One Victory
Not only would repealing the individual mandate save billions over the next decade, but it would allow Republicans to fulfill a years-long promise to voters. The Democrats and many in the health industry, however, are ardently opposed to the move.
First Edition: November 15, 2017
LOOK AT US!: Kaiser Health News has a brand new look. With our readers’ feedback, we’ve changed the website to make it easier to discover important news, investigations, columns and multimedia. Check it out and let us know what you think.
