Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare’s Observation Care Policy More Likely To Affect Low-Income Seniors
A new study finds that low-income patients are more likely to be kept in the hospital under observation, and the higher out-of-pocket spending that accompanies not being officially admitted is a bigger burden for them. Also in the news, long-term care hospitals are pressing Medicare for a change that may cut their reimbursement rates.
VA To Flex Powers Of New Law That Makes It Easier To Fire Department Employees
Brian Hawkins, the former director of the agency’s main medical center in D.C. which a report found to be plagued by the “highest levels of chaos,” was fired in late July. The government’s Merit Systems Protection Board issued a stay on the decision, but now VA Secretary David Shulkin has another tool to make the firing stick.
Health Officials Denounce Trump’s Decision To Cut Funding For Pregnancy Prevention Programs
The $214 million pregnancy prevention program is made up of 81 five-year grants that are now set to end in June 2018, two years early, under a highly unusual Health and Human Services Department decision outside the normal budget process.
Trump Sued Over Proposed Ban On Transgender People Serving In Military
Other groups are waiting for formal action to be taken by the administration before they file suit.
Device Makers, Other Groups Pressing Congress To Use Tax Reform To Cut ACA’s Taxes
Some groups are launching ad campaigns as part of their efforts. But while some senators seem to favor the idea, key members of the House say the best way to get “the Obamacare taxes out of the economy is through health care reform legislation.”
Republican Senator Says Tumor May Have Affected McCain’s Health Vote
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) later walked back the statement, saying “I’m disappointed I didn’t more eloquently express my sympathy for what Sen. McCain is going through.”
Onus Is On Congress To Fix Or Repeal Law, Price Says Hinting At New Willingness To Keep ACA
Trump officials are moving beyond the longtime focus on repeal-and-replace only and signaling a willingness to fix aspects of the health law.
McConnell, Trump Bicker Over Who’s To Blame For Health Care Failure
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) says President Donald Trump’s “early timelines” and “excessive expectations” are hindering Congress’ ability to get anything done, while the president fired back that lawmakers have had seven years to work on it.
Bipartisan Coalition Of Experts Proposes Blueprint To Shore Up Fragile Marketplaces
The group, composed of prominent advisers to former Republican and Democratic presidents, began holding monthly meetings in January to search for points of agreement. Meanwhile, a study finds that the uncertainty from the Trump administration has triggered premium hikes and community organizations that help people enroll in health care through the Affordable Care Act are on edge about their funding.
First Edition: August 10, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: DrugTo Treat Opioid Addiction Hard To Get; What Did ‘Dr. Google’ Say?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Different Takes On Health Policy Debates: Bipartisan Possibilities; Medicaid And The American Dream
Opinion writers examine areas in which the next step for lawmakers regarding Obamacare might involve bipartisanship. They also take on issues related to Medicaid and the outlook for the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplaces.
Perspectives: Maryland’s Law To Curb Price Gouging Gives Brand-Name Drugs A Pass
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Kansas, California, Colorado and Hawaii.
D.C. Health Department Orders Hospital To Stop Baby Deliveries; Bay Area ACO To Expand Its Network
In other hospital-related news, it’s proven more difficult than expected to find patients to fill Massachusetts’ increase in psychiatric beds and what city health inspectors found at Houston-area health facilities.
Bill Requiring Women To Purchase Separate Insurance For Abortions Advances In Texas House
Democratic opponents have decried the bill as forcing women to buy “rape insurance” because exceptions weren’t made for rape and incest, while supporters say it provides “economic freedom” for Texans opposed to the procedure.
In Era Where Almost Every Ailment Is Treated With A Pill, A Simple Diet Change May Save Lives
Researchers are trying to introduce a clean diet to children with a rare kidney disorder called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis because treatment with medication doesn’t help them. In other public health news: colon cancer, sleeping and memories, workers’ health, tai chi and more.
N.H., ‘Ground Zero’ Of Opioid Epidemic, Sues OxyContin-Maker Over Its Marketing Tactics
Suing the companies that make the painkillers is a new trend in states’ efforts to combat the crisis. The New Hampshire case comes less than two months after Missouri’s attorney general sued Purdue and two other pharmaceutical companies. In other news, a study finds that abuse-deterrent opioids aren’t effective and investors are flocking to a company that makes a medication that treats addiction.
KKR Bulks Up On Health Care Holdings With $2.4 Billion Ambulance Deal
The move is just the latest in a string of health care deals for the company.
