Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Federal Medicaid Officials Approve Extension Of Kansas’ Managed Care Program For One-Year
The Obama administration had denied the extension and said the program did not have sufficient oversight. Kansas officials submitted a corrective action plan and the Trump administration has approved that.
Walden Says Democrats Are Failing To Negotiate On Funding For Children’s Insurance Plan
Democrats have objected to Republicans’ plans for securing the money to fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program, but Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, says Democrats have not made any counteroffers.
Pharma Is Still ‘Getting Away With Murder,’ Trump Says Hinting At Intent To Bring Down Costs
President Donald Trump railed against high drug prices, reiterating a talking point from the campaign, but though he promised to get prices “way down,” he offered little detail on how to accomplish that.
Drug Czar Nominee Withdraws Following Reports That He Helped Undermine DEA’s Power On Opioids
President Donald Trump says in a tweet that Rep. Tom Marino (R-Pa.) withdrew his name from contention to be the next drug czar after a Washington Post and “60 Minutes” report revealed deep ties to the drug industry. Many lawmakers voiced strong objections to the nomination and Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) called for a repeal of a controversial law pushed by Marino that hindered the Drug Enforcement Administration’s ability to regulate opioids.
Across the country, the health care industry has become a ceaseless job producer. But especially in rural areas where the options are more limited, changing the Affordable Care Act could disrupt already fragile economies.
