Latest KFF Health News Stories
Media outlets report on news from California, Arizona, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee, Maryland, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, New Hampshire and Georgia.
Democrat Uses Ultrasound Bill Against Opponent For Va. Lieutenant Governor Race
Republican Jill Holtzman Vogel sponsored the 2012 bill that would have required most women who get abortions to first undergo a vaginal ultrasound.
‘Alcohol Is Our Number One Drug Problem’: Experts Hope Drinking Study Serves As Wake-Up Call
The study finds that a “startling” number of adults in America are binge drinking at least once a week. In other public health news: stroke, Glenn Campbell’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, gallstones and pregnancy, exercise, video games, asthma, and more.
One In 12 Physicians Have Accepted Payments From Opioid Drugmakers
The study comes amid a raging epidemic across the country in which physician prescribing has been identified as a key factor. Meanwhile, states are taking steps to limit the number of painkillers a doctor can prescribe, and officials tout the benefits of declaring an emergency over the crisis.
‘Things Must Be Bad’: Mylan’s Stumbles Over Generic Drugs Indicative Of Larger Industry Trouble
The company is the latest to slash their forecast due to generic drugs.
HHS Watchdog Says Iowa Failed To Collect $700,000 in Medicaid Drug Rebates
The inspector general for the federal Department of Health and Human Services says that between March 2012 and December 2014 Iowa’s Medicaid program did not invoice drugmakers for the rebates that the state and federal government were entitled to. Also, California groups file suit to help some Medicaid patients stay out of managed care networks if the patients want to keep their doctors and specialized providers.
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.
