Latest KFF Health News Stories
An Unintended Side Effect Of Trump’s Move To Cut Off Insurer Subsidies: Free Health Coverage
In nearly all of the 2,722 counties included in a recent report, some consumers will be able to obtain free health insurance because they qualify for larger federal premium subsidies that cover the full cost of a plan now that President Donald Trump has stopped cost-sharing payments to insurers. In other health law news: what the marketplaces are going to be like for consumers this year; navigator funding; what Americans want the path forward to be; and more.
Federal Officials Launch ‘Patient Over Paperwork’ Initiative To Hear Doctors’ Concerns About Rules
The effort is designed to see what regulations are getting in the way of doctors’ ability to spend time with patients. In other industry news, some hospitals and doctors that once complained about requirements for bundled payments are revising their assessments, and an experiment to keep nursing home residents out of the hospital is showing promise.
Those On Front Lines Of Opioid Epidemic In Hard-Hit States Dismayed By Trump’s Announcement
The emergency declaration “falls far short of actions that are needed to immediately address the magnitude and scope of this epidemic,” says Michael Botticelli, executive director of the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center. Media outlets cover reactions out of Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, Illinois and Virginia as well.
Opioid Declaration: A Step In The Right Direction Or Empty Words Without Any Punch?
While some criticize the lack of money behind the Trump administration’s public health emergency move, others are excited for the light it will shine on the opioid epidemic.
Trump Stops Short Of Declaring Opioid Crisis A National Emergency — Which Means No Extra Funds
Instead, President Donald Trump declared the epidemic a public health emergency, which is more limited status in terms of what federal and state officials can do to address the problem. Media outlets take a look at what exactly the move entails.
First Edition: October 27, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Fentanyl’s Role In Epidemic; HHS Conception Mission; Simple Fix For Medicare
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
The Health Debate: Congress’ Waiting Game Didn’t Pay Off; Medicare For All’s Timetable
Opinion writers examine aspects of the health reform debate.
Longer Looks: An Obamacare Nightmare; A Pain Empire & Predicting Pandemics
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on news from Massachusetts, California, Pennsylvania, Texas, Puerto Rico, Maryland, Colorado, Minnesota and Florida.
Despite Hospitals’ Eagerness For Mergers, It’s Not Always Good For Consumer Care
Chicago-area hospitals are joining forces but what effect will it have for patients? Meanwhile, a new Massachusetts health bill would pit large hospitals in the state against smaller ones.
Scientists Able To Alter Single Letter In DNA Sequence With New Gene-Editing Technique
It might not sound impressive, but tens of thousands of human diseases can be traced back to a mistake with just one letter in the DNA. In other public health news: more from Reuters in its series on selling dead bodies; the legacy of abuse toward minorities in health studies; gun safety; cholesterol; arsenic; and more.
There’s not one factor that experts can point fingers at–rather it’s a host of issues, including bias from doctors and less care in early trimesters.
To Help Curb Opioid Crisis, FDA Head Wants To Promote Medication-Assisted Treatment
The FDA will issue guidance for development of new MAT options, promote efforts to decrease the stigma surrounding medication used to treat substance abuse disorders, and take further steps to promote the use of existing therapies, Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said. Meanwhile, lawmakers want the DEA to take on more authority to help fight the epidemic.
Advisory Committee Comes Down In Favor Of GSK’s Shingles Vaccine Over Older, Less Effective One
Meanwhile, recent mumps outbreaks have prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to recommend that people at risk get a third dose of the vaccine.
Lawmakers Introduce Legislation To Allow Medicare To Negotiate Drug Prices
PhRMA is already pushing back on the measure saying it would let the government decide what medicines patients can get. In other news, an advocacy group is challenging Gilead’s patents on the hepatitis C drug Sovaldi.
Inaction Over CHIP Funding Worries Experts: ‘States Are Really Walking On A Tightrope’
A new study looks at how states will be affected by Congress’ delay renewing funding for CHIP.
Forget Congress: CMS Chief To Take Medicaid Overhaul Into Her Own Hands
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Director Seema Verma wants to give states a “unprecedented level of flexibility.” Outlets offer other Medicaid news out of New Mexico, New Hampshire and Wisconsin.
Undocumented Girl Gets Abortion Following Intensely Watched Court Case
The case — at the crossroads of two hot-button topics: abortion and immigration — captured the attention of the country. The girl was able to obtain the procedure after a full appeals court overturned an earlier decision by a panel of three judges.
Trump To Officially Declare U.S. Opioid Epidemic A Public Health Emergency
President Donald Trump will direct the Department of Health and Human Services to declare a nationwide public health emergency under the Public Health Service Act. The declaration is not expected to come with specific funding.
