Latest KFF Health News Stories
State AGs Ask For Emergency Court Order To Keep Trump From Cutting Off Insurer Subsidies
“It’s long past time President Donald Trump learn that he doesn’t get to pick and choose which laws he follows,” says California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who is leading the charge in the fight.
Alexander Optimistic About Health Deal Despite Trump’s Zig-Zagging And GOP Leaders’ Opposition
It was a roller coaster in Washington after Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) released their bipartisan plan to stabilize the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. There are some who are writing off the bill as dead, but Alexander still thinks it will pass in some form by the end of the year.
First Edition: October 19, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: In Defense Of Sanctuary Hospitals; Medicare, Medicaid Funding Fairness For Puerto Rico
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Opinion writers continue to examine the government’s role in the opioid crisis and strategies to curb it.
Editorial pages examine the agreement announced yesterday to stabilize the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces after President Donald Trump announced last week that he would end federal payments to fund the law’s cost-sharing reductions.
Viewpoints: It’s Time To Stop Drug Companies From ‘Gaming The System And Gaming The Rules’
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
‘I’m Not Interested In Their Money,’ Trump Says Of Pharma. But He Took It Anyway.
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Texas, Missouri, California, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Illinois.
Michigan Officials Bring Home A Message About Impact Of Medicaid Cuts
At a community forum, a diverse group of officials point out how proposals to cut federal funding to Medicaid could play out in Michigan. Also in Medicaid news, Maine voters weigh whether to expand the program there and Indiana hospitals are buying or leasing nursing homes to increase federal funding.
Google Faces Backlash From Eating Disorder Specialists After Adding Calorie Counts To Maps
The feature showed how many calories a person would burn walking instead of driving to their new location. But experts warned that it could be triggering to those suffering from an eating disorder. In other public health news: obsessive compulsive disorder, diabetes, patients’ bigoted remarks, obesity, HIV and dementia.
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.
