Latest KFF Health News Stories
Republicans Use Spending Bill To Target Individual Mandate
The House Committee on Appropriations, in a separate effort from the repeal-and-replace proposal, drafts a provision to stop the IRS from enforcing the mandate.
Health Bill Could Undercut Rural Hospitals Already In Financial Distress
Hospitals in Colorado, Georgia and Oklahoma are highlighted as examples of facilities that would be hit hard by Republicans’ proposed changes, especially the cuts to Medicaid.
‘Junk Insurance’ Plans, Banned Under ACA, Could Be Back If Cruz Gets His Way
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) offers an amendment to the Senate health care legislation that would allow individual insurers to offer the cheaper, less-comprehensive plans if they also sell plans that comply with the ACA’s coverage requirements.
Republicans Want To Give States Wiggle Room On Essential Benefits. So What Does That Look Like?
The Affordable Care Act insurers can’t charge more for certain coverage like maternal care. But under the Republicans’ plans it could be up to the states to maintain that requirement. In more news on the proposed health legislation: insurance rebates, taxes, and uncertainty in states.
GOP’s Medicaid Changes Rattle Advocates: ‘People Are Struggling So Much As It Is’
Not only does the Senate’s version of the bill roll back expansion of the program, it fundamentally changes aspects of it that will have ripple effects through the entire country.
The Next Big Deadline For Senators When They Get Back? August Recess
Media outlets offer a look at what’s coming up for lawmakers in regards to the health care legislation.
‘Our Playbook Needs A Refresh’: Democrats, Raring For A Fight, Embrace New Battle Tactics
The health care debate is letting Democrats show their voters they are as outraged as anyone else.
Trump Muddies Already-Delicate Situation With Suggestion To Repeal Now, Replace Later
The president’s tweet adds pressure to Republicans home for recess who were already going to face tough questions from voters.
During Recess, Governors Continue To Make Pitch Against Republicans’ Health Plan
Republican governors of states that expanded Medicaid fear the cuts in the Senate’s health bill would be devastating. On the other side of the debate, Indiana’s governor doesn’t get what he expects when soliciting Obamacare “horror” stories.
Some Republicans Keep Low Profile To Avoid Fireworks From Constituents Over Health Bill
Lawmakers are home for recess and some are ducking out of public events so as not to incur their voters’ wrath over the legislation.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Patient Bigotry; The Hope And Hijinx Of Digital Health
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Medicaid Meanderings: GOP Medicaid Plans – On The Right Track To Reform Or A Program ‘Sledgehammer’?
Opinion writers critique how the Medicaid program is handled in the GOP House and Senate health plans.
The opinions just keep coming as editorial writers struggle with the goings on surrounding GOP efforts to reach an intraparty consensus on health care.
Big Picture Perspectives: The Challenges Of Crafting Health Bills; Fine Lines And Hard Realities
Editorial pages across the country offer different views on the big-picture issues in play as congressional Republicans attempt to advance legislation to revamp the Affordable Care Act.
Research Roundup: Medicaid Costs For Opioid Addiction Medication, Health Exits
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from Indiana, West Virginia, South Dakota, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Florida, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Iowa and California.
‘It’s Getting Worse In Many Ways’: Health Professionals Try To Wrap Arms Around Opioid Epidemic
Media outlets report on the crisis out of Kansas and New Hampshire.
Record Low Fertility Rate Makes Some Experts Worry The Sky Is Falling
When it comes to sustaining a population, there’s a fine line between too many and not enough babies. America is edging toward the latter. In other public health news: cancer, freeze-dried placenta pills, treatment-resistant infections and Salvador Dalí.
Researches Caught Off-Guard As CMS Stops Release Of Highly Anticipated Medicare Data
The Ceners for Medicare & Medicaid Services said there were enough questions about the data’s accuracy that it should not be released for research use.
