Latest KFF Health News Stories
House Passes Budget Including Deep, But Non-Binding, Cuts To Medicaid
The purpose of the budget is to set the stage for Republicans’ tax overhaul plan.
Trump Continues To Chip Away At ACA Despite Congress’ Failure To Repeal Law
In a rare move, President Donald Trump weighed in on a decision concerning Iowa’s attempts to stabilize its marketplace, telling CMS to deny its request. Supporters of the Affordable Care Act see the president’s opposition even to changes sought by conservative states as part of a broader campaign to undermine the law. Meanwhile, a left-leaning study finds that at least 20 states blame the administration for the uncertainty in the marketplaces.
Administration To Allow Moral, Religious Exemptions To Birth Control Mandate
More than 55 million women have access to birth control without copayments because of the contraceptive coverage mandate in the Affordable Care Act.
First Edition: October 6, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Puerto Rico’s Public Health Crisis; Make School Lunches Free; The Noble Fruit Fly
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Thoughts On A Washington Agenda: CHIP Funding, Medicare’s Safety Net, Medicaid And The ACA
Writers around the country offer some insights into Washington’s efforts on health policy.
Media outlets report on news from Texas, Connecticut, Michigan, California, Arizona, Oregon, Massachusetts, Georgia, Illinois, New Hampshire and Ohio.
‘Tobacco Nation’: Deep South, Midwest States Lag Behind Rest Of U.S. In Cutting Smoking Rates
“It looks more like a part of the developing world than it looks like the United States of America,” Robin Koval, president of the Truth Initiative which released the report, says of the 12 states. In other public health news: blood pressure, a mysterious illness, domestic violence and rare genetic diseases.
In Effort To Slow Opioid Epidemic, Cigna Drops Coverage For OxyContin
Instead, the insurer will cover Xtampza ER, which it calls an “oxycodone equivalent with abuse deterrent properties.” In other news on the nation’s drug crisis: federal officials look to Buffalo’s opioid crisis intervention court as a potential model; a Texas county is the latest to sue drug companies for their alleged role in the epidemic; researchers turn to virtual reality for pain solutions; and more.
Being Taken To Level 1 Trauma Center Can Boost Survival Rate By Up To 30 Percent
Las Vegas only has one of these “gold standard” centers, but it’s not the only big city to have so few. Experts say that in situations such as Sunday’s mass shooting what matters most is not the number of high-level centers, but the degree of coordination across a region’s medical network.
Behind The Scenes: How The Tom Price Story Unfolded
Politico reporters describe what went into tracking former HHS Secretary Tom Price’s use of chartered jets. In other news, House Democrats want details on White House adviser Kellyanne Conway’s trips.
Early Approval Of Generic MS Drug Signals Big Changes For Teva And Other Drugmakers
Teva had lobbied the Food and Drug Administration to reject Mylan’s generic version of its Copaxone multiple sclerosis medication. In other drug industry news: an experimental drug is found to work on a mutant gene; advocates await Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown’s decision on a drug pricing bill; and Cleveland Clinic’s CEO wants supporters of a drug pricing ballot measure in Ohio to stop using his image.
Hurricane Reveals Just How Much America Relies On Puerto Rico For Its Pharmaceutical Supply
Officials have a real fear that there will be shortages of drugs for maladies such as childhood leukemia and HIV. The island has become one of the world’s biggest centers for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Meanwhile, the threat of illness lingers with the floodwaters even as medical supplies are dwindling.
Many Americans Don’t Know If ACA Is Law Of Land Or Not, Adding Challenges To Enrollment Season
There’s a lot of confusion about where the Affordable Care Act stands after Republicans tried all year to repeal it and President Donald Trump talks about its imminent death. So getting people to sign up for coverage, or even know they can, is going to be a struggle this year.
Future Of Abortion Bill In Senate May Be Next Flash Point For Filibuster Debate
With a 60-vote threshold, the House-passed proposed ban on abortions after 20 weeks is not expected to pass in the Senate — a political situation that is expected to garner President Donald Trump’s ire. In other news on abortion, Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Penn.) will not seek re-election after revelations that he urged his mistress to seek an abortion despite his political opposition to the procedure.
House Budget Plan Calls For Deep Cuts To Medicaid, Overhaul Of Medicare
But Republicans are not actually planning to impose any of those cuts which are limited to nonbinding promises. Meanwhile, angry Republican donors are sitting on their wallets until lawmakers actually accomplish something.
N.H. Panel Likely To Suggest Keeping Medicaid Expansion But Is Looking For Cost Cutting Steps
The 15-member Commission to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Future of the Premium Assistance Program has until Dec. 1 to submit its report to the Legislature. Meanwhile, Kansas is waiting on federal officials to approve a waiver request so that the state can design a new program for implementation in 2019.
CHIP Funding Measure Passes Through Committees, But It’s Not Smooth Sailing Ahead For Bill
The provisions Republicans want to add to reauthorize funds for the Children’s Health Insurance Program rankle Democrats, which might mean a bitter fight over of the popular program. Meanwhile, states are bracing for the worst.
First Edition: October 5, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: A Doctor’s Views On Guns; Ohio Lawmakers Must Not Curb Cities Lead Abatement Powers
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
