Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers offer a range of policy thoughts, including their takes on how Tom Price’s Obamacare sabotage will continue after his departure; a recommendation the Republicans approach health reform from the angle of controlling costs, and other thoughts.
Perspectives: Cutting Back On Drug Coupons May Save Big Bucks Without Harm To Patients
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Tax Reform Plan A Dream Come True For Pharmaceutical Industry
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Breast Cancer Survival Rates Are On The Rise
According to the American Cancer Society, death rates associated with this cancer decreased nearly 40 percent between 1989 and 2015, due in part to technological and treatment advances.
Addiction Rehab Centers For Defendants Often Nothing More Than Lucrative Work Camps
An investigation by Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting found that these facilities, which are meant to be an alternative to jail for those addicted to substances, can be nothing more than “slave camps.” In other public health news: genetic testing, the immune system, Pompe disease, pets and cancer, vaccinations, dementia and more.
At Vegas Hospitals It Was All Hands On Deck To Triage Hundreds Of Patients Flooding Into Facilities
“You’re standing in a pool of blood trying to care for your patient, slipping and sliding,” said trauma nurse Renae Huening. Meanwhile, officials are seeking certified trauma counselors to help serve the mental health needs of those who were affected by the shooting.
Bill Banning 20-Week Abortions Sails Through House, But Faces Likely Demise In Senate
With overwhelming Democratic opposition in the upper chamber, it would be nearly impossible for the legislation to get the 60 votes. In other news: in many parts of the country abortion clinics are few and far between; Planned Parenthood and the ACLU are both suing over restrictions on abortion pills; a ruling will allow Planned Parenthood to seek more abortion licenses in Missouri; and more.
Postponing A Delay To Funding Cut For Hospitals’ Uncompensated-Care Costs Floated By House Committee
The House Energy and Commerce panel added the delay of disproportionate-share hospital funding cuts to the CHIP reauthorization bill. Hospitals in New Jersey, Texas and Massachusetts also make headlines today.
Former HHS Secretary Testifies About ‘Unusual’ Meeting With Menendez On Medicare Billing
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) is accused of misusing his office to do favors for a wealthy Florida eye doctor and political donor, in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions. Prosecutors say Menendez took bribes to help the doctor with a Medicare dispute.
Senator Pushes For Fast Action On Right-To-Try Bill, But House Is Being Cautious
The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday heard from Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who shared his concerns about the scope of the Senate’s measure.
Scott Gottlieb has won over many criticis by seeking to widen access to generic drugs, asserting that the agency should play a role in addressing the nation’s opioid epidemic, and announcing plans to tighten regulations on tobacco products. In other news, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) reportedly asked the White House to reconsider Tom Price’s departure before the resignation of the secretary of Health and Human Services was announced.
Medical Debt Is Generally Higher In States That Didn’t Expand Medicaid
A study finds states that didn’t expanded their Medicaid programs under the federal health law saw the percentage of people with unpaid medical bills fall only about half as much as in states that expanded. Also, a plan to reform Michigan’s auto insurance could backfire on the Medicaid program, and questions are raised about Kentucky officials’ attempts to keep documents private dealing with their efforts to revamp the state’s Medicaid program.
Storm-Struck Puerto Rico May Get Another $1B In Medicaid Funding
The House Energy and Commerce Committee tucked the request into the bill to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
GOP’s Plan To Pay For CHIP May Derail Efforts To Renew Funding Of Popular Program
Democrats oppose Republicans’ efforts to scrap the Affordble Care Act’s prevention fund, which has been criticized as a “slush fund,” and don’t like the GOP’s proposal to remove lottery winners from state Medicaid programs. Meanwhile, states are bracing for the impact if the money is not renewed.
Cassidy Says He Plans To Modify Bill To Replace Health Law And That CBO Will Issue Full Analysis
Despite the push by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) to revive the stalled Republican Graham-Cassidy legislation, Senate leaders and committees have not given any hints that they expect the measure to come up again soon.
“It’s very hard for a regulator to deny those rate increases when we can take a look at their bottom line and can tell they can’t continue if they can’t keep their head above water,” said Mike Kreidler, Washington State’s insurance commissioner and a supporter of the health law. Meanwhile, lawmakers are moving forward with bipartisan talks to try to stabilize the marketplace.
First Edition: October 4, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Media outlets report on news from Maryland, Florida, Texas and Georgia.
New York Governor, NYC Mayor Bicker Publicly Over Hospital Funding
Congress let payments to Disproportionate Share Hospital expire on Sunday, which results in about a $1.1 billion loss for New York’s neediest hospitals. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office took to Twitter to air grievances over funding for the city’s municipal public hospital system.
