Latest KFF Health News Stories
Media outlets report on news from California, New York, Virginia, Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Washington, North Carolina and Ohio.
Other news stories cover developments related to allergies, infusions, weapons against bacteria, cancer studies, therapy animals, hepatitis C, urban heat islands and smoking.
At-Home Detox Often Fails Without Medical Support
With recovery treatment limited and expensive, some turn to do-it-yourself detox methods, but success is low. Meanwhile, law enforcement tries to keep up with street drug identification while others try to tackle the crisis through the courts. And in other news on the national drug crisis, news outlets look at exposure to fetuses and the dangers of fentanyl contact to first responders.
Mass. Governor Suggests Changes To State’s Medicaid Program, Angering Advocates
Outlets report on Medicaid news from Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., Illinois and Iowa.
Kasich Vetoes Ohio Medicaid Expansion Freeze, Bucking State Republican Lawmakers
The proposal would have halted new expansion enrollment starting July 1, 2018, and prevented people who drop off from re-enrolling. The Ohio Legislature could override Gov. John Kasich’s veto, but it’s unclear if there are enough votes to do so.
More Than A Thousand Counties Could Be Left With Only One ACA Insurer Option Next Year
And 40 could have none at all.
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.
