Latest KFF Health News Stories
Obamacare Exchanges Are Deteriorating But Not Imploding
Health insurers had until Wednesday to declare whether they planned to sell coverage next year on exchanges in most states.
Cutting Medicaid Funding In Midst Of Opioid Crisis Would Be ‘Catastrophic,’ Advocates Warn
“It would essentially write off a generation,” said Dr. Shawn Ryan, president of BrightView Health, a network of drug treatment clinics in Cincinnati. In other news on the opioid crisis, Missouri becomes the latest state to file suit against drugmaker Purdue Pharma, one in four people on Medicaid received opioids in 2015, and a county reveals its plan to curtail the epidemic.
Rural Areas Fear GOP’s Medicaid Cuts Could Be Devastating To Local Health Care Options
These parts of the country already have more uninsured and underinsured people per capita than urban areas, and industry officials and community advocates are raising concerns about the future of small, local hospitals if Medicaid funding is reduced.
GOP Secrecy Has Left Democrats Trying To Attack ‘Something In The Dark’
But they’ve been gathering talking points anyway.
This Time Around It Isn’t Going To Be The Trump Show
President Donald Trump cajoled and courted reluctant House Republicans to vote “yes” on the bill last month. But those familiar with the process don’t anticipate a repeat of that lobbying with the upper chamber.
If McConnell Thinks Democrats Are Deliberately Delaying Process, He Could Go Nuclear
The Senate majority leader has the option to cut off dilly-dallying if he deems it necessary, but it would be creating a new precedent for how the Senate operates. Republican leaders are also sending signals that they could use a rule to go around the parliamentarian’s ruling on the legislation.
Abortion Language In Health Bill Catches Republicans Between Rock And Hard Place
If they keep the language they may run afoul of Senate rules, but if they drop it, they could lose crucial conservative votes.
There Are Few Votes To Spare As Leadership Courts Both Sides Of GOP Party’s Extremes
Repeating the experience of House GOP leaders, Senate leaders are stuck trying to make the bill palatable enough to woo moderates, while also keeping the conservatives happy. It’s a tough line to walk, and no one is certain whether it’s been accomplished.
What’s In The Senate Health Plan? Medicaid Changes, Preexisting Conditions, Tax Cuts And More
Media outlets which have seen the draft proposal examine how the legislation is different than the House’s version. The bill is expected to be released today after weeks of only selected Republican senators’ work.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: A New Tool In The Fight Against The Opioid Epidemic; Standing Up For The Hungry
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
As lawmakers on Capitol Hill prepare for the unveiling of the Senate GOP’s health bill, opinion writers across the country examine how key health policy ideas might work in their states.
Editorial pages are filled with tough warnings for Republican lawmakers as they proceed with their efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
Perspectives: The Flaws And Fluff Of Trump’s Drug Pricing Plan
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
High Drug Cost Controversy Reflected In Drop Of Expected Sales For First Time In A Decade
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Kansas, Georgia, California, Tennessee and New York.
Mass. Gov. Presents Plan To Push Businesses To Pay More Of State’s Rising Medicaid Expenses
In other state legislative news, a recently signed Texas bill would alter the state’s Teacher Retirement System health care plan. Outlets also report on developments from Connecticut, Ohio, Michigan and Kansas.
Abortion-Rights Groups File Suit Over Ark. Laws For Creating ‘Burdensome Bureaucratic Hurdles’
Similar bans are in effect in Mississippi and West Virginia, while restrictions in Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma have been blocked by court rulings.
Though Fervor Over Zika Has Faded, Experts Warn Vigilance Is Still Needed
A new study shows an increase in Zika-carrying mosquitoes across the South.
As Extra Pounds On Kids Becomes New Normal, Task Force Issues Obesity Screening Guidelines
The Los Angeles Times looks at why the new advice is important. In other public health news: food as an anti-cancer weapon, care for adults who had childhood diseases, and talcum powder.
