Latest KFF Health News Stories
With Deadlines Looming, Congress Tardy On Funding For Children’s Insurance, Health Centers
The legislative process is lagging on renewing funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program and community health centers. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats warn that the GOP tax plan could lead to cuts in Medicare and Medicaid.
Murkowski, Who Has Emerged As Key Player In Health Debates, Says Any Fixes Must Be Bipartisan
Senators are turning their attention back to stabilizing the marketplace following the collapse of their latest repeal-and-replace efforts.
With Repeal Effort Stymied, Sen. Johnson Opens Probe Of Medicaid Expansion Costs In 8 States
The investigation signals that congressional Republicans may turn from efforts to repeal the health law and seek other ways to corral health spending. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) says he wants to know if states got Medicaid funding by wrongly signing up people as expansion enrollees.
In Face Of Skepticism, Republicans Vows Repeal Will Happen By 2019
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump remains optimistic that there will be movement in the next few months. “[In] the meantime, I have that little period of time, I’ll negotiate with the Democrats if we can come up with a fantastic health care bill, that’s okay with me. Good for both parties. Bipartisan,” the president says.
After Months Of Hand-Wringing, Insurers’ Deadline To Lock Into Marketplace Passes Without Dramatics
But the final decisions of some insurers hadn’t been disclosed as of Wednesday evening, so there is still a risk that companies might make 11th-hour pullbacks. Meanwhile, Stat offers a guide to the upcoming enrollment season, Democrats call for an investigation into the administration’s decision to shut down healthcare.gov on Sundays for maintenance and more.
Trump Promises Order To Allow Insurers To Sell Across State Lines — But That Option Already Exists
Several states have tried it, and it’s been a bust.
When asked if Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price would be fired over his use of a private jet that has cost taxpayers more than $400,000 since May, President Donald Trump said, “We’ll see.” Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee is requesting information on Price’s travel.
First Edition: September 28, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Editorial pages highlight these questions and also explore what might be next on the health reform horizon.
Opinion writers analyze the factors that led to another stunning defeat for Republicans’ mission to undo the Affordable Care Act.
Perspectives: Keep An Eye On California’s Bills To Curb High Drug Prices
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Orphan Drug Costs A Headache For Insurers, But Many Aren’t Touching Politically Sensitive Topic
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Outlets report on news from Puerto Rico, Ohio, Connecticut, Missouri, California, New York, Kansas, Illinois, Utah and Maryland.
More Than 90 Percent Of Those In New Orleans Have Health Insurance
The data comes from the Census Bureau, which has been looking at income, poverty and health insurance coverage in the United States in 2016. Meanwhile, another study looks at what people are paying for health care costs across the country.
Researchers from Boston University’s School of Medicine have identified an inflammatory protein circulating in spinal fluid that may reflect the presence of CTE in patients’ brains. In other public health news: concussions in teens, blood donors, hearing aids, precision medicine and more.
Minn. Clinic Offers A Model For Overcoming Opioid Abuse
The doctors in Little Falls, Minn., realized in 2014 that use of opioids in the city was soaring and came up with a plan that has weaned 324 patients off controlled substances and reduced prescriptions substantially. Meanwhile, in Maryland, a legislative committee hears testimony about the benefits of setting up a safe space for drug use.
HHS Secretary Flew To Exclusive Resort And City Where His Son Lives On Private Jet
An official from the Department of Health and Human Services said both trips were for official government business. Former HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius called current Secretary Tom Price’s private jet use “stunning.”
Key Safety Net Programs Face Funding Problems As Capitol Hill Is Slow To Cut Through Logjam
On the line is funding for hospitals that serve high numbers of uninsured patients, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and community health centers. But the Senate passed a measure to offer services for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic care needs.
As GOP Health Bill Fizzles, Insurers Face Deadline Today To Lock Into Marketplaces And Set Rates
Today, insurers must decide whether to sign contracts to sell coverage in the Obamacare marketplace next year, but they don’t know whether the federal government will continue to pay subsidies or enforce the health law’s mandates to have insurance. That is forcing some companies to raise rates significantly.
