Latest KFF Health News Stories
Major Gene Editing Breakthrough Raises Concerns About Ethics Of ‘Designer Babies’
For the first time, scientists have edited genes in embryos to fix a disease-causing mutation. The milestone raises hopes for being able to correct serious problems, but also raises tricky ethical questions about modifying human DNA for the purpose of obtaining desired traits for a child.
Medical Malpractice Bill Shows Lobbyists’ New Power In Republican-Controlled Washington
The House recently passed a medical malpractice bill that was nearly identical to one crafted by lobbyists for doctors and their insurers.
Abortion Opponents Don’t See Health Bill Defeat As Knock-Out Blow For Their Cause
“I think what is important to note is that the pro-life elements were not the cause of failure for the bill,” said Mallory Quigley, spokeswoman for the antiabortion Susan B. Anthony List. “This was an area of unity for Republicans. So I do think that there are going to be more wins in the future.” Meanwhile, progressive groups want the Democratic Party to reject any pro-life candidates for 2018.
Republican Governors Starting To Take Matters Into Own Hands Over Medicaid
They have been working with the current administration to use waivers to customize the program far beyond what the Obama administration intended.
Californians Shaken By News Of Anthem’s Withdraw From Most Counties In State
“My wife and I came up with a new Covered California slogan,” quipped Santa Cruz County resident Chris Olsen. “Covered California: Nothing you can count on.” Meanwhile, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) says she doesn’t understand the decision and is “deeply concerned” by it.
Citing Deep Losses, Molina Pulls Out Of ACA Marketplaces In Utah, Wisconsin
The insurer also plans to increase 2018 premiums for its remaining plans under the Affordable Care Act by 55 percent and to cut 1,500 jobs.
Gov. LePage Accuses Maine Senators Of Being ‘Out Of Touch’ After Voting Against GOP Health Bill
Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage wrote an op-ed chastising Republican Susan Collins and independent Angus King for their vote. But the senators defend themselves, saying they met with thousands of people to discuss improving the health care system, and concluded that the GOP proposals would’ve eliminated insurance for millions, raised premiums, hurt rural hospitals and shifted costs to states. Other lawmakers also face tough questions at home about the health care legislation.
The Courts May Have Just Checked Trump’s Ability To Sabotage Obamacare
In a ruling that states can sue the administration if insurer subsidies are cut off, the courts may have taken away a powerful negotiating tool President Donald Trump has been using during the health care debates. “We’re not going to wait to find out what Donald Trump wants to do,” says California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who is helping steer the states’ involvement. “My team is ready to defend these subsidies in court.”
Getting Insurance Subsidy Bill Passed Will Be Herculean Task, But ‘Stranger Things Have Happened’
Senate HELP Chairman Lamar Alexander and ranking Democrat Patty Murray have a history of shepherding through seemingly impossible bipartisan bills, but the odds are against them when it comes to the first attempt at fixing the Affordable Care Act since repeal efforts failed. Meanwhile, both Democratic and Republican governors chime in urging the administration to pay the subsidies.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Reversing The Opioid Epidemic; Vaccines Are A Tool In Stopping Antibiotic Resistance
Here’s a review of editorials and opinions on a range of public health issues.
Different Takes: Can The ‘Problem Solvers’ Solve The Obamacare Problem?; Time To Stop The Sabotage
Editorial writers take on a variety of issues related to the future of the Affordable Care Act, what needs to happen next and what’s going wrong and right.
Perspectives: The FDA Can Only Do So Much To Curb High Prices — It Needs Help
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Generic Drug Marketplace Is A Fragile Place Where Competition Can Quickly Wither Into Monopolies
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from California, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Florida, Ohio, Arizona and Texas.
‘Medicaid Messes And Nightmares’: Obstacles Abound In Treating Pregnant Women With Addictions
The bureaucratic labyrinth that is the American health care system does little to help moms-to-be who are addicted to opioids.
It Costs Nearly $1,000, But There’s No Evidence This DNA Test Can Help Women Conceive
Some warn that this and other tests are capitalizing on women’s fears about pregnancy and motherhood. In other public health news: maternal health, breast cancer, and heart attack patients.
Mass. Gov. Shelves Plan To Revamp Medicaid, Accepts New Taxes To Fund Health Care
Gov. Charlie Baker says he will sign a bill that will raise $200 million through new fees on businesses to help pay for health care for the poor, even though the bill does not include his plan to move 140,000 people from Medicaid into private plans. Also, officials in Georgia are weighing their options for changes to that state’s Medicaid program.
Senators Reported To Have Struck Deal To Allow Vote This Week On Key FDA Funding Bill
The bill sets user fees for drug and device makers.
Surgeon General Nominee Wants To Lead With Science, But In A ‘Sympathetic’ Way
Jerome Adams, Indiana’s state health commissioner and the nominee for surgeon general, defends his approach to health care at a Senate hearing on Tuesday.
