Latest KFF Health News Stories
GOP’s Politically Volatile Move To Cut Medicaid Spending Would Impact Consumers, States
The Associated Press and New York Times offer analyses of how the fundamental changes in the Medicaid program being considered by Congress could impact average Americans. The Wall Street Journal also delves into a new controversy about the disparity in Medicaid funding for hospitals in the Senate plan. Kaiser Health News takes note of the large number of seniors that use Medicaid to help pay for their long-term care services. And other outlets explore state-specific concerns.
Beyond The Five: Other Republican Senators Have ‘Serious Concerns’ Over Proposed Bill
Although five Republicans have taken a formal stand against the legislation, there are others who aren’t sold on it either. A look at what GOP lawmakers are saying about the plan.
The Nevada Senator In The Eye Of The Health Bill Storm
Sen. Dean Heller, who became the fifth Republican senator to say he was opposed to the GOP’s measure, has all eyes on him.
Now That Bill Is Unveiled, Leaders Focus On Drumming Up Support From Reluctant Senators
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is focused on one number: 50. That’s what he needs to get to pass his version of the health law bill.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The High Cost Of Insulin; Drug Companies’ Role In The Opioid Epidemic
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Parsing The Key Issues: Who Wins And Loses; Impact On The Opioid Crisis
Opinion writers focus on certain hot-button issues that are brought to the fore by the Senate Republicans’ health proposal, especially those related to cost and coverage. In the background, there’s also discussion of the current insurance marketplace and how it needs to be fixed.
A Look At The Political Landscape: Who’s Really For Trumpcare?
There are lots of thoughts on how the politics surrounding the current GOP repeal-and-replace plans might play out.
Tough Talk On GOP Plans For Medicaid
After the release of the Senate Republican health plan, opinion writers look at what would become of people who benefited from the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion and the proposals to change the program.
Senate Bill Defenders: Mitch McConnell’s Plan Is An ‘Advance,’ Transformative
In the midst of criticism, some editorial voices offer strong and positive views of the sweeping legislation.
Editorial pages across the nation take a hard-line stance against the GOP’s latest offering in their ongoing effort to repeal and replace the health law.
Media outlets report on news from California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Colorado, New Hampshire, Florida, Minnesota and Georgia.
New Shingles Vaccine May Be Approved With Preferred Rating From Influential Expert Panel
Today’s other public health news covers increased options for mammograms, the connection between the gut and brain, new science on dreams and screening kids for obesity.
How Can You Avoid Dementia? Experts Say Control Blood Pressure And Stay Active
Other tips include targeted brain-training, but overall a U.S. panel of 17 experts finds few effective strategies for preventing Alzheimer’s and age-related dementia.
CQ Roll Call reports that a draft document indicates that the Trump administration leaning toward a roll back of regulations to foster faster drug approvals and promoting competition and new payment models for federal insurance programs. In other pharmaceutical industry news, Mylan shareholders reject the EpiPen maker’s executive pay policy but re-elect its board.
Humana Chief Says Obamacare Markets Are ‘Just Not A Business That We Will Be Good At’
CEO Bruce Broussard tells Reuters that the insurer will not be going back into the individual market, no matter what changes Congress makes to the Affordable Care Act.
Reverberations Of Republicans’ Health Bill Felt In States
Media outlets report on reactions in California, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Massachusetts, Kansas and Florida.
More Approve Of Obamacare Than House Republicans’ Replacement Bill, New Poll Finds
But the new Wall Street Journal/NBC News survey also shows that a majority of Americans want fixes to the existing health law. A separate AARP poll also reports low approval numbers for the American Health Care Act that passed in the House last month.
Hospital Groups Heap Criticism On GOP’s Plan: ‘Go Back To The Drawing Board’
Health industry groups either came out strongly against the proposed legislation or remained quiet on the day of its release.
Democrats’ Reaction: This Bill Is Worse Than Expected
In responding to the Senate GOP’s health plan, Democrats on both sides of the Capitol were quick to term it a “harmful” and “heartless” measure.