Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
They’re Going To Addiction Treatment Centers For Help And ‘Leaving In Body Bags’
Hoping for a fresh start, thousands of young people addicted to opioids are winding up in Florida in places that benefit from relapse rather than the recovery they advertise. Meanwhile, a new study finds that hospitalization rates are skyrocketing because of the crisis.
Failures Of VA Pharmacy System Put Patient Safety At Risk, GAO Report Finds
The pharmacy operations are part of the Veterans Affairs Department’s soon-to-be-replaced electronic health record system. In other news on veteran health, VA Secretary David Shulkin talks about disparities in access to care depending on a patient’s location.
Wisconsin Medicaid Supporters Decry Proposal For Drug Testing As Cruel And Demeaning
Gov. Scott Walker has asked the federal government for permission to start the tests. News outlets also report on Medicaid developments in Texas, Ohio, Georgia and Colorado.
Where Georgia’s Newest Congresswoman Stands On Health Care Issues
Karen Handel secured a victory Tuesday night in Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price’s old district.
Today Is Deadline For Insurers To Commit To Sell In 2018’s ‘Very Challenged’ Obamacare Market
Concerns continue that pockets across the country will lack insurers or competition. But while some titans of the industry debate whether to sell on the health law exchanges next year, one startup — Oscar — is planning to expand its territory.
Despite Threats To Cut Them Off, Trump Administration Makes Insurer Payments For June
The insurers, however, want a more permanent guarantee on the subsidies. Meanwhile, The New York Times looks at who would be hurt the most if the payments stopped.
By Opting For Secrecy, GOP Dodged Headaches Transparency Would Have Brought
Although the strategy kept dissent down, it caused frustration even among Republicans.
Money To Fight Opioid Epidemic Could Be Deciding Factor For Health Bill’s Chances
Senators from states that have been particularly hard hit by the opioid crisis are drawing a line in the sand over funding to curb the epidemic.
McConnell’s Political Gamble: Wily Strategist Likely To Hold Vote Despite Uncertainty Over Passage
There’s a razor-thin margin of error in the Senate to get to a “yes” next week on the chamber’s version of the health care bill. Not even Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is certain about its chances. Meanwhile, public opposition to the bill continues to rise.
GOP To Unveil Bill Thursday, McConnell Promises Senators Will Have ‘Adequate Time’ To Review It
The legislation has been drafted mostly behind closed doors, and for many Thursday will be the first they see any details of it.
