Latest KFF Health News Stories
Possible Return Of ‘Junk Insurance’ Worries Those Who Remember Bare Bones Coverage All Too Well
Many Republicans, including President Donald Trump, say giving insurers the leeway to offer less-comprehensive plans will give people greater choice and cheaper options, but experts say it will skew the marketplace in favor of young, healthy people at the expense of sick people.
Pence, Price Try To Woo Governors, But Many Remain Skeptical
Despite their best efforts Vice President Mike Pence and Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price did little to sway Republican governors, who are worried about the rollback of the Medicaid expansion, at their national conference.
Delay Provides Breathing Room To Net More Votes, But Also Gives Time For Doubts To Fester
Both moderate and conservative Republicans on the fence about the proposed legislation, with Sen. Susan Collins of Maine saying at least eight of her colleagues have expressed concerns.
With No Room For Error, McConnell Delays Health Vote While McCain Recovers From Surgery
Without Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) — who had a craniotomy Friday — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) wouldn’t have the 50 votes needed to get his legislation passed. To add to the timeline, the Congressional Budget Office announced Sunday that it would not release an updated score of the bill Monday, as originally expected.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers offer their thoughts on a range of health issues.
Critics’ Take: The Updated Senate Health Bill Is Still Ugly After Cosmetic Changes; An ‘Abomination’
Opinion writers reacted with tough talk to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s latest health bill tweaks. The Wall Street Journal, however, terms the bill a “net improvement over the Obamacare status quo.”
Editorial pages examine the political dynamics involved in the debate surrounding the Senate GOP’s efforts to pass a health bill.
State Highlights: Minn. Marks New Measles Case; Three Mass. Hospitals Reach Merger Agreement
Media outlets report on news from Minnesota, Massachusetts, Georgia, Missouri, California, Ohio, Michigan, Texas and Florida.
Impact Debated Of Large Nurses Strike At Boston-Area Tufts Medical Center
The hospital is telling patients that care quality has not suffered as a result of the walkout by its nurses union. But studies indicate that such work stoppages can have negative consequences.
New Partnership Aims To Make Life Easier For Those With Diabetes
Silicon Valley-based Bigfoot and Chicago-based Abbott Laboratories are teaming up on technology intended to help diabetics better monitor insulin intake and glucose levels throughout the day.
Heavy Painkiller Use, Abuse Remains Serious Problem For Medicare Patients, Report Finds
Doctor shopping — obtaining large amounts of the drugs prescribed by four or more doctors and filled at four or more pharmacies — also appears to be a major issue in the program.
Report On FDA’s Tool For Tracking Side Effects In Drugs Finds Incomplete Data
“Not only does this data show that manufacturer performance is weak, by not revising its systems, the [Food and Drug Administration] is also missing an opportunity to enhance to post-marketing surveillance,” said Thomas Moore, an ISMP senior scientist.
CMS Considers Slashing 340B Payments As Way To Curb High Drug Spending
With the proposed changes, if a drug costs $84,000, CMS would pay just over $65,000, instead of $89,000.
House Votes Down Proposal To Block Funds For Soldiers Seeking Gender-Related Medical Treatment
“It’s a hurtful amendment, it’s not needed,” said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla), a noted advocate for LGBT rights who has a transgender son. “I view it as a personal issue, because as a mom I’m impacted, but it’s an issue of fairness for everyone.”
Federal Fund For Fetal Tissue Research Prohibited In HHS Spending Proposal
A House subcommittee’s draft 2018 spending plan bars federal funds from being spent on such research, a win for conservatives who are also taking aim at money for family planning programs. Only a small portion of the NIH budget was spent on fetal tissue research in 2016.
Ohio Working Quietly To Wiggle Out Of ACA Mandates
Ohio is seeking waivers for the individual and employer mandates in the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, Colorado is expected to announce its premium increases today, and residents have been warned to be braced for sharp hikes.
Health Of Medicare Trust Fund Improves, Staving Off Need For Dreaded ‘Death Panels’
The board reports that it will be depleted in 2029, a year later than the Obama administration had last projected. The estimate helped avoid activating the Independent Payment Advisory Board.
412 Charged In DOJ’s Largest-Ever Health Care Fraud Takedown
“Too many trusted medical professionals like doctors, nurses and pharmacists have chosen to violate their oaths and put greed ahead of their patients,” says Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Many of the crimes were related to the opioid epidemic sweeping the country.
Trump: ‘The Only Thing More Difficult Than Peace Between Israel And The Palestinians Is Health Care’
Despite acknowledging how tough it is going to be to get legislation passed, President Donald Trump voiced optimism that Congress will get it done.
