Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hospitals Lobbied Hard To Keep Tax Breaks Under ACA, But They’re Not Sharing Their Windfall
Through millions of newly insured patients, hospitals have raked in money since the Affordable Care Act was passed. But their spending on direct charity care has actually fallen.
States Scramble To Cajole, Entice and Pressure Insurers Back Into Marketplace
“There is a general feeling that we’re on the front lines,” says Julie Mix McPeak, Tennessee’s insurance commissioner.
If GOP Plan Passes, Some States Will Likely End Medicaid Expansion Early
The program would likely become too costly for them to maintain. Meanwhile, a new report shows that the proposed legislation would cut Medicaid funding by as much as 39 percent. And media outlets report on other news on the program out of Pennsylvania, Montana, Michigan, California, Texas, Virginia and Ohio.
Preventive Care Efforts Were Boosted Under ACA, But GOP’s Plan Would Make Them Vulnerable Again
Regular screenings and preventive care are responsible for catching serious problems before they become expensive disasters. But with the cuts under the GOP’s proposed legislation, some worry the progress made through the Affordable Care Act will be lost. Meanwhile, the Republicans’ plan depends on young people buying insurance even though that lesson was already learned, and a look at the winners and losers under the plan.
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.
