Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s other public health news stories report on developments related to the toll climate change takes on mental health, more women with breast cancer opting for mastectomies over lumpectomies and a baby born in California who has birth defects resulting from exposure to Zika.
Missouri Cuts Funding To All Organizations That Provide Abortions
The state, in an attempt to avoid a court challenge, has rejected a line of federal Medicaid funding so it can cut off state funding to any women’s health organization or hospital that provides abortions. Media outlets report on other developments out of Arkansas, Arizona, Kentucky, Iowa and Texas.
Often-Cited Criticism About Low Rate Of Doctor Participation In Medicaid May Be Misleading
A fact-check examines one of the frequent complaints about Medicaid and finds that the situation is much more complicated. Also, the Des Moines Register reports that the help Iowa promised to the private companies running its Medicaid managed care program will be much more expensive for the federal government, and the Denver Post looks at the continuing problems with the state’s new Medicaid payment system.
Subsidies, Mandates, Essential Health Benefits, Oh My! A Look At The Vulnerable Pieces Of The ACA
NPR lays out what the Trump administration could do even though the Republican push to repeal failed. Meanwhile, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) says aspects of the Affordable Care Act, such as the Cadillac Tax, could be tackled through tax reform, and two lawmakers propose a fix to help people who live in areas with no insurers participating in the market.
For Red States, A New Calculation About Medicaid Expansion
Since the Republican health bill’s collapse in the House, some states that have been resisting Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion may rethink that option. Even so, Arkansas lawmakers are having some difficulty getting the votes needed to continue with the expansion program there, and Missouri lawmakers turn down an expansion bill.
In Confusion Following Collapse Of Health Bill, Supporters Of Single-Payer Seize The Moment
While the far-left branch of the Democratic party knows there’s not much they can get through at the moment, they’re hoping to build momentum so they’ll be ready to move if Democrats regain any power in the next elections. Meanwhile, Democrats are waiting for a little Republican outreach.
Majority of Americans Do Not Approve Of Republicans’ Health Plans
A new poll found that of six changes the failed House GOP bill would have made to former President Barack Obama’s law, five drew more negative than positive reactions. A separate poll shows that Republican support of repeal plunged sharply as well.
‘Lot Of People Are Talking’ But No Discernible Movement Being Made For New Health Vote
Though some lawmakers say that the House leadership could be eyeing a vote next week, others aren’t as optimistic on any progress toward a new vote on the GOP health plan.
Trump’s Opioid Efforts At Best Duplicate Obama’s, At Worst Roll Back Progress, Advocates Say
President Donald Trump is creating a panel led by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to seek answers on the crisis and has hinted at bringing back policies like criminalization of drug misuse.
Price Defends Steep Cuts To NIH As Reducing Redundancies And Waste
The Health and Human Services secretary was grilled by appropriators about the suggested $5.8 billion in cuts to the National Institutes of Health 2018 budget, in addition to the surprise $1.2 billion that was proposed for next year.
HHS Secretary Tight-Lipped On Health Law Changes, But Says ‘We Have To Fix The Problem’
Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price faced scrutiny from House appropriators over any changes the administration is considering for the Affordable Care Act.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Mortality Of The Working Class; Strategies To Undermine The Opioid Crisis
A collection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Responses And Reviews: Action Needed On The Kansas Medicaid Expansion, Kentucky Mental Health Law
Editorial pages in Kansas urge Gov. Sam Brownback to follow the state legislature’s lead and sign the Medicaid expansion while Kentucky’s opinion writers urge state lawmakers to reverse Gov. Matt Bevin’s veto of a mental health bill.
Opinion writers examine what might happen to Obamacare and the challenges that lie ahead.
Editorial writers across the country continue to examine the how and why behind the dynamics that played out last week on Capitol Hill as Republicans saw their American Health Care Act fail to reach a House vote.
Perspectives: Instead Of Celebrating AHCA’s Downfall, Industry Will Be Looking At Next Battle
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
PhRMA Analysis Shifts Blame For High Drug Prices
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
Media outlets report on news from California, Connecticut, Maryland, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Iowa, Texas and Florida.
As Cases Of Mumps Spike, Questions Are Raised About Effectiveness Of Vaccine
Also, hepatitis, the impacts of climate change, the D.C. HIV rally, celiac disease, replicating the female reproductive system and other stories make public health news today.
