Latest KFF Health News Stories
Policy Thoughts: Much Is At Stake As The House Approaches A Vote On The GOP Health Bill
Editorial pages across the country are full of tough talk for the American Health Care Act and challenges for the Republican Party.
Perspectives: FDA Nominee’s Laissez-Faire Regulatory Posture Bad For Public Health
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Patient Groups Losing Faith In Pharma
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
Outlets report on news from Florida, Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri and California.
Va. Board Of Health ‘Watered Down’ Abortion Regulations, Foundation Claims In Suit
The Family Foundation of Virginia is issuing a legal challenge to the board’s decision to do away with hospital-style regulations for abortion clinics imposed by the General Assembly in 2011. Media outlets report on news out of Missouri and Texas, as well.
The Rules Have Changed: Exercise Is A Good Idea During Pregnancy
Despite the traditional advice that rest is important, a group of researches offer guidelines for pregnant women about how best to gain benefits from exercising while they are expecting. In other news, a study finds that prenatal vitamins with DHA supplements don’t boost a baby’s brains and news on the marketing of vasectomies.
Lawyers For OxyContin Maker Ask Judge To Dismiss Suit Filed By City Over Opioid Epidemic
Purdue Pharma argues that the lawsuit by Everett, Washington, has “multiple, independent legal failings.” In other stories on the nation’s drug crisis: the nominee for New Hampshire attorney general has defended a major opioid manufacturer; an Ohio toxicologist develops a test for carfentanil; kids call 911 when they wake up to find their overdosed parents; and the debate over needle exchanges goes on as hepatitis C spreads.
Hospital Bills Due To Gun Injuries Cost $6.6 Billion Over Last 8 Years
And that tally does not include expensive emergency room treatment. Today’s stories cover other public health news related to cancer and breast implants, Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, smoking, “synthetic biology,” teen marijuana use, heart disease and more.
Letters To Constituents Chock Full Of Errors And Mischaracterizations About ACA
ProPublica and its partners at Kaiser Health News, Stat and Vox fact-checked lawmakers’ responses to voters’ letters about health care.
Obscure Medicaid Funding Provision In GOP Bill Roils New York Politics
In an effort to attract more Republican votes for the Obamacare replacement bill, House leaders added a provision that shifts some costs from counties onto the state, and that is raising problems in Albany. Also in the news, the impact of adding a work requirement to Medicaid, managed care insurers’ reactions to the House legislation, fears in some states about losing expansion coverage and the effect of the Hill debate on efforts in Kansas to expand Medicaid.
States Worry That Bill’s Medicaid Changes Could Undermine Care For Poor And Older Residents
News outlets examine how changes being considered on Capitol Hill are playing in the states.
Tax Reform Could Be Next Issue To Fall Apart If Health Care Fails, Some Warn
“The folks that were able to tear this down would feel like they’re empowered to tear the next big project down,” said Rep. Bill Flores of Texas.
Democrats Execute Strategic Retreat As Republicans’ Civil War Does The Work For Them
“Republicans now are dealing with the fact that they’ve built a castle on a foundation of lies,” Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), who chairs the moderate New Democrat Coalition in the House, said in an interview. “The last thing we would want to do is get in their way.”
McConnell Shows No Signs Of Wavering On Health Plan Despite Grim Prospects In Senate
“We will reach a conclusion on health care next week,” Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised.
From Architect To Captain: Ryan Faces Extreme Test That Could Define Speakership
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) hadn’t wanted the role of House speaker, but it was thrust upon him. Now he faces the challenges of actually shepherding legislation into law.
Trump To GOP Rabble-Rousers: Voting ‘No’ On Plan Will Cost You Your Seat In 2018
President Donald Trump met with members of the Freedom Caucus to try to persuade them to support the American Health Care Act ahead of an anticipated Thursday vote. He singled out Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) saying, “I’m gonna come after you.” Meadows shrugged off the words as good-natured ribbing.
GOP Doesn’t Have The Votes Locked Up Yet To Guarantee Health Plan Will Pass
Twenty-three Republicans still say they either will outright oppose the legislation or are strongly leaning against it. The caucus can lose 21 votes in the House and still pass their replacement plan. Media outlets look at where individual lawmakers stand on the issue.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Planned Parenthood’s Popularity; FDA’s Retreating Oversight Of Supplements
A selection of opinions on health care from around the nation.
Opinion writers around the country examine what is at stake for individuals, the health insurance market and the entire health system as the debate over the GOP’s American Health Care Act continues.
