Latest KFF Health News Stories
Stat profiles the 41-day struggle of a West Virginia mother and father to get professional help for their 21-year-old daughter before it was too late. In other news on the nation’s drug crisis, Food and Drug Administration panels reconsider Opana, a pain doctor in Massachusetts faces fraud charges and a former drug policy director weighs in on the potential impact of Republicans’ replacement health plan.
One Kansas Ruling Could Topple Slew Of Abortion Opponents’ Successes In State
The ruling will determine if general language in the state constitution’s Bill of Rights protects the right to an abortion independently of the U.S. Constitution. Media outlets report on other news from Alabama and Texas.
Bill Would Target Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ Role In High Drug Prices
PBMs are coming under increased scrutiny as public’s ire grows over price gouging.
Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price is sharply questioned during a televised meeting about Republican plans to cut Medicaid funding. Also in the news are reports about a recent letter Price and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Director Seema Verma sent states about their flexibility on Medicaid procedures, doctor reimbursement issues in Georgia and a long-running controversy in Iowa.
Trump Slashes Health Spending In Federal Budget Plan
The administration’s budget blueprint proposes reducing the Department of Health and Human Service’s funding by 18 percent — with more than a third of the $15.1 billion in cuts coming from the National Institutes of Health, the government’s main engine of biomedical research.
Reconciliation Strategy Throws Wrench Into Legislative Efforts To Strip Essential Health Benefits
Under the complicated rules that allow Republicans to try to move legislation through the Senate without a filibuster, any changes to the Affordable Care Act must be related to the budget. That means essential health benefits will be left to regulators.
Anthem CEO Lobbies Trump And Price For Changes In Health Bill
Anthem CEO Joseph Swedish is seeking a continuation of cost-sharing subsidies and “appropriate” funding for Medicaid in Republican legislation to replace the federal health law. At the same time, several high-profile groups representing doctors and hospitals are gearing up to fight the GOP proposal.
CBO Report Shines Stark Light On Just How Much Wealthiest Will Benefit From Repeal Plan
The plan offers billions of dollars’ worth of tax cuts to health insurers, pharmaceutical companies, investors and even tanning salon operators — amounting to nearly $1 trillion over a decade. Meanwhile, The Washington Post fact checks claims about the medical device tax.
Enrollment Numbers Dip Slightly And Fall Short Of Obama’s Goals
More than 12 million signed up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act as premiums increased, but advocates blame the small decrease on the Trump administration’s failure to make a spirited enrollment push.
At Rally, Trump Employs Campaign Tactics To Build Support For GOP’s Replacement Plan
“We want Americans to be able to purchase the health insurance plans they want, not the plans forced on them by our government,” President Donald Trump tells supporters in Nashville.
Health Bill Will Pass Budget Committee And Is ‘Made Better’ With New Ideas, Chairwoman Says
Rep. Diane Black, (R-Tenn.) who heads the House budget panel, says she is confident that the legislation can get through a vote today despite some conservatives’ complaints.
GOP Health Plan Will Undergo ‘Necessary Improvements,’ Ryan Promises Wary Lawmakers
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) tries to salvage support for his plan, as both the right wing and the moderates in his party revolt. What to do with Medicaid is a major issue being worked through.
Viewpoints: The Risks Of ‘Reforming’ Medicaid; Did The CBO Offer An ‘Indictment’ Of This Program?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the nation.
Thoughts On How Republican’s Answer To Obamacare Plays Out On The State Level
Editorials from around the country take a hard look at how the GOP proposal would work within their states.
Voices On The Impact Of The American Health Care Act: Who’s Talking? Who’s Not?
Opinion writers take aim at comments made by some of the Republican plan’s pitch men while also noting the interests that are staying silent as the debate continues. They also highlight the role of key players and personalities such as Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price.
Outlooks And Assessments: Criticism Of The House GOP Health Plan Heats Up
In the aftermath of Congressional Budget Office estimates regarding the number of Americans who would lose health coverage under the American Health Care Act, editorial pages move deeper into the discussion with some scalding critiques of the plan and some defenses of how it could help reduce the nation’s deficit.
Perspectives: To Pharma, Trump Starting To Look Like Boy Who Cried Wolf
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
In Hospitals, High Drug Prices Spark Innovation Versus Cost-Savings Fight
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
Outlets report on news from California, Ohio, Kansas, Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Minnesota.
