Latest KFF Health News Stories
Regulations that have been baked into the Medicaid program are thwarting advocates’ efforts in the battle against opioids. A handful of states are now seeking federal waivers as a way to get around them. Media outlets report on the crisis out of Maryland, Georgia, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Missouri’s Move To Privatize Medicaid: Cost Efficiency Or Putting Patients At Risk?
News outlets also report on Medicaid developments related to how helping homeless patients saves money for California’s Medicaid Program as well as news about Puerto Rico and congressional funding in the pending omnibus spending bill.
Slew Of Recent Anti-Abortion Actions Provokes Democrats To Issue Shot Over Bow
A group of Senate lawmakers wrote a letter criticizing efforts to defund Planned Parenthood, the appointment of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and changes to Title X family planning funding.
Motives Behind Trump’s Dismissal Of Surgeon General Questioned By Senate Democrats
Seven senators sign a letter, requesting more information about why the Trump administration’s cut former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s two-year term short. In other Capitol Hill news, lawmakers consider a bill to allow over-the-counter sales of hearing aids and coal miner’s families react to Congress’ extension of the health insurance fund.
Molina Ousts Founders’ Sons From Top Positions, Citing Disappointing Financial Performance
Dr. J. Mario Molina in his position as CEO was a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and Congress’ efforts to repeal and replace the health law.
Aetna Posts First-Quarter Loss, Mulls Scaling Back Health Law Participation Even Further
Aetna said it expects 2017 losses on its individual business will amount to roughly half its loss last year, which was $450 million.
Having More Insured People Under ACA Did Not Lead To Loss Of Access For Those Already With Coverage
“We found no consistent evidence that there were negative impacts on continuously insured adults of rising insurance rates,” said Steven Hill, one of the report’s authors.
The Paths Forward For Republicans Are Politically Unpalatable
GOP lawmakers are faced with three options that aren’t ideal for retaining their political power: keep negotiating, starve the health law until it collapses or come up with a moderate “repair” bill. Meanwhile, Politico also looks at why the health law is so hard to repeal, and the Senate’s reaction to all the uncertainty in the House.
Kimmel’s Emotional Plea For Preexisting Conditions Reflects Debate Over Revised Health Plan
“No parent should ever have to decide if they can afford to save their child’s life,” TV show host Jimmy Kimmel said. Protections for people with preexisting conditions are becoming one of the main sticking points with the legislation.
Latest GOP Defector Deals A Major Blow To Health Bill Already On Shaky Ground
Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) saying he can’t vote for the Republican’s Obamacare-replacement plan, as it stands, gives centrists cover to be more vocal about their concerns. Upton says he’s crafting an amendment though to address his issues. Meanwhile, House leadership is scrambling to whip up votes as President Donald Trump continues to press hard to get something passed. Media outlets report on the state of negotiations and where lawmakers stand.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Who Loses In The Mo. Budget Debate; Ill.’s Medical Debt
A selection of state-based opinions on health care.
Opinion writers consider what’s behind the current buzz words in the debate over the Affordable Care Act’s future.
Contemplating The Ups And Downs Of The NIH Budget; The Link Between Politics And The Measles
News outlets take on a range of public health topics.
Media outlets report on news from Maryland, Florida, Ohio, Minnesota, California, Colorado and Texas.
Hospitals In 10 States Cut Staff Amid Fears Driven By Financial And Political Uncertainty
Stat reports on the pressures felt by the hospital industry. And the financial difficulties faced by hospitals in Texas, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., are also in the news today.
Florida Congresswoman Proposes Grants For Treating Police With Post-Traumatic Shock
Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.) wants local police departments to get federal money for peer-to-peer counseling and other mental health aid for officers with PTSD. Elsewhere, New Hampshire Public Radio examines data on police shootings and finds they often involve people who are severely mentally ill.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Wis. Law That Can Force Pregnant Women Into Addiction Treatment
A spokesman for Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel said the office was still reviewing the decision and had no immediate comment.
To Beat Opioid Crisis, Prevention Work Has To Start In Schools, Massachusetts AG says
The state’s Youth Opioid Prevention Grant Program, which will dole out the funds to schools, was established with money that Walgreens and CVS paid to settle charges of improper dispensing of opioids. Media outlets also report on news related to the epidemic from Florida and Virginia.
Twins May Hold The Key To Unlocking Mysteries Surrounding Zika
Determining why one twin became infected in the womb while the other did not may illuminate how Zika crosses the placenta, how it enters the brain, and whether any genetic mutations make a fetus more resistant or susceptible to Zika infection. In other public health news: chronic fatigue syndrome, fasting, gender identity, hunger, premature babies and back pain.
