Latest KFF Health News Stories
GOP Leaders Offer Option To End Provision That Guaranteed Their Coverage In Health Bill
The compromise that conservatives and moderate Republicans worked out this week as a replacement for the federal health law contained a provision that exempted members of Congress and their staffs from losing their guaranteed benefits. That brought jeers from Democrats, and party leaders crafted a bill to get rid of that exemption.
All Eyes Turn Toward Moderates As Conservatives Give Approval To Revived GOP Health Plan
It’s unclear whether the compromises made to woo the Freedom Caucus cost them moderate votes, but some lawmakers say they’re hopeful it will pass. The vote could come possibly as early as Friday, although some members suggest it will take longer for lawmakers to make their decisions.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: It’s Time For Men To Talk About Depression; Addicted To The War On Drugs
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Different Takes On The Abortion Question – Economics, Politics, Risks
Opinion writers take on a variety of issues related to this divisive issue.
Editorial pages across the country include ideas about how the Trump administration and GOP lawmakers should shift their repeal and replace efforts as well as other reflections on the health care system.
Perspectives: Importing Drugs Isn’t The ‘Nuclear Option’ The Industry Paints It To Be
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
This Lawyer Is Tired Of Pharma Getting Richer And Americans Paying The Price — So He’s Suing
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Minnesota, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, California, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
N.H. Officials Confirm Opioid Used In Large-Animal Tranquilizers Responsible For 3 Deaths In State
“I think we all understand that it is likely not the last day that we talk about this issue,” Gov. Chris Sununu said about the powerful synthetic opioid appearing in the state. Media outlets report on news about the epidemic out of Massachusetts, New York, Louisiana, Florida and California, as well.
Advocates Press N.Y. Lawmakers On Conversion Therapy Ban That’s Been Blocked By Republicans Before
Under pending legislation, any licensed mental health practitioner who performs the controversial treatment, aimed at altering the sexual orientation of a minor, could be cited for unprofessional conduct.
FDA Threatens To Prosecute Companies That Make Bogus Claims About Cancer Cures
In other public health news: a “superbug” fungus is infecting hospitals in New Jersey and New York; economic inequality impacts the U.S. health care system; a link between binge drinking and abnormal heart rhythms; marijuana as a treatment for kids with autism; and more.
‘Biobag’ That Replicates Womb Could Help Improve Survival Rates For Babies Born Early
“This is an old idea,” Dr. Alan Flake, the study’s leader, said. “People pursued it for about 60 years experimentally but we were able to do what others haven’t been able to do and some of that is related to technology.”
A Holy Warrior Or A Mastermind Driven By Ideology: The Controversy Of Michael Weinstein
The head of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation runs the organization in a way that’s drawn scorn from his critics and praise from his supporters.
Number Of Calls To Veterans’ Suicide Hotline Going Unanswered Drops Dramatically
A report issued in March found that 30 percent of calls were either being rolled over to a back-up service or not being answered at all. That number has dropped to less than 1 percent.
Doctors Ask Medicare To Lift ‘Significant Administrative Burden’ By Standardizing Rules
Physicians want the government to synchronize policies for Medicare Advantage, Medicare fee-for-service and accountable care organizations. Also, Medicare next year will start issuing cards without Social Security numbers.
Maine Governor Seeks To Add Premiums And Work Requirement For Medicaid Enrollees
The state government announces schedules for two hearings and a public comment period next month before submitting the request to federal regulators. Wisconsin is also hoping to institute a premium and time limit for those getting Medicaid coverage, but the proposal is drawing complaints.
DOJ Buys More Time On Health Law’s Contraception Mandate Decision
The agency asks the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit for 60 more days to negotiate with groups that have issues with the mandate. So far, the administration has offered little guidance on where it stands on this part of Obamacare.
Public Takes Dim View Of Trump, Hill Republicans’ Negotiating Strategy On Health Law
Large majorities oppose Republicans’ consideration of allowing states to dismantle guaranteed benefits and reject the Affordable Care Act’s protection for people with preexisting medical problems, according to The Washington Post-ABC News poll. Meanwhile, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) faced a hostile crowd in a town hall meeting Monday.
Democrats To GOP: Give Us Subsidies And We’ll Give You $15B For Military Spending
Those with information on the spending negotiations say Democrats are eyeing military spending as a potential compromise to get money for the “insurer bailouts” that Republicans have been targeting for years. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times and KHN offer looks at just what exactly those subsidies are.
