Latest KFF Health News Stories
Also in the news, abortion politics heat up in Virginia as Ed Gillespie’s statements on the issue draw scrutiny as he makes a bid for the governor’s mansion.
Study Finds Heavy Turnover Among Physicians In Medicare ACOs
Medicare hopes to use the accountable care organization to coordinate care so that quality is improved and costs lowered. But the research suggests that the design of the ACO may need to pay special attention to physicians.
A Look At Where Trump Has Diverged From Obama On Health Policy
Stat is tracking five key health areas to identify where things are changing, where it’s unclear and where it’s just more of the same.
Gottlieb’s Deep Resume Means He Can Hit Ground Running, But It’s Also What Has Opponents Concerned
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, President Donald Trump’s pick to head the Food and Drug Administration, will be grilled on his ties to the industry at a confirmation hearing on Wednesday.
Kansas Health Industry, Patient Advocates ‘Not Ready To Give Up Yet’ On Medicaid Expansion
After coming so close to moving the state to “yes” on expanding its Medicaid program, activists say they will be back to continue the fight. Also, North Carolina Democrats and advocates renew their push for expansion.
Georgia Health Law Marketplace Could Be Rocked If Blue Cross’ Parent Company Pulls Out
Anthem Inc., the parent company of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, “is leaning toward exiting a high percentage” of regions it participates in, which could leave a vacuum of coverage for the state. Meanwhile, Iowa’s insurance commissioner says no one should panic just because Wellmark has announced it won’t be selling individual plans for 2018.
For Young People, Health Care Is A ‘Right’ That Government Should Pay More To Ensure
A GenForward poll shows young people support the Affordable Care Act and think the government should be responsible for making sure Americans have coverage. Other polls also take the country’s temperature on health care.
A Missed Opportunity? Republicans Didn’t Court The Democrats Who Opposed ACA In 2010
There are three Democrats still in office who voted “no” on the Affordable Care Act, but they say Republicans didn’t reach out to them.
White House Tacks Right On Health Plan To Woo Conservatives, Jeopardizing Support From Moderates
Talks on Tuesday to get House Freedom Caucus members on board with a Republican health bill ended without any solid guarantees.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Gen X And The Future Of Health Care; Facing Down The Opioid Crisis
A collection of public health opinions on health care from around the country.
Opinion writers offer their views on the vote by the Kansas legislature not to override Gov. Sam Brownback’s veto of a Medicaid expansion measure, while others examine how Republicans in Congress might move forward on health care.
Outlets report on news from Minnesota, Iowa, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Missouri, Texas and Florida.
Highly Touted Immunotherapy Can Actually Unleash Full Fury Of Cancer Rather Than Thwarting It
Researchers are noticing that in some cases using immunotherapy can actually cause tumors to enter a hyperactive phase. In other public health news: faulty diagnoses, the effect being overweight has on life span, skin cancer, vaccinations, Alzheimer’s and more.
Alternative Approaches To Pain Gaining Victories As Opioid Epidemic Rages On
Naturopaths and chiropractors have been championing their methods as a way to avoid prescribing patients addictive painkillers.
Administration Cuts Funding To U.N. Program, Saying It Supported Coercive Abortions
The funds will be shifted to similar programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development. Meanwhile, a federal judge comes down against an Indiana ultrasound measure and a look at how Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin would be affected if federal money is cut off from the organization.
VA To Detail Improvements To Suicide Hotline Following Troubling Report On Its Flaws
Calls to the Veterans Crisis Line that rolled over to backup centers steadily declined from 31 percent in early November, to just 0.1 percent as of March 25, according to internal VA data submitted to Congress. In other news, the Senate moved to allow the VA to continue operating its Choice program until its money runs out, expected to occur early next year.
Consumers Sue Mylan Claiming Company ‘Gamed The System’ In Order To Boost EpiPen Sales
The lawsuit focuses on the relationship between the company and pharmacy benefit managers, which are coming under increasing scrutiny for their role in high drug prices.
Judge Allows UnitedHealthcare Suit To Move Forward On Medicare Advance Overpayments
U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer said the federal government’s legal obligations on Medicare Advantage insurers are subject to judicial review, Modern Healthcare reports. Also, the government announced it was slightly increasing the rate it pays Medicare Advantage insurers in 2018.
Lawmakers On Both Sides Dig In Heels Over Drastic Cuts To NIH Funding
“I’m extremely concerned about the potential impact of the 18 percent cut,” said Rep. Tom Cole, the Republican chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee responsible for the National Institutes of Health. Meanwhile, Rep. Nita Lowey, senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said the proposed cuts could have “catastrophic results” for patients and researchers.
