Latest KFF Health News Stories
House Republicans Win Lawsuit Over Obamacare Subsidies
A federal judge rules in favor of lawmakers who sued the Obama administration over funding for the Affordable Care Act’s cost-sharing subsidy program. Anticipating an appeal, the judge stayed the order. The ruling, if it stands, could be a significant financial setback for the millions of low-income Americans who benefit from the cost-sharing subsidies.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
House Republicans Win Lawsuit Over Obamacare Cost-Sharing Payments
A federal judge rules in favor of lawmakers who sued the Obama administration over funding for the Affordable Care Act’s cost-sharing subsidy program. Anticipating an appeal, the judge stayed the order.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: The Lazarus Effect; Zenefits; Hospitals As Prisons; and John Oliver
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Outlets report on health news in Ohio, Missouri, Florida, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, New Hampshire and Iowa.
N.M. Home Health Visits Could Be Eligible For Federal Medicaid Funds, Expert Says
The state has expanded the program in recent years to improve children’s health, but New Mexico’s current budget crunch leaves its future in question. In Medicaid news in other states, Connecticut’s budget would bring back radiology cuts and Louisiana lawmakers block the new Medicaid-financed centers aimed at helping “medically fragile” kids.
FTC To Continue Efforts To Block Merger Between Two Pennsylvania Health Systems
Also, in Philadelphia, the city government and the Children’s Hospital are joining forces to improve care for kids; and three North Carolina nonprofit hospitals ranked among the nation’s 10 most profitable hospital systems.
Eliminating Tuberculosis Remains Elusive Goal As Number Of Cases Inches Up
News outlets also report on other public health developments related to a jarring no-smoking ad campaign, Alzheimer’s indicators, sleep-apnea device usage in hospitals and efforts to preserve school recess.
Zika Threat Will Spur Urgent Contraception, Abortion Debates
Meanwhile, the federal response to the virus makes headlines as the Senate considers funding options and Florida Gov. Rick Scott pushes government officials to implement a plan to fight the spread of Zika.
Ky. Judge Unseals Secret Documents About Purdue’s OxyContin Marketing
STAT filed a motion to bring to light the documents that include the deposition of Dr. Richard Sackler, a former president of OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma. Purdue plans to appeal the ruling.
In Cradle Of Opioid Epidemic, A Clinic Strives To Ease Burden Of Pain Management For Its Doctors
In West Virginia, primary care physicians are being bombarded with pain medication requests — often from patients they grew up with whom they were reluctant to turn down. So, in an attempt to let its doctors and nurses focus on conditions they are more comfortable treating, the clinic tries a new approach: hiring an anesthesiologist to handle all pain management cases.
Mo. Judge Says State Revoked Abortion License Due To ‘Political Pressure,’ Rules In Favor Of Clinic
U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey says that the actions by the state’s Department of Health and Senior Services were partly based on its “perception that if it did not act in accordance with the legislature’s desires, its budget would be cut.” News outlets report on other Planned Parenthood news out of Ohio, Kansas and Mississippi.
Americans Have Doubts About Fast-Tracking FDA Drug Approvals: Poll
The public is also in support of banning prescription medicine ads from TV, according to the survey from STAT News and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
For Investors, Drug Pricing Anxiety Is Real
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration is proposing that drug makers pay fees to the agency for reviewing over-the-counter monographs. Also, a group of Harvard Medical School researchers finds another link between medical industry payments to physicians and prescribing behavior.
Amid Regulatory Investigations, Top Theranos Executive Departs Company
Sunny Balwani, Theranos’ president and chief operations officer, helped build the startup, which has announced it will replace his position and expand its board.
Federal Official Says New Medicare Payment System Will Not Hurt Small Physician Practices
CMS acting Administrator Andy Slavitt tells congressional lawmakers that changes mandated by a new law on payments are not expected to cause reporting hardships for doctors in solo or small practices and will be adaptable.
Trump’s Latest Moves Slightly Thaw Cold-War Relations With Anti-Abortion Groups
The presumptive Republican nominee for president recently pledged to appoint pro-life judges and brought a prominent opponent of abortion on to his staff.
Ryan Spotlights Opioid Package As Trump Meeting Looms
Although Washington’s eyes are focused on an upcoming meeting between the speaker and the presumptive GOP nominee, Paul Ryan wanted to bring attention to the House’s work this week at trying to pass 18 initiatives aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic. The White House, however, criticized the measures, saying they lack “substance.”
Task Force To Lay Out Draft ‘Replace’ Plan For GOP Leaders
The Obamacare replacement plan is part of House Speaker Paul Ryan’s promise to put together a conservative agenda ahead of the Republican convention this summer.
