Latest KFF Health News Stories
Budget Deal Will Impact Medicare Hospital Reimbursement Rates
In other Medicare news, a rate freeze on a popular Medigap plan in Michigan is set to expire.
Sanders Seeks To Regain Campain-Trail Momentum By Pushing Policy Initiatives
The Democratic candidate is looking at speeches that will likely include policy proposals on family and medical leave, a Medicare-for-all health care system and an expansion of Social Security benefits. The speeches are under consideration as Sen. Bernie Sanders is losing the battle for support among unions. Meanwhile, rival Hillary Clinton will meet with insurers. News outlets also report campaign trail news from Ben Carson and Jeb Bush, both candidates for the Republican presidential nomination.
House Panel Advances Mental Health Bill, But Dems Complain Their Concerns Weren’t Met
In a fierce clash at the hearing, Democratic lawmakers say that they were not allowed to contribute to the bill, despite promises that their issues would be addressed.
Meanwhile, on the Senate side, a bipartisan Medicare bill addressing chronic illness issues may soon emerge from the Finance Committee.
Blood-Testing Startup Theranos Looks For New Laboratory Director
The company launches the search amid questions about the qualifications of its current lab leader. The New York Times also reports on the need for investing expertise at health care tech firms like Theranos.
Administration Warns States Against Limiting Costly Hepatitis C Drugs In Medicaid Programs
The federal officials also sent letters to drug makers asking what efforts they have pursued to make the drugs more affordable. In other news, a look at how the powerful drug makers’ lobby is responding to recent reports of price hikes, and Pfizer announces it is increasing its drug assistance program for patients.
Failure Of Health Law Co-Ops Draws Congressional Scrutiny, Shakes Up Some State Insurance Markets
The collapse of 12 out of 23 nonprofit health insurance co-ops provides critics a new chance to take aim at the health law.
Consumers Urged To Shop Carefully For 2016 Marketplace Plan To Save Money, Get Best Care
The process of buying a health plan can be complicated and several outlets provide tips for shoppers and advice about what to consider. At the same time, federal officials are heating up their enrollment campaigns, including an appearance by the HHS secretary in New Jersey.
Viewpoints: Health Law ‘Catastrophe’ For Ky. Dems; Trying To Get Rid Of Coverage Guarantee
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Breakthrough Cancer Drugs; Wellness Programs; Medical Tests
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
News outlets report on health issues in Florida, Nevada, Virginia, Missouri, Texas, California, Tennessee, New Hampshire and Puerto Rico.
After Medical Marijuana’s Defeat At The Polls, Ohio Lawmakers Ready To Explore Issue
News outlets also report on related developments in Minnesota and California.
New Mexico, Louisiana Lawmakers Worry About Medicaid Costs
In New Mexico, the price to cover lower-income residents is rising, while Louisiana lawmakers worry that savings associated with lowering the cost of a Medicaid expansion might not meet expectations.
N.H. Legislature Will Hold Special Session To Address Statewide Heroin Crisis
In related news, New Hampshire’s medical board adopted some emergency rules that would require evidence-based screening to determine which patients might be at risk of addiction. Meanwhile, news outlets also report on treatment and recovery strategies.
Clinics, Nurses And Physician Assistants May Help Fill Care Gap From Impending Doctor Shortage
The Chicago Tribune examines the options consumers might use in the future to address physician shortages and rein in costs. In related news, media outlets report on how efforts to cut costs could lead to more malpractice suits. And The Associated Press looks at the rise in virtual doctor visits.
Republican Field Divided Over Plans To Overhaul Medicare And Social Security
Meanwhile, The Washington Post looks at what the 2015 election results might mean for 2016, Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders favors an end to the U.S. marijuana ban and Republican candidate Chris Christie talks about measures aimed at curbing drug addiction.
Rep. Kevin Brady Is Likely Successor To Paul Ryan As Chair Of House Ways And Means Panel
The Texas Republican won the vote of the House Republicans’ steering committee and must next be formally ratified by the full conference. In the post Brady will help steer tax, trade and health policy.
Senate Panel To Investigate Prescription Drug Pricing
The Special Committee on Aging is now focusing on four companies — Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Turing Pharmaceuticals, Retrophin and Rodelis Therapeutics — that have been the subject of recent press reports detailing price hikes.
Healthcare.gov Problems Still Plague Some Trying To Enroll
Some people in Florida may be going without insurance because of technical problems with the federal health insurance exchange website. In Minnesota, a lawmaker says the exchange there, MNsure, is misleading him about its r budget. Also, MNsure names a finalist for the open CEO job.
GOP Says Success In Ky. Governor’s Race Shows Clout Of Opposition To Health Law
Kentucky Governor-Elect Matt Bevin campaigned against the health law and won in part on his vow to dismantle the state’s implementation of it. But Politico notes that may be very difficult.
