Latest KFF Health News Stories
Conn. Insurance Dept. To Play Lead Role In Review Of Anthem-Cigna Merger
News outlets report on a range of state-level marketplace activity regarding hospital and health plan mergers, acquisitions and business developments.
‘I Wouldn’t Deny That Right To Others’: Gov. Jerry Brown Signs Aid-In-Dying Measure
Brown said that he weighed the controversial issue carefully, and in the end he decided that it would be a comfort to know the option of doctor-assisted suicide was available if he were facing a painful, prolonged death.
On Campaign Trail, GOP Presidential Hopeful John Kasich Paints Himself As ‘Troublemaker’
Kasich points to his economic policies and his position on Medicaid expansion as evidence. Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidates outline their positions on gun control — which often intersect with mental health issues.
For House GOP, A Protracted Leadership Fight Is Taking Shape
The Washington Post reports on how hopes for a “quick and bloodless” transition are diminishing.
Federal Officials Seeking Plan To Cut Medicare Premium Increases
The premiums for some beneficiaries could rise by nearly 50 percent next year.
Gov. Herbert Expresses Cautious Optimism About Utah’s Medicaid Expansion Plan
He also says some changes need to be made in the latest version of the expansion.
Health Law’s ‘Cadillac Tax,’ Risk Corridor Program Draw Scrutiny
In other health law news, a study finds that chronically ill people enrolled in Obamacare plans pay more in out-of-pocket prescription drug costs than do those people who have employer-based coverage.
Trade Pact’s Drug Protection Efforts Disappoint Pharmaceutical Companies
Drug makers had hoped to get a 12-year period of protection against cheaper versions of the drug but the pact guarantees only five to eight years.
Price Hikes — Even Beyond Inflation — Drive Drug Revenue
This scenario appears to play out even when demand for specific drugs doesn’t match the increases. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that drug price surges also are a result of Food and Drug Administration safety testing.
First Edition: October 6, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Scrutinizing The Cadillac Tax; Spiraling Drug Prices; Battling Gun Violence
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from New Jersey, New York, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Illinois.
Florida Courts To Hear Disputes Between State And Clinics Over Alleged Improper Abortions
Meanwhile, state funding for Planned Parenthood remains an issue. Utah says that contracts with the reproductive health organization will remain in place through 2015 while a judge orders Arkansas to continue paying for some services.
Fiorina Stands By Her Criticism Of Planned Parenthood
Meanwhile, on the campaign trail, Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton lashes out at a coal company’s proposed bankruptcy plan because of its impact on retiree benefits.
Drug Makers’ Seemingly Whimsical Pricing Leaves Consumers Fuming And Confused
The New York Times examines how Valeant’s decision to dramatically increase the cost of a drug affects spending and patients’ decisions about care. Other outlets also look at the controversial issue of drug marketping, and AARP is setting up a technology fund to push innovations to help seniors.
The Selection Of The Next House Speaker Has Become More Complicated
Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, announced Sunday that he would challenge Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., outgoing Speaker John Boehner’s hand-picked successor, to take over the top spot in the House. In other news from Capitol Hill, President Barack Obama has nominated Michael J. MIssal to be the Veterans Affairs inspector general — a move long called for by members of Congress.
Supreme Court Begins Term With Divisive Social Issues On The Docket
Abortion and questions related to religious objections to contraception are among the issues the court will likely tackle.
Is Repealing ‘Cadillac Tax’ A Terrible Idea? Many Health Care Economists Think So
Meanwhile, a federal program created by the health law to cushion health insurers’ Obamacare risks will fall short of the industry’s ask. Insurers wanted $2.87 billion in payments but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will only dole out $362 million.
Negotiators Reach Deal In Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement
Issues related to biologics were among the last hold-outs to be settled.
First Edition: October 5, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
