Latest KFF Health News Stories
Sanders Becomes Third Senator To Block Obama’s FDA Nominee
“Dr. [Robert] Califf’s extensive ties to the pharmaceutical industry give me no reason to believe that he would make the FDA work for ordinary Americans, rather than just the CEOs of pharmaceutical companies,” Democratic presidential primary candidate Bernie Sanders says.
Analysts: Trump’s Medicare Drug Pricing Proposal Plagued With Pitfalls
In a move that stunned Republican health care experts, Donald Trump called for Medicare to negotiate drug prices, an idea championed by Democrats. But he faces the same limits as they do with the proposal: Without leverage to say “no” to certain drugs because of the cost, the negotiation proposals that are left don’t net big savings for Medicare.
‘Trump Cannot Be Trusted,’ Anti-Abortion Groups Say
On Tuesday, a group of 10 anti-abortion leaders wrote an open letter to Iowa voters imploring them to vote for “anyone but Donald Trump,” saying they worry about his commitment to the cause.
N.H. Republicans Seek Work Requirements, Funding Changes For Medicaid Expansion
The state has expanded its Medicaid program, but that will end next year without a legislative extension. A similar plan has been introduced in Kansas. Outlets also look at Medicaid expansion efforts in North Carolina, Louisiana and Tennessee.
Premiums And Costs Could Rise If Republicans Win Obamacare Lawsuit, Study Finds
In House v. Burwell, Republican lawmakers are challenging the health law’s “cost sharing reduction” payments to insurers to help reimburse the coverage of lower-income enrollees. Meanwhile, as the enrollment period draws to a close, news outlets report on potential fines for millennials who remain uninsured and the cost savings potential of switching plans.
Anti-Abortion Filmmakers’ Sting Becomes First Amendment Legal Fracas
In Texas, authorities filed criminal charges against two filmmakers who took undercover videos targeting Planned Parenthood. The indictment is viewed as the latest sign that the GOP campaign against the group over the film has run into trouble.
Doctors Should Screen All Adults For Depression, Task Force Urges
The new guidance calls for specific attention to pregnant women and new mothers.
First Edition: January 27, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Hospitals And Preventable Harm; How Medicaid Expansion Is Playing In Iowa, New Hampshire
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Western Colo. Health Premiums Rise 26%; Fla. HIV Cases Swell
News outlets report on health care developments in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Washington, Kansas, New York, Hawaii, Arizona, Maryland and Minnesota.
Fla. Panel Passes Bill To End Almost All Abortions, But Its Chances Are Slim In Full Legislature
In other news, Hawaii lawmakers introduce a bill to allow pharmacists to prescribe birth control; a Senate committee in Ohio is slated to take up a Planned Parenthood defunding bill; Massachusetts ends its practice of sending addicted women to prison instead of offering them treatment; and a new study finds large disparities in women who have access to minimally invasive hysterectomies.
Iowa Will Be Ready For Medicaid Privatization Switch, State Official Says
Iowa Medicaid Director Mikki Stier says she is “very confident” that the state will be ready to transfer its Medicaid program to private management starting March 1. Meanwhile in Kansas, an audit finds that new computer system for Medicaid enrollment will save far less than the $300 million that was estimated.
Local Health Care Workers Help Flint Residents Respond To Water Contamination Crisis
Doctors, local hospitals and insurers are coordinating the local health effort in Flint, Mich. In related news, ProPublica explores the causes of the tainted drinking water emergency. And a former prosecutor is selected to lead up the investigation of the events that led to the crisis.
Glaxo Weighing Feasibility Of Zika Vaccine
Meanwhile, women in Brazil, where the virus has affected as many 1.3 million people, are being advised to avoid pregnancy.
Number Of Geriatricians Shrinks As Number Of Older Americans Who Need Care Grows
In other public health news, insurance providers are hiring social workers trained to help addiction issues. KQED writes about the benefits of home screening kits for colon cancer. And NPR reports on the continued challenges for people with Type 1 diabetes, despite the gains made fighting Type 2.
States Finding It Hard To Coordinate Care For People Who Have Medicare And Medicaid
A report to CMS looks at difficulties encountered by states running demonstration programs. Also in the news, Medicare officials are weighing opioid abuse efforts and advocates are pressing for coverage of genetic sequencing of tumors.
In California, Hearing On HealthNet-Centene Merger Triggers Tough Questions
Meanwhile, Centene also discloses that six hard drives with information belonging to about 950,000 members are “unaccounted for.” Also in the news, Modern Healthcare reports on Marilyn Tavenner’s view of how AHIP moves forward. And news outlets detail high-deductible health plans and limited coverage plans.
At Iowa Forum, Clinton Stresses Health Care Credentials; Sanders Defends ‘Medicare-For-All’ Tax Hike
With a week to go before the Iowa caucuses, the Democratic presidential candidates faced off one more time at a town hall-style forum. Hillary Clinton reiterated her recent message that she wanted universal health care first. Bernie Sanders acknowledged that his health care plan would raise taxes, but said the increase would be offset by overall cost savings.
Markey Blocking Vote On FDA Nominee Until Agency Addresses Opioid Concerns
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., the second lawmaker to place a hold on the nomination, says, “The FDA needs to commit to shift the way it approaches and evaluates addiction before I can support Dr. Califf’s nomination.” Elsewhere on Capitol Hill, Republicans are likely to use a new Congressional Budget Office analysis of booming health care costs to propose deep funding cuts. Also, lawmakers reschedule their hearing on drug prices.
Grand Jury Indicts 2 Activists Behind Planned Parenthood Videos
During its investigation into accusations of misconduct against Planned Parenthood, a Texas grand jury cleared the organization of wrongdoing and instead indicted the two people who secretly recorded videos purporting to show officials trying to profit from the sale of fetal tissue.
