Latest KFF Health News Stories
GOP Senators Tout Measure To Defund Planned Parenthood, Expect Vote Before August Recess
Republican women lawmakers are taking point position in this legislative effort. But news outlets also note the tricky politics in play — for Democrats, and for presidential candidates including Hillary Clinton — as well as the high stakes that could threaten to shut down the government.
Health Law’s Co-Ops Tinged In Red Ink, Govt. Audit Finds
The Associated Press reports that a new government audit finds these health insurance co-ops in many cases have failed to reach sign-up goals. And in Arizona, another hurdle for Medicaid expansion.
Medicare At 50: Some Promises Fulfilled But Program Still Faces Challenges
News outlets mark the half-century anniversary of the federal program that provides health insurance for older Americans.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Florida, Washington, Minnesota, Kansas, Illinois, New York and Massachusetts.
Gilead’s Blockbuster Hepatitis C Drug Propelled Second-Quarter Profits
The Associated Press reports that the company’s hepatitis C franchise was responsible for 59 percent of the revenue. Meanwhile, Merck reported better-than-expected financial news because of increased demand for its diabetes and cancer drugs.
Study: Deaths, Hospital Stays And Costs Decrease Among Americans On Medicare
USA Today says the findings are “jaw-dropping,” and experts quoted in other news stories say the results reported in this JAMA study indicate “remarkable progress.”
Burwell: No Evidence Of Fraudulent Obamacare Enrollments
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell testified on Capitol Hill to respond to a preliminary report by the Government Accountability Office that detailed how investigators were able to sign up for coverage and qualify for subsidies with phony information. Also in the news, Wheaton College will take a stand against the health law’s contraception mandate by ceasing to provide health insurance to students.
Pending Highway Bill Includes Emergency Funding For Veterans Affairs
Without congressional intervention, the agency faced a budget hole that it says would force the closure of hospitals and clinics across the country. In related health news, the Pentagon is set to award a $10.5 billion electronic health records contract.
GOP Senators Introduce Legislation To Defund Planned Parenthood
The goal of this bill is to stop federal funding for the abortion rights organization, which is in the hot seat after covert videos were released about the group’s role in supplying fetal tissue for medical research. A vote is planned in the next few days and Republicans are looking to some of the women in their caucus to lead the charge.
Take Note — Medicare And Medicaid Mark A Big Birthday
Both federal programs were signed into law on July 30, 1965. News outlets are examining these programs, as well as their accomplishments and the growing pains they will face going forward.
Forecast: National Health Care Spending To Accelerate
Federal actuaries issued a report Tuesday detailing a reversal in the slower spending trends of recent years. Among the reasons for this change, they said, is the health law’s expanded health insurance coverage, the improving economy and the aging of baby boomers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, California, North Carolina, Colorado, Connecticut, Tennessee and Illinois.
FDA Says Doctors Should Consider Limiting MRIs As Agency Investigates Risks To Brain
The Food and Drug Administration issued the safety announcement as it looks into whether contrast-imaging drugs that contain the heavy metal gadolinium leave brain deposits after repeated MRIs. Meanwhile, a new report suggests that drug makers delay filing reports with the FDA in cases of a drug-related illness or death.
Patients With Chronic Illnesses Are Benefitting From Coordinated Care At Home
News outlets also examine other trends in medical care, including the expanded roles of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, how some new mothers are missing out on advice regarding breastfeeding and SIDS, new guidance about depression screenings and continued efforts to destigmatize mental illness.
Rand Paul Pursues Vote On Defunding Planned Parenthood Before The August Break
Meanwhile, the organization confirmed Monday that its website has been hacked by anti-abortion activists.
McConnell Confronts A Restive GOP Caucus
Angst among lawmakers is taking the form of amendments to repeal the health law or defund Planned Parenthood, but they don’t always fit in with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plans for broader legislation.
