Latest KFF Health News Stories
Longer Looks: Veterans Helping Comrades Fight Suicide; Telling A Child About HIV
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Health care stories are reported from North Carolina, Pennsylvania, California, Missouri, Maryland, Florida, Alabama, Ohio, Texas, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
Deep Cuts To Texas’ Children’s Therapy Services On Temporary Hold After Judge’s Decision
A planned $350 million in budget cuts to the state’s Medicaid therapy services were scheduled to go into effect on Oct. 1 and impact an estimated 60,000 kids with conditions like autism, cerebral palsy and spina bifida. In North Carolina, the Medicaid overhaul bill takes effect as Gov. Pat McCrory signs it into law.
Ohio, Wisconsin Lawmakers Move To Strip Planned Parenthood Of State And Federal Money
Elsewhere, Texas health officials consider plans to consolidate two of the state’s women’s health programs. One goal of the move is to reduce the growing rate of teen pregnancies in certain parts of the state.
Senate Panel To Hold Hearing On Improper Payments Made By Medicare And Medicaid
In related news, a judge rules that CVS did not intentionally defraud the government when it filed erroneous Medicare claims, as a whistleblower lawsuit alleged.
Consumer Advice: Handling Surprise Medical Bills And Picking A Health Plan For Kids
Two outlets examine common coverage issues for consumers.
Analysts Give Aetna, Anthem CEOs ‘Solid Grades’ For Senate Subcommittee Testimony
The executives’ mission was to win support for proposed mergers. But concerns still exist about the impact these deals might have on consumers.
Biotech Industry Under Scrutiny By Investors
Losses for this sector picked up this week after Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton said there might be “price gouging” happening in this part of the market.
Controversial Drug Price Increase Highlights Growing Trend In Costs
The decision by a pharmaceutical company to raise the price of the 62-year-old drug 5,000 percent raised the ire of consumers and politicians alike. But health care advocates and industry experts have been wary of the growing prices for some time. Also, several outlets look at the man who decided to raise the price of Daraprim and set off the latest controversy.
Lindsey Graham Ready To Take On Other GOP Presidential Hopefuls On Gov’t Shutdown Push
Graham, a senator from South Carolina, maintains that a shutdown would be politically damaging for Republicans. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times examines the evolution of policy positions taken by another candidate, Carly Fiorina.
Clinton Takes Aim At High Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs
A day after taking on high drug costs, Hillary Clinton, who is campaigning to become the Democratic presidential nominee, detailed a series of health policy proposals to help Americans afford the rising price tag of seeing the doctor.
Kansas Hospitals In Jeopardy Without Medicaid Expansion, Health System Leader Says
Citing declining revenues and pending hospital closures, the CEO of Kansas’ largest health system, Via Christi Health, is joining other medical groups to urge state lawmakers and Gov. Sam Brownback to reconsider their refusal to expand Medicaid.
Fewer Americans Support Federal Spending On Health Care Since Obamacare, Study Shows
In other news related to the health law, recent UAW contract negotiations shine a light on how the looming “Cadillac tax” is impacting workers and businesses. And a watchdog says that New York’s health exchange needs to improve its income verification system.
Pope’s Message To U.S. Touches On Health Care For Poor, Contraception And Abortion
On the second day of his U.S. tour, Pope Francis’ speech to Congress is eagerly anticipated. Abortion and access to health care are among the topics he’s likely to speak on as he has already been pushing Catholic hospitals to provide free health care for the poor. Yesterday the pope made an unscheduled stop at the convent of the Little Sisters of the Poor, a group of nuns fighting the Obamacare contraception mandate, to show his support.
Senate Vote On Stop-Gap Spending Bill — Including Planned Parenthood Rider — Expected To Fail
Democrats are expected to block the measure being considered today, which includes language to defund the reproductive health organization. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said there will not be a shutdown and he likely will advance a clean version of the bill for a vote. Meanwhile, party dynamics continue to play out as part of this debate. News outlets also report on the impact a temporary shutdown could have.
Viewpoints: Cruz On GOP’s ‘Surrenders’ On Shutdowns; Rove Says Tactics Are Problematic
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: September 24, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Clinton’s ‘Assault’ On Drug Companies; Rising Out-Of-Pocket Costs
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Debate On Planned Parenthood: Can GOP Leaders Stop Shutdown; Cost Of Defunding
Commentators examine the issues surrounding the current congressional debate on federal funding of Planned Parenthood and the possibility of a government shutdown over the issue. Others also look at comments by Republican presidential candidates about the group.
Health care stories are reported from Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, Alabama, Wisconsin and Oregon.
