Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opponents Of Calif.’s Assisted Suicide Law Seek Referendum To Overturn It
The groups are launching a campaign to get a referendum, but it could be an uphill battle. Also, news outlets examine how the California law will impact other states considering similar legislation and seek to answer consumer questions about how this would work.
Health Care Stocks Weigh Down U.S. Markets
Among the shares dropping are those in the biotech sector, which may be headed for its worst loss since 2011. Investors are worried over drug prices as disappointing earnings news also affects the stocks’ value.
Study Finds Dramatic Differences In Prices For Health Care Services
The differentials extend across the country and within metropolitan areas, researchers reported.
Key Pharmacy Benefits Manager Will Offer Two Expensive Cholesterol Drugs To Some Patients
Express Scripts says it will add both of the new cholesterol-lowering drugs to its list of covered drugs, but it will closely adhere to federal guidelines about who should get the medicines.
Clinton’s Health Plan Takes On Issues Of Obamacare Affordability
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times looks at how a new phase in the health care debate could impact the 2016 elections while NPR reports on an algorithm that could help campaigns identify politically persuasive language, like “pre-existing” and “mandate,” that strike a chord with voters.
Reactions Mixed On Utah’s Medicaid Expansion Plan At First Public Hearing
Meanwhile in Kansas, a local hospital renews debate over Medicaid expansion.
HHS Is Upgrading Healthcare.gov’s Window Shopping Option For Insurance
The ability to quickly browse plans is popular with consumers and needed some repair, The Associated Press reports. At the same time, Politico Pro looks at Republican lawmakers’ strategy on the Cadillac tax.
First Edition: October 7, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Calif. Governor And Right-To-Die Bill; Cadillac Tax’s Impact; School Lunches
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from New York, the District of Columbia, Virginia, California, Maryland, Kansas, Illinois and Florida.
Wait Times Increase Since Texas Abortion Restrictions Added, Study Finds
Those abortion restrictions have faced legal challenges, and the Supreme Court will decide next whether to hear the case. Elsewhere, Arkansas will challenge a judge’s ruling that blocks the state from suspending Planned Parenthood funding. And an Ohio senator is pressured to act on an anti-abortion bill.
Ark. Gets Federal Extension To Check Income Eligibility Of Medicaid Recipients
In other related Medicaid news, Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, has a new complaint system, unsuccessful bidders for Georgia Medicaid and PeachCare protest the state’s selection and an Iowa judge declines to intervene in Iowa Medicaid.
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.
