Latest KFF Health News Stories
Republican Legislators In Utah Get Briefing On Medicaid Expansion Plan
The proposal, hammered out between legislative leaders and the governor, is unveiled to Republicans, but the public will have to wait until next week to get details. Also in the news, an aide to the South Dakota governor says his meeting with federal officials on a plan to expand Medicaid went well.
CMS Awards Nearly $700 Million In Innovation Grants Aimed At Improving Patient Care
The money is part of a government effort to increase collaboration between doctors and other medical providers. Among the dozens of recipients are the Mayo Clinic, which will get $9 million, and Arizona Health-e Connection, a nonprofit that will receive $3.6 million.
Fiorina And Cruz’s Planned Parenthood Positions Make Waves In Republican Race
The Washington Post reports that Carly Fiorina’s increased campaign momentum can be credited in part to her fierce condemnation of the reproductive health organization. And Politico writes on the political prospects for Ted Cruz in the Senate following his failed attempts to derail the budget process over Planned Parenthood funding, which fellow Sen. Rand Paul says are not good.
Hillary Clinton Supports Scrapping The Health Law’s ‘Cadillac Tax’
She has described her support for repealing the tax, which news outlets report as a step that could help her claim more labor-union backing, as a change that would strengthen the health law.
Insurance Execs Again In Congressional Hot Seat As House Panel Examines Proposed Acquisitions
The CEOs from Aetna and Anthem testified before the House Judiciary Committee, arguing that the proposed Aetna-Humana and Anthem-Cigna megamergers will not hurt consumers. In recent weeks, lawmakers have been heavily lobbied by hospital and doctor associations that oppose the deals.
Republicans Advance Bill To Repeal Obamacare Under Expedited Procedure
By using the budgetary tool of reconciliation to target the health law’s taxes and insurance mandate, Congress seeks to fast track the legislation to President Barack Obama’s desk — for an expected veto.
White House, GOP Leaders Discuss Ways Forward On Long-Term Budget
The preliminary talks are geared to setting up a longer discussion on how to reach agreement for a two-year deal on federal spending. Meanwhile, as a stopgap funding measure seems assured, news outlets examine Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s relations with Republican conservatives, including Sen. Ted Cruz, and the conservatives’ efforts to find a like-minded candidate to run for House speaker.
Planned Parenthood Leader, GOP Lawmakers Square Off At Committee Hearing
During the hearing held by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, GOP panel members grilled Cecile Richards, the organization’s president, on a series of recently released, covert videos and the organization’s use of federal funds.
Health care stories are reported from Minnesota, Florida, Washington, New Hampshire, Delaware, Texas, Missouri and California.
First Edition: September 30, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Shutdown Only Delayed; Politics And Drug Prices; Failing Co-Ops
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Minnesota and Kansas.
Missouri AG Finds No Evidence Of Wrongdoing By Local Planned Parenthood Clinic
Meanwhile, the Utah branch of the reproductive health organization filed suit against the governor Monday after he ordered state agencies to cut off its federal funding. And in Ohio, the state Department of Medicaid has been collecting data on the services Planned Parenthood provides to Ohio Medicaid patients.
Spotting Breast Cancer May Not Be Helped By Computer Tech Used In Most Mammograms, Study Finds
Computer-aided detection appears not to improve diagnostic accuracy for breast cancer screening, according to a large study, though the use of the technology does increase cost.
Permanent ‘Doc Fix’ Did Not Lock In Rates For Other Medicare Expenses Congress Must Still Fund
In other Medicare news, the HHS inspector general investigates mystery ambulance rides, doctors get ready for ICD-10 and lawmakers worry about the doctor supply.
In Closed Door Session, Alaska Lawmakers Proceed With Lawsuit To Block Governor’s Medicaid Expansion
The lawsuit, designed to stop the implementation of Gov. Bill Walker’s Medicaid expansion, will continue in state Superior Court after a House-Senate committee met in private Monday to discuss the case. Also in the news, a coalition of Nebraska lawmakers is considering options to expand the low-income health insurance program. News outlets in South Dakota and Louisiana also report on Medicaid expansion developments.
Republicans Will Use Reconciliation Bill To Try To Repeal Health Law Taxes, Insurance Mandate
The procedural tool fast tracks the measure, avoiding a potential Senate filibuster. President Barack Obama would all-but-certainly veto the legislation. In other Obamacare news, Minnesota reveals 2016 premiums, a Louisiana co-op gets no relief from a federal program aimed at helping it survive and more health systems are jumping in to the insurance business.
Planned Parenthood Official, House GOP Lawmakers To Duel At Hearing
Tuesday’s hearing will be the first congressional appearance for representatives of the reproductive health organization since controversy emerged over its provision of fetal tissue for research.
Senate Clears First Hurdle To Averting A Government Shutdown
The Senate easily overcame a filibuster regarding a short-term spending bill that does not include a provision to defund Planned Parenthood. The chamber could vote as soon as today on that measure, and then send it to the House. The legislation must be passed by Oct. 1 in order to avoid a government shutdown.
Congressional Democrats Push For Answers On Valeant’s Price Hikes
The Canadian drug maker increased the price of two heart drugs by 525 percent and 212 percent the day it acquired their rights, prompting U.S. lawmakers to seek answers on the hikes.
