Latest KFF Health News Stories
Seeking Government Approval Of Humana Merger, Aetna Hires Lobbyists
Elsewhere, news outlets take deeper looks at how the health law is affecting Wal-Mart’s pharmacy business and Samsung’s plans to ready an affiliate biotech firm’s U.S. stock listing.
Skyrocketing Cost Of Prescription Drugs Is A Top Health Concern For Americans, Survey Shows
The majority polled, regardless of political affiliation, strongly favor government action to curb costs. Those controls supported include requiring drug makers to justify prices, allowing Medicare to negotiate and limiting what pharmaceutical companies can charge.
Wave Of Obamacare Repeal Proposals Expected From Republican Field After Rubio, Walker Release Plans
Meanwhile, on the campaign trail, Jeb Bush aimed criticism at Republican frontrunner Donald Trump during a New Hampshire campaign stop — as Trump held his first town hall miles down the road. And Wis. Gov. Scott Walker is also stepping up efforts to make some noise in the 2016 race.
Surveys Show Uninsured Rate In Ohio, Calif. Dropped After Health Law Kicked In
Meanwhile Illinois is planning to award a $5 million grant to community groups to conduct outreach during the upcoming Obamacare open enrollment period.
Governor Proposes Changes In Arkansas’ Influential Medicaid Expansion Program
Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he wants to keep the expansion of health coverage for low-income residents, but he wants the federal government to approve changes that conservatives favor. In other news, Alabama’s state health officer suggests the state should accept expansion, and Pennsylvania’s new enrollment appears to be more efficient.
House Lawsuit Against Obama Pegged To Health Law Gains Strength
Meanwhile, repeal plans in Congress as part of reconciliation would not be an easy lift, according to CQ Healthbeat.
Cleveland Clinic Not Lovin’ It: McDonald’s Lease With Hospital’s Cafeteria Discontinued
A Cleveland Clinic spokesperson says that the decision to oust McDonald’s from the grounds is one of a number of changes the medical center has made recently to “promote healthy food choices” for its visitors and employees.
First Edition: August 20, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP Candidates’ Health Plans Shift Benefits; Kasich’s Moderate Stance Debated
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota, New York, South Dakota, Maine, Missouri and New Mexico.
Rural Hospitals Team Up To Stay Afloat
Facing less money and patients with more health needs, hospitals outside cities are joining forces. Elsewhere, Alaska’s two biggest hospitals fight over ER beds and a Dallas hospital’s move is scrutinized. In Missouri, a mental hospital expands services to protect gender identity, and advocates for a Florida woman with mental illness try to secure care for her.
Ark. Gov. Reinstates Medicaid Eligibility Verifications, Cancellations
Despite numerous complaints that people who qualify are being kicked off the program, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Arkansas will resume its effort to cease coverage for Medicaid beneficiaries who haven’t verified their incomes. Meanwhile, Ariz. Gov. Doug Ducey is continuing to talk up his plan to tighten some eligibility requirements.
California Aid-In-Dying Bill Revived During Special Session, Governor Urges Delay
The legislation, which would allow doctors to prescribe life-ending drugs to terminally ill patients, stalled earlier this year. Using a legislative maneuver, however, lawmakers introduced the bill in the Assembly’s special session called by Gov. Jerry Brown to deal with rising costs in the state’s Medi-Cal program.
Male Doctors Twice As Likely To Be Sued Than Female Counterparts, Study Finds
In other legal news, the thousands of lawsuits by women against pelvic mesh makers are attracting medical funders trying to capitalize on the court awards.
FDA OKs Controversial ‘Pink Viagra’ For Increasing Women’s Libido, Following Two Previous Rejections
Supporters of the drug, called Addyi, praised the agency’s decision as an end to “gender bias” toward women’s sexual needs. Critics say the medication is only a “mediocre aphrodisiac” with significant side effects like low blood pressure, fainting, nausea, dizziness and sleepiness, especially when taken with alcohol.
Wal-Mart Says Fewer Prescription Drug Customers Paying Cash Hurt Its Earnings
The large retailer says its second quarter earnings were affected by the health law. Elsewhere, Medicare plans to buy cheaper biotech drugs when they come on the market, and Amgen settles with states for $71 million over off-label marketing claims.
Alaska Lawmakers To Seek Court’s Help In Blocking Governor’s Medicaid Expansion Plan
Implementation of Gov. Bill Walker’s plan was set to begin Sept. 1. Some lawmakers, though, are seeking a temporary restraining order to block it while a larger issue — whether the governor has authority to accept federal funds for the expansion without a vote by the legislature — is decided. Meanwhile, in Utah, supporters of expansion continue to push for action.
In Minn. — Where Walker Unveiled His Health Care Plan — Studies Find Premiums Are Lower Than In Wis.
Local news outlets offered varying takes on GOP presidential candidate Scott Walker’s detailed Obamacare replacement plan. He outlined his approach in Minnesota, the state next door to his home state of Wisconsin.
Scott Walker Details Obamacare Replacement Plan Keyed To Tax Credits Based On Age
The plan unveiled by Walker, the first top-tier GOP presidential hopeful to offer such specifics, would also — among other things — seek to hold down health care costs by reducing industry regulation, providing block-grants in the Medicaid program and allowing consumers to buy health insurance across state lines.
Health Law Repeal-And-Replace Plans Create A GOP ‘Dilemma’
The Washington Post reports on how the Republican presidential candidates are wrestling with their messages. Meanwhile, John Kasich plans to keep one key portion of the health law, and Marco Rubio talks about health care during his Iowa soapbox speech.
