Latest KFF Health News Stories
GOP Senator Wants States To Be Able To Opt Out Of Obamacare If Subsidies Are Struck
Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a freshman senator and a physician, recommends allowing states to opt out of the health law if the Supreme Court strikes down subsidies in federal exchange states. Meanwhile, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said the GOP will “rue the day” if the court strikes the subsidies.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Health Law Opposition Can Be Costly; Bosses Should Help Workers Get Medicaid
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets examine health care issues in Vermont, Missouri, New York, Indiana, California, Georgia, Minnesota, Oregon, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Arizona.
State Medicaid Records Sometimes Incomplete, Report Finds
Based on a study of Illinois, New York and California, the Government Accountability Office concluded that state records regarding Medicaid provider payments are sometimes inaccurate or incomplete. Meanwhile, Ohio settles a pending lawsuit regarding Medicaid recipients who were dropped from the program after state officials “redetermined” eligibility. And, in Wisconsin, an audit highlights problems with a Medicaid transportation contractor.
FDA Proposes To Ease Restrictions On Gay Blood Donors
The policy, if implemented, would allow gay men to donate blood if they have abstained from sex with men for a year. The current policy bans donations from men if they have ever had sex with other men.
Gay Couples May Marry For Health Coverage — If Supreme Court Lets Them
Some employers say gay couples must marry in order to gain coverage for their partners. Elsewhere, some insurers are paying hospitals what they think they should pay for care.
High Costs Of Hep C Meds Are Breaking VA Budget
To tackle the problem, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., suggested to the Department of Veterans Affairs that it use its emergency powers to override patents on the new, more expensive hepatitis C drugs. And a VA official asked senators to allow the agency to shift funds to pay for the treatments. In other budget news, lawmakers refused a VA request to redirect money to pay for an unfinished hospital near Denver.
Three Times As Many Consumers Spend $100,000 Or More On Prescription Drugs
Costly specialty drugs drove up the number of Americans to 139,000 who spent that amount or greater last year to fill their prescriptions, according to pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts.
Weight-Loss Drug Study Ends Early After Researchers Question Data
Results released from the first part of the study for the drug, Contrave, made by Orexigen Therapeutics, showed a big reduction in risk of heart attacks and strokes, but academics who were overseeing the study are questioning the results and say the release of information violated agreements on how the study would be handled. Elsewhere researchers probe the link between a dietary supplement with an amphetamine-type stimulant and a woman’s stroke.
Coverage For Congress Won’t Be Affected If Supreme Court Rules Against Subsidies
In that scenario, the 15,000 congressional staffers, lawmakers and dependents who get insurance through D.C.’s small-business exchange would still receive government contributions to help pay premiums, while some of their constituents lose their subsidies. Meanwhile, a conservative coalition continues to target what they call an “exemption” for Congress from the health law.
House Subcommittee Slated To Mark Up ‘Cures’ Legislation
The Senate is also expected to produce its version of the measure, which touches on a variety of aspects of the health care system, technology and medical research.
As Medicaid Fight Continues, Fla. Gov. Back In D.C. Lobbying For Aid For Hospitals
Gov. Rick Scott also says the battle over whether Florida should expand its Medicaid program may keep the state from enacting tax breaks or improving funding for schools. Elsewhere, Alaska lawmakers begin to dig in again on the expansion controversy there.
State Insurance Exchanges Cut Costs, Boost Fees To Be Self-Supporting
California’s exchange is proposing to trim costs, while Connecticut is considering modest boosts in assessments on all individual and small-group plans sold in the state. Meanwhile, UnitedHealthcare plans to start selling policies in Iowa’s insurance exchange, giving most consumers there a choice of plans.
House Expected To Pass Revised, 20-Week Abortion Ban
The legislation stands little chance of becoming law even if it clears Congress, since President Barack Obama is unlikely to sign it.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Protecting Nail Salon Workers; GOP’s Possible Subsidy Fix; Medicaid And Work
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets examine health care issues in Maryland, New York, South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, California, Georgia, Wisconsin, Missouri, Alaska and Washington,
Alabama Mental Health Advocates Urge State Lawmakers Not To Trim Funding
News outlets also report on developments related to the mental health care system in Illinois, Massachusetts and Minnesota.
Former Head Of Right-To-Die Group Says Members Don’t Assist In Suicides
The past president of “Final Exit” is on trial for allegedly assisting a Minnesota woman’s suicide. In Michigan, a hospice care group comforts seriously ill people while still helping provide curative therapies.
