Latest KFF Health News Stories
While the Senate and House have both passed versions of the legislation, for the measure to reach Trump’s desk, either chamber would have to take up and pass the bill that has already cleared the other. Critics say the measure is unnecessary as well as harmful to patients.
White House Expected To Submit Funding Cuts That Could Upend Hard-Fought Budget Deal
Safety-net programs such as Medicaid and Medicare are expected to be in the Trump administration’s crosshairs. In other news from Capitol Hill: maternal mortality legislation, the Veterans Choice Program, and medical marijuana.
Judge Blocks Cuts To Planned Parenthood Grants Saying HHS Acted ‘Arbitrarily And Capriciously’
In July, HHS informed recipients of 81 teen pregnancy prevention grants that it would terminate their agreements two years early, despite previously seeking competitive bids for a firm to conduct the five-year study.
Older, Sicker Consumers Will Bear Brunt Of Healthier People’s Decision To Go With New ‘Skinny Plans’
If younger and healthier consumers trend toward buying the new limited health plans, insurers will have to figure out a way to pay for the sicker people who are left. The Wall Street Journal explains the dynamics of the possible shift. Meanwhile, Anthem’s earnings jump after scaling back health law coverage.
Ronny Jackson Withdraws From VA Nomination Amid New Allegations Of Misconduct
In addition to concerns over Jackson’s management experience, there were also reports related to his prescribing practices, possible drunken behavior while on duty and overseeing a hostile work place. While taking himself out of the running to lead Veterans Affairs, President Donald Trump’s physician denied all charges: “The allegations against me are completely false and fabricated.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages look at these and other health issues.
Opinion writers express views on Dr. Ronny Jackson, President Donald Trump’s nominee to run Veteran Affairs.
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
5 Steps The U.S. Could Take To Rein In Those Skyrocketing Drug Prices
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from New Hampshire, California, Texas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Virginia, New York, Missouri, Washington, Massachusetts, Ohio and Maryland.
Researchers Attribute California’s Decline In Gun Deaths To A Reduction Of Gang Violence
Meanwhile in Delaware, the state Senate sent gun-control legislation to Gov. John Carney (D) for his approval. Six states have already passed similar “red flag” laws following the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida.
In the stockpile outside D.C., and in several other places across the country, there are rows of antibiotics including the powerful medication Ciprofloxacin, vaccines for smallpox and anthrax and antivirals for a deadly influenza pandemic. In other public health news: stem cell therapy, kidney disease, broken heart syndrome, rapid-aging disease, and more.
Oregon’s Model Of Caring For Criminally Insane Is Expensive But Also Successful
Over the past five years, the rate of recidivism for those on conditional release in Oregon after a verdict of criminal insanity is 0.47 percent. By comparison, one report put the recidivism rate among all Oregon ex-inmates, whether mentally ill or not, at about 18 percent.
Recycling Donated Organs? Doctor Breaks Taboo Of Re-Using Kidneys In Midst Of Shortage
Dr. Jeffrey Veale is the first surgeon focused on making the re-use of transplanted kidneys routine. “We shouldn’t be discarding these young, healthy kidneys,” he says. In other news, the United Network for Organ Sharing, which has held a tight rein on organ donation in the United States, may be facing competition.
Speculation Swirls Over Florida’s Possible Medicaid Expansion As State Doles Out Contracts
Florida has been on the watchlist of states that may expand Medicaid if a Democrat or amenable Republican wins the gubernatorial race. Republican Gov. Rick Scott rejected Medicaid expansion in 2015. Medicaid news comes out of Kansas and Rhode Island, as well.
Safety Report Spotlights Trend Of Urban Hospitals Performing Poorly
The Leapfrog Group has released its spring safety report that gives grades to hospitals across the country.
Scientists Take Step Closer To Designing Drug That Offers Powerful Pain Relief Without Addiction
In the midst of the opioid crisis, researchers are scrambling to come up with a way to help patients manage pain without contributing to the epidemic. These scientists may have found a way. In other news: a Senate panel sends its bipartisan opioid bill to the chamber’s floor; Google is using its homepage to bring awareness to the crisis; public speakers at FDA advisory meetings found to have financial conflicts of interest; and more.
Hospitals To Be Required To Post Prices Online As Part Of CMS Push To Increase Transparency
The price lists may still be confusing to consumers, though, because standard rates are like list prices and don’t reflect what insurers and government programs pay. “Given the inherent complexity of hospital billing, making prices easy to understand is clearly a lot easier said than done,” says Shawn Gremminger, of Families USA.
FDA Launches Undercover Sting Operations To Target Juul Devices That Are Popular With Teens
So far the agency has sent warning letters to 40 retailers that it says violated the law banning sales of vaping devices to anyone under 21. “We don’t yet fully understand why these products are so popular among youth,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said. “But it’s imperative that we figure it out, and fast.”
