Latest KFF Health News Stories
House Lawmakers: Ball Is In Senate’s Court On Bills Stabilizing ACA Marketplaces
Reps. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and Greg Walden (R-Ore.) said the House is taking a wait-and-see approach to the legislation aimed at shoring up the exchanges. Meanwhile, the White House backs the measure, according to Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.).
Top Democratic Senators Ask For Open Enrollment To Be Extended Through January
The enrollment window was shortened this year and will end on Dec. 15 for the federal exchange and for some states.
House Republicans Unveil Plans To Delay, Suspend Affordable Care Act Taxes
The plan would include another delay of the Cadillac tax. The legislation, if it’s passed, would be a boon for some in the health industry who have been pushing for relief from the taxes for years.
First Edition: December 13, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Tax Bill As The GOP’s Obamacare; What About This Massive Merger?
A selection of opinions on health care from news outlets around the country.
Media outlets report on news from Texas, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
The Quandary Physicians Face Because Of The Potency Of Fentanyl
In other opioid news, a county in Tennessee is looking to join nearly 200 other jurisdictions in a lawsuit alleging that some drug manufacturers and distributors contributed to the nation’s addiction crisis.
Segregation Patterns Are Deeply Embedded In Boston Health Care, Spotlight Investigation Finds
The Boston Globe’s Spotlight investigations team reports on the racial divide in care that’s plaguing the city. Meanwhile, Native Americans are getting lost in the health care system, and many point to the role racism plays in the problem.
Maine Governor Reiterates New Taxes Can’t Pay For Medicaid Expansion
Maine voters approved a referendum in November to expand Medicaid but Gov. Paul LePage again laid out his objections in a letter to lawmakers. In Michigan, a new study looks at the number of Medicaid enrollees who are working.
Medical Labs Sue Over Reductions In Medicare Payments
The trade association that represents clinical labs says the administration is misapplying a 2014 law that sought to set market-based pricing for certain lab tests.
With Flurry Of Mergers, Hospitals Are Building Muscle, But They Face Uphill Battle In Industry
Mergers can only accomplish so much for struggling hospitals in the ever-evolving landscape that is the health industry these days.
FDA’s Plans To Speed Medical-Device Approval Process Has Some On Edge Over Patient Safety
Doctors are also worried about the lack of oversight after the product gets to the market. “The [Food and Drug Administration’s] track record on post-market surveillance is not reassuring, most post-marketing studies are not started or not completed, and the data remains unavailable to clinicians and patients,” said Rita F. Redberg, editor of JAMA Internal Medicine.
Sen. Murray Questions CDC Chief’s Ability To Perform Role Due To Financial Conflicts
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Brenda Fitzgerald is legally obligated to maintain some investments in cancer detection and health information technology. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) raises concerns since, as a result, Fitzgerald must recuse herself from “matters pertaining to cancer and opioids, two of the most pervasive and urgent health challenges we face as a country.”
Despite Ryan’s Enthusiasm To Overhaul Medicare, GOP Senators More Wary Just Months Before Elections
“We’re talking about Medicare, and that’s a pretty big bite in the middle of an election year. I’m not saying no, but there are other things that could happen,” said Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.).
For some families, the Children’s Health Insurance Program makes the difference between being able to get their children care or not. Meanwhile, the government’s CHIP funding delay prompts Jimmy Kimmel to once again speak out about health care on his show.
Automatic Re-Enrollment Could Leave Customers On Hook To Pay Thousands For Plans They Don’t Want
“It’s as if I went to a Ford dealer to buy a Ford car, and then I get a call from Chevy saying, ‘Your Chevy truck is ready, and we need the money,'” said Robert Holub after he received a bill for $3,483 to pay for a plan he didn’t choose. Like many other enrollees, Holub’s current coverage will not be available in 2018 so the government automatically switched him over to a new one. Meanwhile, the deadline for the federal and some state exchanges is quickly coming up.
First Edition: December 12, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Move To ‘Trumpcare’; GOP’s Threat To Medicare; Opioid Epidemic’s Hidden Threat
A selection of opinions on health care from news outlets around the country.
Media outlets report on news from Massachusetts, Texas, California, Colorado, Texas and Missouri.
Health Officials, Hospitals On High Alert As Wildfires Burn Across California
Officials advise that people limit their outdoor activity, close windows and use air conditioning that recirculates inside air to avoid the negative health consequences of the fires.
