Latest KFF Health News Stories
When asked if Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price would be fired over his use of a private jet that has cost taxpayers more than $400,000 since May, President Donald Trump said, “We’ll see.” Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee is requesting information on Price’s travel.
First Edition: September 28, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Editorial pages highlight these questions and also explore what might be next on the health reform horizon.
Opinion writers analyze the factors that led to another stunning defeat for Republicans’ mission to undo the Affordable Care Act.
Perspectives: Keep An Eye On California’s Bills To Curb High Drug Prices
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Orphan Drug Costs A Headache For Insurers, But Many Aren’t Touching Politically Sensitive Topic
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Outlets report on news from Puerto Rico, Ohio, Connecticut, Missouri, California, New York, Kansas, Illinois, Utah and Maryland.
More Than 90 Percent Of Those In New Orleans Have Health Insurance
The data comes from the Census Bureau, which has been looking at income, poverty and health insurance coverage in the United States in 2016. Meanwhile, another study looks at what people are paying for health care costs across the country.
Researchers from Boston University’s School of Medicine have identified an inflammatory protein circulating in spinal fluid that may reflect the presence of CTE in patients’ brains. In other public health news: concussions in teens, blood donors, hearing aids, precision medicine and more.
Minn. Clinic Offers A Model For Overcoming Opioid Abuse
The doctors in Little Falls, Minn., realized in 2014 that use of opioids in the city was soaring and came up with a plan that has weaned 324 patients off controlled substances and reduced prescriptions substantially. Meanwhile, in Maryland, a legislative committee hears testimony about the benefits of setting up a safe space for drug use.
HHS Secretary Flew To Exclusive Resort And City Where His Son Lives On Private Jet
An official from the Department of Health and Human Services said both trips were for official government business. Former HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius called current Secretary Tom Price’s private jet use “stunning.”
Key Safety Net Programs Face Funding Problems As Capitol Hill Is Slow To Cut Through Logjam
On the line is funding for hospitals that serve high numbers of uninsured patients, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and community health centers. But the Senate passed a measure to offer services for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic care needs.
As GOP Health Bill Fizzles, Insurers Face Deadline Today To Lock Into Marketplaces And Set Rates
Today, insurers must decide whether to sign contracts to sell coverage in the Obamacare marketplace next year, but they don’t know whether the federal government will continue to pay subsidies or enforce the health law’s mandates to have insurance. That is forcing some companies to raise rates significantly.
GOP Whip, Freedom Caucus Chair Don’t Want To Bog Down Tax Reform With Health Care
Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) and House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) both oppose pairing the two issues. “Since we have fumbled at least twice now on health care, to include it and make tax reform contingent on us getting across the finish line on health care, I wouldn’t be in favor unless we can keep it on parallel tracks,”Meadows said.
Health groups are also worried this won’t be the last time Republicans try to roll back the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, The New York Times looks at what the failure means for consumers.
Mitch McConnell And His No Good, Very Bad Day
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s Tuesday was a series of unfortunate events for the man who has crafted an image as the consummate insider who could deliver.
At One Point, It Looked Like Graham-Cassidy Had Real Chance At Success. What Happened?
A major part of the reason it fell apart at the seams was because of the rush and thus the haphazard process of the trying to shove through the legislation.
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), chairman of the HELP Committee, says he will resume talks with Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) but that future legislative action will be more limited than the plans they were discussing before the Graham-Cassidy bill gained traction.
Republicans Shelve Bill But Vow ‘We Haven’t Given Up On Changing American Health Care System’
Less than 24 hours after Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) stated her official opposition to the legislation, Republicans admit defeat, for now. They’re now planning to turn toward an overhaul of the tax code.
