Latest KFF Health News Stories
Critics Point To Loopholes In Republicans’ Promise That Bill Covers Preexisting Conditions
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) says states would have to tell the government how they would provide “adequate and affordable” coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Experts say that’s not enough.
State Flexibility At Core Of Republicans’ Latest Repeal-And-Replace Efforts
Outlets take a look at what’s in the Graham-Cassidy bill and how it would all work.
Majority Of States Would Lose ‘Jaw-Dropping’ Amounts Of Funding Under Graham-Cassidy Bill
A new study by Avalere Health finds that red states would disproportionately benefit, while 34 states would be hit hard by cuts under the proposal for Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
For GOP, Political Incentive Is ‘As Much Of A Reason As The Substance’ To Pass Repeal Bill
The driving force behind this last-ditch attempt for many lawmakers it the simple fact that they promised their constituents they’d make it happen. Meanwhile, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is once again in the spotlight with one of the deciding votes. And news organizations look at where other Republicans stand on the matter.
First Edition: September 21, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Returning To Work After A Psychotic Break; The Fiscal Responsibility Of Legalizing Weed
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Policy Points: Looking For Innovation In Medicare And Medicaid; Health Care In Japan
Editorial pages feature an announcement by the head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Trump administration plans, one suggestion for covering more Americans and a look at how Japan handles health care.
Thoughts On Graham-Cassidy: ‘Bad Idea’; ‘Shoddiest’ Repeal Idea Yet; ‘Ideological Crusade’
Opinion writers offer dim views of the current measure being advanced by Senate Republicans to undo the Affordable Care Act.
Perspectives: Drugmakers Love To Hide Behind R&D Costs. Are They Justified?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
This Caustic Crusader With A Knack For Making Enemies Has Especially Harsh Words For Pharma
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical pricing.
Media outlets report on news from Illinois, California, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut, Arizona, Ohio, Kansas, Florida, Minnesota, Colorado and Texas.
Health Warnings On Soda Ads Suppresses Free Speech, Judges Rules
A San Francisco ordinance would have required a warning on sodas and sugary beverages, but Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Sandra Ikuta writes in the ruling that the label is “not purely factual” and “unduly burdens and chills protected commercial speech.”
Critics Worried $200M Donation To Calif. University Lends Credence To Trend Of Unproven Therapies
Philanthropists Susan and Henry Samueli just donated a huge sum to UC Irvine, and some are concerned it will lead the institution to focus on alternative therapies that have no basis in science at a time when they’re gaining in popularity. In other public health news: domestic violence, lupus, smoking, and strange health events in Cuba.
Following 9 Deaths At Florida Nursing Home, Task Force Formed To Push For Reforms
“We now have a chance to fix what went wrong and ensure something like this never happens again,” said one state lawmaker.
N.M. Officials To Brief Lawmakers Today On Plans To Curb Medicaid Spending
Proposals to cut state spending have included requiring enrollees to pay monthly premiums and copayments. In other Medicaid news, a look at Louisiana’s program, a managed care contract controversy in Mississippi and record backlogs in Oregon.
Grassley Presses For Public Disclosure Of Hospital Inspections
The Wall Street Journal reports that Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is calling for more transparency regarding hospital inspection reports.
HHS Secretary Price Eschews Commercial Flights For Private Jet
Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price is a frequent critic of federal spending who has been developing a plan for department-wide cost savings.
Despite the uncertainty and wild price spikes that plague the individual market, the employer-based one, from which most people get their health coverage, is relatively stable.
Insurers Breathe Sigh Of Relief For Another Month As Trump Makes Subsidy Payments For September
The companies are looking for a longer-term guarantee, but as of now the Trump administration has decided to make the call on a month-to-month basis.
Bipartisan Efforts To Stabilize Marketplace Halted As Graham-Cassidy Gains Traction
Senate HELP Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) says there’s not a path forward for the bipartisan work in a clear sign that Republicans are optimistic about the prospects of the Graham-Cassidy bill. Democrats call the move a political strategy to bolster the replacement bill.
