Latest KFF Health News Stories
States Urged To Sue Drug Companies Over Painkiller Epidemic By Lawyers Who Drove Tobacco Litigation
The Wall Street Journal reports on a one-time attorney general who is aiding in lawsuits filed by Mississippi and Ohio against pharmaceutical makers. In another story on the business front of the drug crisis, McKesson’s board will be greeted by picketing teamsters organized by the father of an overdose victim.
Both Sides Rack Up Wins On Battlefield Over Women’s Health In The States
While some states are stripping Planned Parenthood of funds, others are passing laws to protect contraception for women. Outlets report on other women’s health news out of Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia and Texas.
Committee’s Plan To Shift Money To Veterans’ Choice Program Draws Immediate Backlash
Eight major organizations spoke out against the proposal, saying it was unacceptable privatization of veterans’ health care.
Pharma Cracked Open Massive War Chest To Lobby Congress On Pricing, Importation, Drug Approvals
The industry spent $14 million so far this year.
Pence, Verma and Others From Indiana Setting Key Health Policies, Despite State’s Poor Record
Vice President Mike Pence has been a leader of the Trump administration’s efforts to seek a repeal of the Affordable Care Act, including phasing out its Medicaid expansion. And he’s brought along other Hoosiers: Seema Verma, who heads the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Jerome Adams, the nominee to be surgeon general, and Matt Lloyd, the top spokesman at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Free Clinic Shines Light On Reality Of Health Care In America
More than a thousand patients flocked to the Remote Area Medical clinic in Virginia over the weekend.
Beyond Insurer Subsidies: What Else Trump Can Do To Nudge ACA Toward Collapse
The Hill and KHN look at the steps the administration can take to undermine the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, a group of Democrats wants to investigate the Department of Health and Human Service’s efforts to push out anti-Obamacare messaging.
Trump Accused Of Deliberately Causing Confusion To Destabilize Marketplace
Democrats say all the competing messages coming from the White House over health care are part of a larger strategy to hurt the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is planning to speak about health care on Monday.
Former Senator Who Faced Political Consequences Of ACA Vote Speaks Of Lessons Learned
“I believe that you have to be very cautious on promises, and very consistent on keeping your promises when you make them,” former Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska says. In other news, former Rep. Bart Stupak shares the experience he had when Congress was moving to pass the Affordable Care Act.
As Congress Tarries On Health Law Debate, Concerns Grow Among Medicaid Beneficiaries
Among the groups worried about future Medicaid payments are rural hospitals and schools with large numbers of students with special needs. Meanwhile, the friction among Kansas Republicans’ priorities mirrors what’s developing on the national scene, and Hawaii’s Democratic congressional delegation seeks Medicaid help for other Pacific Islanders.
AMA Speaks Out Against Republicans’ Health Care Plan
“Each bill results in millions more Americans without health insurance coverage, weakened markets, less access to affordable coverage and care, and the undermining of funding for state Medicaid programs,” Dr. James L. Madara, the group’s CEO, said in a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Media outlets look at how small businesses and others are reacting to the proposed legislation, as well.
Former CBO Chiefs Fire Back At Republicans’ Attacks On Agency’s Integrity, Professionalism
The directors wrote to congressional leaders to urge them to “maintain and respect the Congress’s decades-long reliance on Congressional Budget Office’s estimates in developing and scoring bills.”
GOP Will Go Back To Drawing Board On Repeal If This Week’s Vote Fails, Top Senator Promises
“It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when,” said Senate GOP Conference chairman John Thune (R-S.D.). Media outlets also look at where other lawmakers stand on the issue.
Health Care Efforts Edge Toward Chaos As Senators ‘Don’t Even Know’ What They’re Voting On
“I don’t know whether we’re proceeding to the House bill, a new version of the Senate bill, the old version of the Senate bill, the 2015 repeal-and-hope-that-we-come-up-with something-in-two-years bill. I truly don’t,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is continuing his push for some vote this week.
Senate Parliamentarian Tosses Another Roadblock Onto Already Bumpy Path To Health Vote
Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough says Republicans would need 60 votes to maintain abortion-related provisions in their legislation, in addition to others, because they don’t relate to the budget.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Here’s a review of editorials and opinions on a range of public health issues.
Media outlets explore important health policy questions.
Perspectives: End The ‘War On Medicaid’; Keep Eyes On Medicaid In Congressional Health Debate
Opinion writers examine Medicaid’s role in the current effort to replace the health law as well as ideas about controlling the program’s costs, ethical issues related to spending down assets to qualify for it and other provocative topics.
Editorial pages offer tough takes on the Trump administration’s executive maneuvers to render the Affordable Care Act powerless, the Republican’s plans to replace it and how this particular legislative fight shows Washington “at its worst.”
