Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers offer their thoughts on a range of health issues.
Critics’ Take: The Updated Senate Health Bill Is Still Ugly After Cosmetic Changes; An ‘Abomination’
Opinion writers reacted with tough talk to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s latest health bill tweaks. The Wall Street Journal, however, terms the bill a “net improvement over the Obamacare status quo.”
Editorial pages examine the political dynamics involved in the debate surrounding the Senate GOP’s efforts to pass a health bill.
State Highlights: Minn. Marks New Measles Case; Three Mass. Hospitals Reach Merger Agreement
Media outlets report on news from Minnesota, Massachusetts, Georgia, Missouri, California, Ohio, Michigan, Texas and Florida.
Impact Debated Of Large Nurses Strike At Boston-Area Tufts Medical Center
The hospital is telling patients that care quality has not suffered as a result of the walkout by its nurses union. But studies indicate that such work stoppages can have negative consequences.
New Partnership Aims To Make Life Easier For Those With Diabetes
Silicon Valley-based Bigfoot and Chicago-based Abbott Laboratories are teaming up on technology intended to help diabetics better monitor insulin intake and glucose levels throughout the day.
Heavy Painkiller Use, Abuse Remains Serious Problem For Medicare Patients, Report Finds
Doctor shopping — obtaining large amounts of the drugs prescribed by four or more doctors and filled at four or more pharmacies — also appears to be a major issue in the program.
Report On FDA’s Tool For Tracking Side Effects In Drugs Finds Incomplete Data
“Not only does this data show that manufacturer performance is weak, by not revising its systems, the [Food and Drug Administration] is also missing an opportunity to enhance to post-marketing surveillance,” said Thomas Moore, an ISMP senior scientist.
CMS Considers Slashing 340B Payments As Way To Curb High Drug Spending
With the proposed changes, if a drug costs $84,000, CMS would pay just over $65,000, instead of $89,000.
House Votes Down Proposal To Block Funds For Soldiers Seeking Gender-Related Medical Treatment
“It’s a hurtful amendment, it’s not needed,” said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla), a noted advocate for LGBT rights who has a transgender son. “I view it as a personal issue, because as a mom I’m impacted, but it’s an issue of fairness for everyone.”
Federal Fund For Fetal Tissue Research Prohibited In HHS Spending Proposal
A House subcommittee’s draft 2018 spending plan bars federal funds from being spent on such research, a win for conservatives who are also taking aim at money for family planning programs. Only a small portion of the NIH budget was spent on fetal tissue research in 2016.
Ohio Working Quietly To Wiggle Out Of ACA Mandates
Ohio is seeking waivers for the individual and employer mandates in the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, Colorado is expected to announce its premium increases today, and residents have been warned to be braced for sharp hikes.
Health Of Medicare Trust Fund Improves, Staving Off Need For Dreaded ‘Death Panels’
The board reports that it will be depleted in 2029, a year later than the Obama administration had last projected. The estimate helped avoid activating the Independent Payment Advisory Board.
412 Charged In DOJ’s Largest-Ever Health Care Fraud Takedown
“Too many trusted medical professionals like doctors, nurses and pharmacists have chosen to violate their oaths and put greed ahead of their patients,” says Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Many of the crimes were related to the opioid epidemic sweeping the country.
Trump: ‘The Only Thing More Difficult Than Peace Between Israel And The Palestinians Is Health Care’
Despite acknowledging how tough it is going to be to get legislation passed, President Donald Trump voiced optimism that Congress will get it done.
Two Republican Senators Offer A Plan B If Leadership’s Measure Fails
Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have been working on a measure that they could sell to Democrats as a “repair” bill.
Is Polar Payoff The New Cornhusker Kickback? Change In GOP’s Plan Benefits Alaska, And Alaska Only
Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska is a crucial vote, and a new provision seems to recognize that fact.
Three Obamacare Taxes Left In Place In Revised Version Of Health Bill
The move is a departure from earlier plans to repeal the taxes.
Despite Outcry From Moderates, Governors, Deep Medicaid Cuts Left Mostly Untouched
The reduction of more than $750 billion to the program over a decade is one of the sticking points for many Republicans opposed to the legislation.
