Latest KFF Health News Stories
Children’s Health Program And Community Health Centers’ Funding Stuck In Senate Logjam
A bipartisan deal on the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program was reached by senators earlier this month, but it looks unlikely to get a vote before the program’s authority expires on Sept. 30 because the Senate is consumed with efforts to replace the federal health law. Also in Medicaid news, officials in New Mexico unveil plans to charge enrollees premiums and copayments.
Given State Of Affairs Around Health Law, States Stuck Approving Sharp Premium Increases
Because of all the uncertainty in D.C., states like Kentucky, Mississippi and Virginia are approving average rates for major insurers that are at least 25 percent higher than they were in 2017. Meanwhile, Department of Health and Human Services documents show that outreach efforts under the Obama administration actually were working.
The health policy debate is more complicated than the soundbites from both sides may convey.
‘It Wasn’t Perfect, But It Was Better’: Obama Defends Health Law, Calls Repeal Efforts Aggravating
Former President Barack Obama spoke about the frustration of watching “people trying to undo that hard-won progress for the 50th or 60th time with bills that would raise costs or reduce coverage.”
Insurers Were Reluctant To Criticize Previous GOP Efforts, But New Bill Prompts Them To Speak Out
Not only would the legislation further destabilize the marketplace and jeopardize patient care, but it could potentially allow “government-controlled single payer health care to grow,” said AHIP’s Marilyn B. Tavenner. Among the other groups opposed to the bill are the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Heart Association, the American Medical Association and more.
After Other September Successes, Unlikely Duo ‘Chuck And Nancy’ Set Sights On Health Care
Democrats are trying to rally to stop the last-ditch Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. If they can stop it, will Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) convince President Donald Trump to consider modest reform measures?
Trump Predicts Some Furious Lobbying Over Next Few Days, But Thinks Bill Has ‘Very Good Chance’
By President Donald Trump’s reckoning, “we’re at 47 or 48 already, senators, and a lot of others are looking at it very positively.”
McConnell Will Bring Graham-Cassidy To Floor Next Week — But Only If He’s Sure It Will Pass
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) left himself some wiggle room if negotiations don’t go his way.
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.”
