Latest KFF Health News Stories
Generic Drug Trade Group: Md. Price Gouging Law Is Unconstitutional, Will Harm Patients
The Association for Accessible Medicines is suing the state, saying the legislation grants Maryland power to regulate sales outside its borders.
Limited Supply Of Cancer Drug May Force Doctors To Have To Choose Who To Save
The therapy known as CAR-T can’t be stockpiled. “God, it’s awful,’’ said Carl June from the University of Pennsylvania. “I can’t tell you how bad.’’ In other pharmaceutical news, rare-disease drugmakers speak out against the Republican health care bill, a study finds that risks for drugs are not prominent and accessible on smartphones, and a conservative group pushes for House Energy and Commerce Chairman Greg Walden’s support on right-to-try legislation.
Georgia’s Public Health Commissioner Tapped To Replace Frieden As CDC Director
Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald may prove to be a controversial pick. In 2014 during the West African Ebola crisis, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal stated that water destroys Ebola viruses and attributed the false notion to Fitzgerald.
Tired Of Waiting For State Payments, Aetna Plans To Quit Illinois Medicaid Managed Care Program
The insurer says the state owes it nearly $700 million but it hopes an accommodation can be reached.
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Georgia Seeks Stiff Premium Increases For 2018
The premium hikes for the company’s policies will range from more than 25 percent to 55.7 percent. Blue Cross is the only insurer in 96 of Georgia’s 159 counties.
In Shadow Of Health Law Hubbub, States Quietly Move To Reshape Medicaid On Their Own
The steps states are taking to change the program could affect millions of people. In other news, the Los Angeles Times offers a detailed look at how much counties that went for Trump rely on Medicaid and CHIP.
For A Party That Hates Obamacare, Republicans’ Current Bill Looks A Whole Lot Like It
Republicans are finding out they need to keep a lot of the provisions from the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, some senators say they may be weeks away from a vote.
An Unlikely Duo: How Trump And Paul Are Teaming Up And Undermining GOP Leadership
Former rivals, President Donald Trump and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), are presenting a somewhat unified front on health care efforts that don’t always align with the stance of Republican leaders on Capitol Hill.
Cruz’s New Diplomatic Demeanor In Health Care Negotiations Welcomed By Colleagues
Sen. Ted Cruz’s name used to be synonymous with firebrand tactics to disrupt the health law. Now his fellow Republican senators are more likely to describe him as a constructive compromiser. That doesn’t mean he’s not facing heat with his constituents, though.
Small Town Hall In Kansas Reflects Troubled Mood Of Country Over GOP’s Health Plan
On Thursday night, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) did what many Republicans have avoided this recess: face head on his constituents’ tough questions on health care. The concerns he heard are ones that echo across the country, and demonstrate how hard it will be to get the legislation passed.
McConnell Concedes Bill Might Not Pass, But Reaffirms Need To Shore Up Individual Markets
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he will have a new bill ready for the returning lawmakers, but that if they can’t reach an agreement “no action is not an alternative” that’s acceptable.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Health Law’s Job Toll; Medicaid’s Influence On GOP; Cruz’s High-Risk Plan
A selection of opinions on the health care debate from around the country.
Longer Looks: Psychology Of Cyberbullying; Forest Bathing; The Byrd Rule
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on news from Wisconsin, Oregon, West Virginia, Illinois, Connecticut, Louisiana, Texas, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Maryland.
Billionaire Physician To Take Over 6 California Hospitals
NantWorks, a company controlled by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, will acquire a majority stake in Integrity Healthcare, which operates the hospital chain Verity Health. And, development at other hospitals in California, Maryland, Missouri, Texas and Minnesota also make the news.
Other public health news stories today report on developments related to the organ donation shortage, a link between sleep quality and Alzheimer’s, sugar consumption during pregnancy, gene cloning, ALS, heat stroke and the role of the sense of smell on weight.
Surgeon General Nominee’s Approach To Opioid Crisis Applauded By Experts, Advocates
They credit Indiana’s state health commissioner and surgeon general nominee Jerome Adams for making life-saving strides against the epidemic in his state. Meanwhile, the drug crisis is taking its toll on medical examiner offices.
Pharma Company Eyes A Comeback After Its Potential Obesity Blockbuster Flopped
Also in pharmaceutical news: the debilitating cost of hepatitis C drugs, clinical trials for blood cancer treatment, investments into fighting our biggest killers and scrutiny for prescription drug ads.
Kentucky Wants To Skip Phase-In Period For Medicaid Work Requirements
Gov. Matt Bevin is asking federal officials to approve an amended plan that would immediately require able-bodied recipients to work 20 hours a week to be eligible for coverage.
