Latest KFF Health News Stories
In Separate Vote, House OKs Nullifying Congressional Exemption From Its Health Law
The American Health Care Act originally exempted lawmakers from its provisions, but House members voted on another piece of legislation, which nullifies that exemption.
Republicans’ Repeal-And-Replace Plan Narrowly Passes House
After two false starts and weeks of compromise negotiations, House Republican leaders gathered enough votes to pass the American Health Care Act, their replacement for Obamacare. The bill passed 217-213, with 20 Republican defections. GOP House members who supported the legislation were jubilant afterwards, having followed through on a years-long campaign pledge.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Trump Confident ‘Incredible Health Care Plan’ Will Pass In The Senate
“It’s going to be an unbelievable victory … when we get it through the Senate,” President Donald Trump says during a celebratory White House Rose Garden event with House Republicans.
Health Plan Becomes Senate’s Dilemma Now — Where The Margin For Error Is Much More Narrow
The legislation is expected to undergo sweeping changes in the upper chamber.
The Winners: Insurance Companies, Young People And The Rich
Media outlets look at how different groups will fare under the Republicans’ health plan.
Democrats See Political Opportunity To Target Vulnerable Republicans Over Their Vote
At the end of the vote, as Republicans reached a majority, Democrats on the House floor began chanting, “Na, na, na, na … Hey, hey, hey … Goodbye.” They claim the GOP could lose seats for supporting a bill that could disrupt voters’ health care.
GOP Health Plan Narrowly Passes House
An amendment to add $8 billion to help fund high-risk pools swayed enough Republicans who were worried the legislation didn’t offer enough protections for people with preexisting conditions.
A selection of public health opinions from around the country.
Perspectives On The House GOP’s Health Bill: A Breakout Toward Governing Or A Breakdown In Coverage?
Editorial writers from across the country examine the House Republican’s plan and offer their thoughts on how it treats concerns ranging from preexisting conditions to mental health.
Longer Looks: Doctors And Fake News; Superfoods; And Pig-To-Human Transplants
Each week, KHN finds interesting reads from around the web.
Media outlets report on news from California, Florida and Colorado.
Planned Parenthood To Request Emergency Injunction On Iowa Waiting-Period Law
Planned Parenthood of the Heartland President Suzanna di Baca says it is a medically unnecessary requirement that interrupts the lives of patients.
Health Officials In Minnesota Worry That Measles Outbreak Will Spread
So far, 34 children have contracted the virus in densely populated Somali-American neighborhoods of Minneapolis, where 6 in 10 children are not vaccinated. There has been a growing fear among immigrant communities about links between the measles, mumps and rubella shot and autism.
Research Efforts To Eliminate Unnecessary Prostate Cancer Treatments Is ‘On Fire’
Scientists want to find alternatives to controversial PSA tests, which often lead to unnecessary biopsies. And in other public health news today: the health impact of racism on kids; concussion testing; monitoring violence online; why we sleep and dream; and men as caregivers.
Lawmakers Make Plea To WHO To Do Everything In Its Power To Prevent Global Opioid Crisis
“The greed and recklessness of one company and its partners helped spark a public health crisis in the United States that will take generations to fully repair,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to the organization. “Please learn from our experience and do not allow Mundipharma to carry on Purdue’s deadly legacy on a global stage.”
Patients Might Miss Spiking Cost Of A Medication Due To Drugmaker Copay Coupons, Report Says
A Blue Cross Blue Shield Association report finds that the percentage of prescriptions filled using such coupons increased from 13 percent to 19 percent between 2013 and 2016. In other pharma industry news: Mylan, Pfizer and what seniors can do if they are denied coverage of a drug by Medicare.
Arkansas Votes To Shift More People Off Medicaid, Enact Work Requirements
The legislation would lower the eligibility cap for the program from 138 percent of the federal poverty level to 100 percent. Outlets report on Medicaid news out of Missouri and Virginia as well.
