Latest KFF Health News Stories
Movement To Provide Low-Income Housing For Patients Faces Threat In Form Of Trump Cuts
Many say that being able to provide housing to patients who need it is crucial to solving the country’s health care woes. But cuts President Donald Trump has proposed to housing programs and possible changes to the tax code could undermine their efforts.
Uncertainty Over Health Law Could Be Its Downfall In Industry That Lives And Dies On Predictability
At the same time insurers are having to make a decision to stay in the Affordable Care Act 2018 marketplaces, the future is unclear for the subsidies the industry sees as crucial to survival.
Following ‘Replace’ Debacle, Vulnerable GOP Lawmakers Dodge Town Halls
USA Today looks at which members are facing their constituents during recess — and there are only a few swing-district Republicans who supported the health bill doing so. Meanwhile, ads are being launched from both sides of the aisle over lawmakers’ health care stances.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Drugmaker’s Link To The Opioid Epidemic; Social Justice And Health Education
A collection of public health opinions from around the country.
Perspectives On Reviving The GOP’s Repeal-And-Replace Effort; Obamacare As A Job Creator
Editorial pages across the country include different thoughts on what’s next in Congress in the Affordable Care Act versus Trumpcare face-off and other issues related to overhauling the health care system.
Ideas About Health Care Decisions, Costs And Navigation
Opinion writers describe the puzzling nature of health care costs and medical decisions.
Outlets report on news from Georgia, Connecticut, Minnesota, California, Kentucky, Florida, Maryland, Hawaii, Wisconsin, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Washington.
New Kansas Law Helps Parents Prevent Hospitals From Using Do-Not-Resusitate Orders On Kids
Kansans for Life, an influential anti-abortion group in the state, helped push the bill. Also in the news, Oklahoma lawmakers are considering a bill to allow out-of-state insurers to sell policies there, the Texas House is weighing transferring funding to a program that helps rehabilitate victims of sex trafficking and the Montana legislature moves toward spending $1 million to help prevent suicide.
Rallies In Boston And Louisville Press For Single-Payer Health System
The demonstrations were part of a national day of action organized by several groups, including Physicians for a National Health Program.
Lawmakers Seeking Answers On Trump’s Views On Legalizing Marijuana Look To His Son-In-Law
During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump seemed to go back and forth on the issue, but some think Jared Kushner could hold the answers.
Politico investigates Patrick Soon-Shiong and his research foundation.
In Era Of Opioid Epidemic, Some Seek Alternatives To Quick Pain Fix Of Pills
Experts want patients to realize that painkillers might make them feel better, but they are not treating the underlying cause. Media outlets report on the crisis out of Tennessee, West Virginia, Connecticut, Ohio, Missouri, New York and New Jersey.
Can $200 Really Buy You An Accurate Look At Your Genetic Risk For Diseases?
23andMe, a genetic testing company, recently won Food and Drug Administration approval to sell its product, which tells users if they are susceptible to certain diseases. Stat offers a look at what consumers need to know about it before considering using it. In other public health news: diabetes, MRIs, Tourette’s syndrome, three-parent babies, HPV, strokes, and more.
In other health information technology news, WellCare tests artificial intelligence systems designed to flag health problems and prescribe treatment plans. And senators will consider a bill that would let Medicare test more telehealth models.
N.C. Republicans Offer Medicaid Expansion Bill
The proposal, offered by four Republican members including a former hospital executive, includes a premium of about 2 percent of enrollees’ household income and protocols for routine physicals and screenings. Media outlets also look at concerns in Oklahoma that new federal policies will cut Medicaid funding for hospitals, a large increase in Medicaid enrollees in Virginia and Florida’s plan to change Medicaid eligibility.
‘It’s Already Too Fast’: Critics Warn That Speeding Up FDA Approval Process Dangerous For Patients
President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Food and Drug Administration has pushed the idea that the process is “cumbersome” and slow, but some challenge that it’s actually the opposite.
Gorsuch Evades Firm Answers On Aid-In-Dying, But Past Writings Offer Detailed Look At Views
Newly minted Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch in his book “The Future of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia” built a legal and moral case against the practice. Meanwhile, aid-in-dying has seen a steady, yearly increase since it has been enacted.
Administration’s Global Health Cuts Could Lead To ‘Catastrophic Loss Of Life’
The White House proposes reducing funding to major programs including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, help for aid organizations that provide family planning and other health services and contributions to the United Nations Population Fund. Meanwhile, experts are “very concerned” that the Trump administration is not prepared to deal with a pandemic outbreak, and an idea that all research should serve a national purpose sparks debate.
Job Growth In Health Care Sector Stumbles Amid Health Law Uncertainty
In the first three months of this year, health care added an average of 20,000 jobs per month, compared with an average monthly gain of 32,000 in 2016. In other news, hospitals and health systems fear loss of reimbursements, and the Iowa Hospital Association says insurers should be doing more to protect gains made under Obamacare.
