Latest KFF Health News Stories
Virginia Lawmakers Again Slap Down Governor’s Attempt To Expand Medicaid
The Republican-controlled House of Delegates overturns the effort by Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
At The White House, An Emerging Split Over Obamacare Payments
A decision must be made in the weeks ahead about whether to continue paying out key cost-reduction subsidies for people who buy insurance on the exchanges or to cut them off. The latter would deal a possibly mortal blow the to the health law’s individual insurance market. Meanwhile, brokers are increasingly fed up by unpaid commissions, and consumers who gained coverage via the health law are now wondering about what the future holds.
Intraparty Blame Game Heats Up As ‘Zombie Trumpcare’ Falters Again Right Before Recess
Though talks continue, lawmakers are likely headed back to their districts for a two-week recess after failing to revive a health care plan.
House To Make Last-Minute Tweaks To Health Plan As White House Pushes For Progress
Language to create a risk-sharing fund will be added to the Republicans’ health bill at a Rules Committee on Thursday, news outlets report. However, the non-controversial measure is unlikely to move any lawmakers’ stances on the issue.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Declaring War On Alzheimer’s; Market Realities Of The Opioid Epidemic
A collection of public health opinions on health care from around the country.
Different Takes On The Latest GOP Health Law Repeal Talks; Improving Coverage
Opinion writers take a hard look at the GOP’s latest crack at health care, the policies in play and what might be left on the cutting-room floor.
Perspectives: FDA Nominee’s Industry Ties And Contempt For Caution A Danger To Patients
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
By Engaging Payers Before Setting Price, One Drug Company Wins Praise Despite $37K-A-Year Cost
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
Outlets report on news from Iowa, Florida, Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Tennessee.
Texas House OKs Bill Ensuring Equal Coverage For Mental And Physical Health Care
The Texas legislature is also taking on other health-related issues, with hearings being held on postpartum depression and narrowing the definition of “psychologists.” Meanwhile, in Ohio, a Columbus company purchases a financially troubled provider of mental health services.
Alarmed By Superbug Outbreak, Senator Wants More Information On Tainted Scopes
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) is asking device manufacturer Olympus for details on how it fixed the scopes that led to an outbreak last year.
Zika’s Not Just ‘Last Year’s Problem’: Sobering Report Details Virus’s Effects On U.S. Women
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released the largest and most comprehensive study about Zika’s effects on pregnant women.
States Facing Bed Shortages For Opioid Crisis Turn To Waiver From Obscure Medicaid Rule
An outdated Medicaid regulation — intended to discourage “institutions for mental disease” — prohibits the use of federal dollars for addiction treatment provided in facilities with more than 16 beds. Outlets report on the epidemic out of Delaware, Pennsylvania and Ohio, as well.
Also in the news, abortion politics heat up in Virginia as Ed Gillespie’s statements on the issue draw scrutiny as he makes a bid for the governor’s mansion.
Study Finds Heavy Turnover Among Physicians In Medicare ACOs
Medicare hopes to use the accountable care organization to coordinate care so that quality is improved and costs lowered. But the research suggests that the design of the ACO may need to pay special attention to physicians.
A Look At Where Trump Has Diverged From Obama On Health Policy
Stat is tracking five key health areas to identify where things are changing, where it’s unclear and where it’s just more of the same.
Gottlieb’s Deep Resume Means He Can Hit Ground Running, But It’s Also What Has Opponents Concerned
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, President Donald Trump’s pick to head the Food and Drug Administration, will be grilled on his ties to the industry at a confirmation hearing on Wednesday.
Kansas Health Industry, Patient Advocates ‘Not Ready To Give Up Yet’ On Medicaid Expansion
After coming so close to moving the state to “yes” on expanding its Medicaid program, activists say they will be back to continue the fight. Also, North Carolina Democrats and advocates renew their push for expansion.
Georgia Health Law Marketplace Could Be Rocked If Blue Cross’ Parent Company Pulls Out
Anthem Inc., the parent company of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, “is leaning toward exiting a high percentage” of regions it participates in, which could leave a vacuum of coverage for the state. Meanwhile, Iowa’s insurance commissioner says no one should panic just because Wellmark has announced it won’t be selling individual plans for 2018.
