Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Industries Keep Careful Eye On Capitol Hill Action
The flux surrounding the House health bill vote injects uncertainty into the health care stock markets while hospitals voice worries regarding the changes Republicans have proposed. Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce president urges lawmakers to follow through with repeal efforts.
CBO Score For Revised House Health Bill Still Finds Big Coverage Loss But The Costs Grow
The changes made by Republicans leaders did not alter the original forecast of 24 million Americans losing their insurance. But the Congressional Budget Office said although the new plan would still reduce the deficit, it would cost $186 billion more over 10 years than the earlier legislation.
Health Bill Would Cut Medicaid, Which Candidate Trump Said He Would Not To Do
The GOP measure would cut Medicaid spending by hundreds of billions of dollars over 10 years. News outlets also round up the other areas of health care that would be touched if the proposal becomes law.
Conservative Republicans Demand That Essential Benefits Coverage Be Dropped
A core piece of Obamacare is the requirement that insurers offer plans that cover basic health services like maternity care, mental health services, prescription drugs and hospital care. Some Republicans seek to lower costs and have more choice for health insurance sold to individuals by rolling back those requirements.
GOP House Leaders Are On Edge With Health Vote Gamble
The vote — which was scheduled in response to demands by President Donald Trump — is dicey for the majority and highlights the continuing factions within the Republican caucus as well as their hesitancy to negotiate and compromise.
The Trump Ultimatum: House Must Vote Friday On GOP Health Plan
After days of negotiations, President Donald Trump sent a message to Capitol Hill: It’s do or die. If the measure fails, he plans to pivot away from the repeal-and-replace effort and move on to his other legislative priorities.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
House Delays Vote On Republican Replacement Health Plan
Lacking enough votes to pass, House GOP leaders decide to postpone today’s planned vote on their American Health Care Act.
A selection of opinions on the health care debate in Congress from around the country.
Longer Looks: Explaining The GOP Health Bill, Utah’s Teen Suicide Spike And Election Anxiety
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Media outlets report on news from New York, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Louisiana.
Former Obama Drug Czar Named To Lead Addiction Research Center In Boston
Michael Botticelli, who speaks openly about his history of alcohol and drug abuse, said his leadership of the new Grayken Center for Addiction Medicine will be rooted in his philosophy that addiction is a public health issue best remedied by treatment.
Rural Georgia Hospitals To See Financial Benefit From New Tax Increase
In other state hospital news, executives for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Lahey Health tout the economic benefits of merging the two facilities. And a Philadelphia hospital brings in puppies and kittens to relieve the stress of its medical staff.
Opponents Of KanCare Expansion Challenge Supporters’ Claim It Will Pay For Itself
Outlets report on news out of state legislatures in Kansas, Minnesota, Texas, Arkansas and Florida.
As ‘Deaths Of Despair’ Among White Adults Spike, Researchers Identify Root Causes
Husband-and-wife economists find links between the job market and the mortality-rate jump among middle-aged, less-educated white Americans from drugs, alcohol-related diseases and suicide.
‘Right-To-Try’ Advocates Help Pass Laws In 33 States As Movement Gains National Foothold
Legislation to allow terminally ill patients access to experimental treatments not approved by the Food and Drug Administration also have momentum in the other 17 states. Today’s other public health stories report developments on a potential sepsis treatment, a devicemaker’s redesigned medical scope, a link between breast implants and a deadly cancer and the latest on the bird flu outbreak.
Ex-Compounding Pharmacy Exec Acquitted Of Murder Allegations In Meningitis Outbreak
Barry J. Cadden, the former co-owner and head pharmacist at the New England Compounding Center, was found guilty by jurors of fraud and racketeering. Fungus-tainted drugs from the facility killed 64 people and sickened hundreds more across the country.
Trump Budget Would Shake Medical Research And Health Training Programs
In related news, Mayo Clinic’s CEO says that he urged the Trump administration to maintain funding for research and to take foreign doctors into account in the administration’s immigration policy.
Bill Closing Antitrust Loophole For Insurers Passes With Rare Bipartisan Support
The House also passed a second health care-related bill to establish rules on plans that allow small businesses in the same field or professional association to band together. Meanwhile, the Senate moved to block an Obama-era workplace safety rule.
AMA Takes A Strong Stand Against The House Health Plan
The physician organization maintained its opposition to the measure in a letter sent to Capitol Hill Wednesday, noting its continued concerns about the millions of people who would lose coverage if it becomes law. Meanwhile, Molina Healthcare’s chief executive is one of the few voices from the insurance industry protesting the Republican’s overhaul. Another industry — the tanning business — has high hopes for the legislation.
