Latest KFF Health News Stories
University Of California Loses Closely Watched Patent Battle Over Lucrative Gene-Editing Technique
The Broad Institute, a research center affiliated with MIT and Harvard, retains more than a dozen patents it has already been granted on the use of the CRISPR technique to modify DNA in the cells of humans, animals and plants.
Aging Baby Boomers Expected To Drive Up U.S. Health Spending Over Next Decade
After several years of historically slow growth, health spending will pick up for the foreseeable future, according to a CMS report.
Anthem Answers Cigna’s Lawsuit With One Of Its Own
The two companies’ contentious relationship is escalating as Cigna tries to end their merger deal. Anthem is asking a court to block the move.
‘Death Spiral’ Prophesy: Aetna CEO Predicts More Insurers Will Pull Out Of ACA Marketplaces
Aetna chief executive Mark Bertolini did not say whether his own company will be withdrawing.
Humana’s Exit From Health Exchanges Spotlights Insurers’ Concerns About GOP Plans For 2018
With growing confusion about Republicans’ path on overhauling former President Barack Obama’s health law, there are growing questions about how the marketplaces will be run next year.
Some Small Businesses May Continue To Offer Employees Coverage Even If Requirement Is Repealed
Despite initial qualms about the employer requirements in the health law, some say they plan to keep it because it makes them more competitive when hiring.
Conservative Republicans Rally Behind Plan That Focuses On HSAs
“What if 30 percent of the public had Health Savings Accounts?” said Sen. Rand Paul. “What do you do when you use your own money? You call up doctors and ask the price… if you create a real marketplace, you drive prices down.” Meanwhile, House leadership will discuss their proposals with rank-and-file members on Thursday to gauge their receptiveness.
Hearing For Trump Nominee Likely Will Focus On Her Work Helping States Revamp Medicaid
Seema Verma heads a consulting firm that has helped several GOP-led states seek more leeway in setting up their Medicaid programs, most notably the expansion plan in Indiana. Democrats are concerned that could signal how she will try to reshape the agency that oversees Medicaid, Medicare and much of the federal health law.
IRS Walks Back Individual Mandate Requirement To Ease ACA Burdens On Taxpayers
The Internal Revenue Service had previously announced that for the first time it was going to reject any 2016 tax forms that didn’t have information filled out on whether the taxpayer had complied with the requirement to get coverage or risk fines. But following an executive order directing agencies to relax rules around the health law, that plan has been rolled back.
Trump Administration Tries To Calm Skittish Insurers With Stricter Health Law Rules
But advocates say the changes — including tighter open enrollment periods — may hurt consumers.
First Edition: February 15, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: A Planned Mega Merger Breaks Up; Donating Organs And Health Data
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On The Technicalities Of Repealing, Replacing Or Repairing The Health Law
Opinion writers offer their thoughts on a range of issues related to the health insurance marketplace, Medicaid and Medicare.
Perspectives: Drugmakers Hike Prices Because They Can. The How Gets A Little More Complicated.
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Next Up On The Pharma Rebranding Bandwagon: Generics
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
Outlets report on news from Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Connecticut, Texas, Michigan, Kansas, California, Maine and Florida.
Central Illinois Facing Adequacy ‘Crisis’ As Hospitals Reject Medicaid Managed Care Plans
At least three hospital systems have announced plans to cut ties with Molina Healthcare, which manages the state’s Medicaid program in central Illinois, leaving tens of thousands of enrollees in a tough position. Also, legislators in Colorado begin to explore how to cover the expanding Medicaid budget.
Public Education, Increased PrEP Use Credited For Big Drop In HIV Rates
Overall the numbers are improving, but some groups have double-digit increases.
In Effort To Stem Flood Of Opioids Into Country, Bill Would Tighten Up International Shipping Rules
The legislation would require packages shipped into the United States from foreign postal services and through the U.S. Postal Service to provide information on who is sending the package, where they are sending it from, who it’s being sent to, and what the package contains.
Advisory Panel, Tiptoeing Into Ethical Minefield, Reverses Guidance On Editing Human Embryos
The National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine said that modifying genes in embryos is acceptable if the alterations are designed to prevent babies from acquiring genes known to cause “serious diseases and disability,” and only when there is no “reasonable alternative.”
