Latest KFF Health News Stories
Decades-Long Quest To Battle Alzheimer’s Dealt Latest Blow As Merck Pulls Plug On Anticipated Drug
Similar treatments from Eli Lilly, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson have all come up short in recent years. Meanwhile, treatments for mental illnesses have seen few advances despite increased understanding of the diseases.
GOP Bill Would Roll Back Obama’s Ban On States Defunding Planned Parenthood
Because the measure, which was sent to the House floor on Tuesday, is being moved through a law that allows Congress to rescind recently finalized rules, the bill cannot be filibustered in the Senate, raising its odds for success. Media outlets report on women’s health news out of Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas as well.
AP Finds Potential Conflict Of Interest Issues Around CMS Nominee Seema Verma’s Work In Indiana
In a review of documents, The Associated Press reports that Verma’s consulting firm made millions through agreements with nine states — work that may have conflicted with her public duties. And KHN reports on the reemergence of “death panel” fears.
Math For Insurance Only Adds Up If Healthy Subsidize The Sick, Expert Says
Economist Jonathan Gruber, who worked on both the Massachusetts and federal health overhauls, joined other health experts on a panel looking at the obstacles Republicans will face when trying to craft something that’s less expensive but still ensures people have access to coverage. Meanwhile, actuaries offer their take on stabilizing the marketplace.
Uninsured Rate Lowest On Record As Republicans Prepare To Dismantle Health law
The rate of uninsured in America is nearly half what it was before the Affordable Care Act was passed.
House Republicans Weighing Key Medicaid Change As Part Of Health Law Overhaul
Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., says Republican leaders are considering switching federal payments for Medicaid to per capita allotments, but it’s not clear that proposal will win supporters in the Senate. Meanwhile, Politico looks at how GOP lawmakers who want to cut Medicaid spending may be forced to increase the funding for a bit.
As Conservatives Dig In On Complete Repeal, GOP Leaders Warily Eye Growing Intra-Party Divide
The Freedom Caucus vows to block any legislation that doesn’t go far enough. Meanwhile, Speaker Paul Ryan is making the rounds to try to gin up support.
Near-Simultaneous Deaths Of Two Insurance Mega-Mergers Signals Victory For Antitrust Officials
Within hours of each other, companies involved in the Aetna-Humana merger and the Cigna-Anthem deal threw in the towel.
Humana First Insurer To Quit ACA Marketplaces Amid Uncertainty Of Health Law’s Future
President Trump and other opponents see the decision as a sign that the Affordable Care Act is failing, but many insurers cite the murkiness of the Republicans’ plan for dismantling the legislation as a reason to be skittish about the marketplaces.
First Edition: February 15, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
After Defeat In Court, Aetna And Humana Announce They Will End Their Effort To Merge
A federal court judge ruled last month that the $34 billion merger would hurt competition in the insurance industry. As part of the deal, Aetna will give Humana $1 billion as a break-up fee,
Viewpoints: Connecting Executive Pay With Patients; Is Technology Driving Up Health Costs
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Different Takes On The Complications Of Replacing Obamacare
Opinion writers offer their thoughts on the possible landmines involved in replacing or repairing the health law, including what voters have to gain and lose as well as what costs could result.
Outlets report on news from Virginia, Colorado, Kansas, Tennessee, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida.
Is This Ambitious Cancer Moonshot Nothing More Than Marketing Tool For Rich Doctor?
Stat investigates Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong and his vow to vanquish cancer by 2020. In other public health news: lower back pain, psychiatric drugs and the elderly, prostate cancer surgery, disease “superspreaders,” acupuncture and more.
Opioids Have Become So Ingrained Into Culture Of Dentistry They’re Now The Norm
Many patients have come to expect strong narcotics after having a tooth removed or undergoing a root canal, even though research shows over-the-counter pain relievers would suffice.
As America Trends Toward More Diversity, Health System Is Accommodating Unique Cultural Needs
Doctors are now being trained to deliver culturally appropriate care to patients of many backgrounds, learning different languages, and adjusting care based on the needs of their diverse patients.
Florida Bill Would Allow Women To Sue Doctor 10 Years After Abortion
The measure letting patients file suit for physical or emotional injuries from an abortion could impact doctors’ liability insurance. Meanwhile, other women’s reproductive health news stories come from California, Iowa and Connecticut.
Know Your Policy Like The Back Of Your Hand, And Other Ways To Avoid High Medical Bills
Experts suggest five tips on avoiding scary costs after getting treatment.
N.H. Governor Shifts Stand To Embrace Medicaid Expansion
“There’s no doubt it’s been helpful,” Gov. Chris Sununu says in an interview with New Hampshire Public Radio. Meanwhile, Georgia’s governor signs a law that will tax hospitals and then draw down more federal funds to operate the state Medicaid program.
