Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump’s ‘Mexico City’ Abortion Order Could Affect 15 Times The Funding Of Previous Ones
Because of the broad language used in the executive order, the ban on federal funds could apply to all global health assistance programs instead of just family planning programs funded by the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Meanwhile, Democratic senators are trying to block the order.
Trump Flexing Executive Muscle, But Lack Of Communication With Agencies May Undercut Orders
The president has signed a flurry of executive orders, but the agencies responsible for carrying them out, including the Department of Health and Human Services, have been left mostly in the dark. Meanwhile, Environmental Protection Agency officials say Flint funding won’t be affected by the freeze on the agency.
Vulnerable D.C. Stands To Lose Billions If Health Law Is Dismantled
Nearly 40 percent of the District’s population relies on Medicaid, so if it loses federal aid, the results would be devastating to the city and its residents. Outlets report on the potential impact of the health law’s repeal in Connecticut and California as well.
15% Of Primary Care Doctors Favor Repeal
The post-election survey shows little support among primary care doctors for the Republicans’ plans to dismantle the health law, although many physicians want changes in the current law.
Republicans Promise To Tackle Repeal And Replace By End Of March
Congressional Republicans are meeting with the president in Philadelphia to discuss plans to dismantle the health law. They’ve set an aggressive timetable, after admitting they’re going to miss the previous one — Jan. 27 — that they set for themselves.
First Edition: January 26, 2017
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Thoughts On Tom Price’s Stock Holdings And Congressional Ethics
Opinion writers scrutinize how health industry investments held by Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., as a member of Congress impact his nomination to be the head of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Repealing, Replacing And What About Medicaid?
In opinion pages across the country, editorials analyze the directions in play regarding effort to repeal and replace the health law, and how Medicaid could become a tool in GOP efforts to overhaul the health care system and the safety net.
Perspectives: Drug Companies’ Ad Campaign Won’t Reverse ‘Justly Deserved’ Reputation
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
News outlets report on stories related to pharmaceutical drug pricing.
J&J Reiterates Importance Of Responsible Drug Pricing While Issuing Cautious Forecast
J&J was the first major health care company to report results since the president’s scathing remarks on high drug prices.
Outlets report on news from California, Virginia, Michigan, Arizona, Nebraska, New Jersey, Illinois, Texas and Florida.
No Longer A Problem Just For Royalty: Gout Has Become A ‘Disease Of The People’
It’s become an increasing problem, but doctors are torn over how to treat it. In other public health news: Hep C drugs’ side effects, the psychology of asylum seekers, victims of tainted medicine, whooping cough, baby monitors and more.
Massive Gap Between Cancer Deaths In Rich Vs. Poorer Counties Highlight Startling Health Disparities
Although nationally cancer deaths fell by 20 percent, there are still worrying pockets throughout the country that have had a spike in rates.
Naloxone Is Saving Lives, But Not Changing Them, Experts Say
Health providers want to try to find a long-term solution to those who have been caught in the opioid epidemic. Media outlets also report on the crisis in Maryland, Arizona, Kansas and Georgia.
Anti-Abortion Group Accuses Planned Parenthood Of Not Offering Prenatal Care
The group’s latest video shows that only some of the clinics they called offer comprehensive prenatal services. But Planned Parenthood officials say they have never said that all of their health centers do, so the claim that they are misrepresenting their services is just part of a “continued campaign” to discredit the organization. Meanwhile, the House passes a mostly symbolic vote to make a ban on federal funding for abortions permanent.
Mass. Governor’s Plan To Increase Medicaid Funding Raises Concerns For Business
Gov. Charlie Baker is proposing that Massachusetts employers who don’t offer adequate insurance pay a penalty that will help fund the state’s share of Medicaid. Also, Maryland plans to sign up ex-offenders for Medicaid, and a dental provider says it won’t treat nursing home residents in Kansas because of payment problems.
Aetna And Humana Reviewing Options To Press For Merger After Court Decision
The companies say they want to go forward with their plans and will fight a federal judge’s decision that their merger would stiffle competition.
Tribal Leaders Warn Repeal Efforts Could Cut Health Funding To ‘Catastrophic’ Levels
The Indian Healthcare Improvement Act, which had been around for decades, was allowed to expire in 2000, but was then tucked into the health law bill. Now some are worried it will get lumped in with repeal. Media outlets report on the effects of repeal in other parts of the country as well.
