Latest KFF Health News Stories
From Architect To Captain: Ryan Faces Extreme Test That Could Define Speakership
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) hadn’t wanted the role of House speaker, but it was thrust upon him. Now he faces the challenges of actually shepherding legislation into law.
Trump To GOP Rabble-Rousers: Voting ‘No’ On Plan Will Cost You Your Seat In 2018
President Donald Trump met with members of the Freedom Caucus to try to persuade them to support the American Health Care Act ahead of an anticipated Thursday vote. He singled out Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) saying, “I’m gonna come after you.” Meadows shrugged off the words as good-natured ribbing.
GOP Doesn’t Have The Votes Locked Up Yet To Guarantee Health Plan Will Pass
Twenty-three Republicans still say they either will outright oppose the legislation or are strongly leaning against it. The caucus can lose 21 votes in the House and still pass their replacement plan. Media outlets look at where individual lawmakers stand on the issue.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Planned Parenthood’s Popularity; FDA’s Retreating Oversight Of Supplements
A selection of opinions on health care from around the nation.
Opinion writers around the country examine what is at stake for individuals, the health insurance market and the entire health system as the debate over the GOP’s American Health Care Act continues.
Outlets report on news from Georgia, Texas, Colorado, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Ohio.
Researchers Investigate How Different Zika Strains Impact Fetal Development
The Asian strain of the virus, which has been linked to microcephaly, attacks fetal cells differently than the African strain. In other Zika news, Florida health officials report case of locally acquired case as well as four additional travel-related infections.
Opioid Use Complicates Doctors’ Decisions About Who Should Get Heart Surgery
In other news on the nation’s drug crisis, two studies give cautious hope that opioid use among teens and poisonings of young children may be declining. And a Maryland sheriff’s office publicly counts the county’s fatal overdoses. The number just hit 100.
Congress May Delete Requirement That Businesses Track Worker Injuries
Also in public health news, the traditionally high U.S. infant death rate is making a promising decline and a new study highlights a connection between global warming and diabetes rates. Media outlets also report on a range of other developments, including ketamine being used to treat severely depressed patients and insurers weighing a simple treatment for artery disease.
Increased Vigilance Under Hospital Inspectors’ Watchful Eyes Results In Fewer Deaths
The change in behavior of hospital staff when inspectors are present could mean 3,600 fewer deaths a year at facilities.
GOP’s Plan For Medicaid ‘Threatens The Ability’ Of People With Disabilities To Live At Home
Home health care services for more than 17 million Americans could be affected by changes in Medicaid, McClatchy reports. Also in the news, a look at some of the changes that are under the radar such as new requirements for enrollees to renew coverage every six months, instead of once a year. State and regional outlets also continue to look at the debate on Medicaid. And House Speaker Paul Ryan says these changes could be the culmination of a long-held hope.
Republican Replacement Plan Would Result In 1.8M Fewer Jobs, Analysis Projects
The left-leaning Center for American Progress report is the first to look at the job market impact of the American Health Care Act. Meanwhile, vulnerable rural hospitals are increasingly worried about their fate under the Republicans’ plan.
Trump Wants To Get Health Care Out Of The Way So He Can Move Onto Other Issues
The president, at a rally in Kentucky Monday night, spoke about what he wants to do once lawmakers keep their campaign promises to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.
‘Ultimate Salesman’ Trump To Make Full Court Press On Reluctant Lawmakers
The success of the American Health Care Act could hinge in part on President Donald Trump’s deal-making prowess.
Even If It Passes The House, Health Plan’s Chances In Senate Grow Dimmer
Factions of Republicans in the Senate are vehemently against the bill for opposing reasons, which will present a challenge for leaders trying to get a majority vote.
Freedom Caucus Leader: Members Should ‘Vote For Their Constituents’
Although Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) says there are enough lawmakers that oppose the American Health Care Act to tank the legislation, he is not holding his caucus to a “no” vote, which frees up leaders to sway individual members.
Republicans Tweak Medicaid, Taxes, Abortion Provisions To Bring Wary Lawmakers On Board
The revisions were made to appease both the conservative wing of their party and moderates who had voiced concerns for their older constituents who would have been particularly hard hit by the first version of the American Health Care Act.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: For Opioids, The Drug War Misses The Target; In Defense Of Meals On Wheels
A selection of opinions on health care from around the nation.
