Latest KFF Health News Stories
People With Disabilities Raise Concerns That Independence Could Falter Under GOP Medicaid Cuts
Although the federal government does not require it, state Medicaid programs now cover home health assistance for adults with disabilities. Many of these enrollees are concerned that revamping Medicaid’s funding formula could threaten that aid. Meanwhile, news outlets also look at how the changes would affect Texas and Colorado.
The Problem With Trying To Cover Those 24M People: It Costs A Lot Of Money
And that creates a tricky political problem for Republicans. In other news on the American Health Care Act, insurers project that premiums could jump by as much as 20 percent in 2018, a look at health savings accounts, the Cadillac tax and more.
GOP Replacement Plan Narrowly Passes Through Budget Committee
Three conservative Republicans joined the Democrats on the committee to vote against the legislation.
‘It’s Not Herding Cats. It’s Herding Ravenous Tigers’: Trump, Ryan Work To Corral Reluctant Members
As resistance mounts on Capitol Hill, President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) try to ensure passage of the American Health Care Act. However, the tension may be putting a strain on an already fragile relationship between the two.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Thumbs Down On Genetic-Testing Bill; Sessions Takes Aim At Medical Marijuana
A selection of opinions on health care from around the nation.
More Fallout From CBO’s Estimates…
Opinion writers offer their analysis of the impact that the Congressional Budget Office’s calculations regarding the American Health Care Act are having on the GOP repeal-and-replace effort.
Perspectives: Playing Offense, Defense On GOP Health Plan
Editorial pages offer a variety of views on the House GOP’s American Health Care Act.
Thoughts On The Winners And Losers In The GOP Health Proposal
For some editorial and opinion writers, the list of losers appears longer.
Longer Looks: Medicaid And Disabled Children; Zika; And Freud
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Outlets report on news from Florida, Minnesota, California, Texas and Virginia.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions ‘A Bit Dubious’ About Medical Marijuana
However, in the past President Donald Trump has voiced “100 percent” support for medical marijuana.
Residents Of Richer Nations Have Higher Anxiety Rates Than Poorer Countries, Survey Shows
That anxiety can interfere more with daily activities and responsibilities, researchers find. In other public health news, a group of doctors warns that Americans are sicker due to climate change. And experts looks to practices in Oregon as end-of-life examples.
Dangers Of Unregulated Stem Cell Treatments Highlighted After Three Women Lost Sight
Stem cell clinics are flourishing, but the government has not done much to protect patients from the sometimes risky treatments.
Stat profiles the 41-day struggle of a West Virginia mother and father to get professional help for their 21-year-old daughter before it was too late. In other news on the nation’s drug crisis, Food and Drug Administration panels reconsider Opana, a pain doctor in Massachusetts faces fraud charges and a former drug policy director weighs in on the potential impact of Republicans’ replacement health plan.
One Kansas Ruling Could Topple Slew Of Abortion Opponents’ Successes In State
The ruling will determine if general language in the state constitution’s Bill of Rights protects the right to an abortion independently of the U.S. Constitution. Media outlets report on other news from Alabama and Texas.
Bill Would Target Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ Role In High Drug Prices
PBMs are coming under increased scrutiny as public’s ire grows over price gouging.
Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price is sharply questioned during a televised meeting about Republican plans to cut Medicaid funding. Also in the news are reports about a recent letter Price and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Director Seema Verma sent states about their flexibility on Medicaid procedures, doctor reimbursement issues in Georgia and a long-running controversy in Iowa.
Trump Slashes Health Spending In Federal Budget Plan
The administration’s budget blueprint proposes reducing the Department of Health and Human Service’s funding by 18 percent — with more than a third of the $15.1 billion in cuts coming from the National Institutes of Health, the government’s main engine of biomedical research.
Reconciliation Strategy Throws Wrench Into Legislative Efforts To Strip Essential Health Benefits
Under the complicated rules that allow Republicans to try to move legislation through the Senate without a filibuster, any changes to the Affordable Care Act must be related to the budget. That means essential health benefits will be left to regulators.
