Latest KFF Health News Stories
GOP Presidential Hopeful Jeb Bush Gets Koch Attention
Tea party members are likely to continue supporting Bush over candidates like Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who supported Medicaid expansion. The candidate also expressed confidence that voters will support him over Donald Trump, whom he hit over Trump’s positions on abortion and a single-payer health care system.
Hutchinson Signals Willingness To Continue Ark. Medicaid Expansion Beyond 2016 — If Changes Are Made
The changes, however, would be a tough sell to the Obama administration. Meanwhile, news from Alaska details how some expansion opponents are turning to the courts to stop the state plan for implementation.
Benefits Of Women’s Low-Libido Medication May Not Outweigh Expense And Side Effects
As doctors debate the merits of Addyi, the newly FDA-approved drug dubbed the “female Viagra,” its maker Sprout Pharmaceuticals is being acquired by Valeant Pharmaceuticals for $1 billion.
First Edition: August 21, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Cures Bill Should Crack Down On Faulty Research; Euthanasia In Europe
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Grief That Won’t Die, ‘Female Viagra,’ Animal Diseases
Each week, KHN’S Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Health care stories are reported from Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Arizona, Washington, Iowa and Texas.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Republican lawmakers in Arizona, California, Ohio, New Jersey and Wisconsin have introduced bills or taken action to restrict or oversee the uses of fetal tissue. Such measures trigger debate between antiabortion advocates who say the practice of using this tissue in research is immoral and scientists who say it is vital for medical advancement. Meanwhile, in Florida, Planned Parenthood has indicated it will resume performing abortions since it has received guidance from the state government. In the background, a latest video has been released and a poll shows broad support for funding womens’ health and contraception services.
North Carolina House Rejects Senate’s Rewrite Of Medicaid Reform Plan
Conference committee negotiations are the next step to iron out the major differences between the two chambers’ approaches, and news outlets analyze the outlook for achieving a compromise before the end of this year’s legislative session.
AbbVie To Pay $350M In Exchange For United Therapeutics’ FDA Fast-Track Voucher
It’s a record price paid for a priority review voucher. Such tickets entitle the holder to move a new drug through the Food and Drug Administration’s review line faster. In other pharmaceutical news, some doctors voice concern over the FDA’s approval of Addyi, the pink pill aimed at increasing women’s libido.
Seeking Government Approval Of Humana Merger, Aetna Hires Lobbyists
Elsewhere, news outlets take deeper looks at how the health law is affecting Wal-Mart’s pharmacy business and Samsung’s plans to ready an affiliate biotech firm’s U.S. stock listing.
Skyrocketing Cost Of Prescription Drugs Is A Top Health Concern For Americans, Survey Shows
The majority polled, regardless of political affiliation, strongly favor government action to curb costs. Those controls supported include requiring drug makers to justify prices, allowing Medicare to negotiate and limiting what pharmaceutical companies can charge.
Wave Of Obamacare Repeal Proposals Expected From Republican Field After Rubio, Walker Release Plans
Meanwhile, on the campaign trail, Jeb Bush aimed criticism at Republican frontrunner Donald Trump during a New Hampshire campaign stop — as Trump held his first town hall miles down the road. And Wis. Gov. Scott Walker is also stepping up efforts to make some noise in the 2016 race.
Surveys Show Uninsured Rate In Ohio, Calif. Dropped After Health Law Kicked In
Meanwhile Illinois is planning to award a $5 million grant to community groups to conduct outreach during the upcoming Obamacare open enrollment period.
Governor Proposes Changes In Arkansas’ Influential Medicaid Expansion Program
Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he wants to keep the expansion of health coverage for low-income residents, but he wants the federal government to approve changes that conservatives favor. In other news, Alabama’s state health officer suggests the state should accept expansion, and Pennsylvania’s new enrollment appears to be more efficient.
House Lawsuit Against Obama Pegged To Health Law Gains Strength
Meanwhile, repeal plans in Congress as part of reconciliation would not be an easy lift, according to CQ Healthbeat.
Cleveland Clinic Not Lovin’ It: McDonald’s Lease With Hospital’s Cafeteria Discontinued
A Cleveland Clinic spokesperson says that the decision to oust McDonald’s from the grounds is one of a number of changes the medical center has made recently to “promote healthy food choices” for its visitors and employees.
First Edition: August 20, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP Candidates’ Health Plans Shift Benefits; Kasich’s Moderate Stance Debated
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota, New York, South Dakota, Maine, Missouri and New Mexico.
