Latest KFF Health News Stories
Officials, Families Push For Congressional Action On 9/11 Health Bill
The Sunday rally was held to push lawmakers to extend the medical coverage for first responders and clean-up crews who were sickened by toxic materials at the World Trade Center site. They want Congress to add the coverage to the must-pass omnibus spending bill.
Despite Symbolic Repeal Vote, Senate Offers Few Clues To Future Efforts On Health Law
News outlets analyze last week’s vote to repeal key parts of the 2010 health law and strip federal funding from Planned Parenthood.
Dramatic Drug Cost Hikes To Be Subject Of Wednesday Senate Hearing
Meanwhile, The New York Times takes a look at Martin Shkreli, the pharmaceutical company official who has become the poster boy of drug company greed.
Congress Has Until Friday To Pass Year-End Spending Bill
Policy riders threaten to be a flashpoint as lawmakers work to reach a spending deal in order to avert a government shutdown.
Viewpoints: Ryan’s Idealistic Strategy; Obamacare Repeal; An Abortion Doctor’s Fears
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Hep C And Prisoners; Generic Drugs; Bundled Payments
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health care developments in Illinois, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Puerto Rico and New York.
Companies Appeal Judge’s Finding That Iowa Dismiss One Of Four Medicaid Contracts
Also in Iowa, three large hospital systems sign contracts to participate in the state’s new Medicaid managed care programs. Meanwhile, in other related news, a former Kansas Medicaid director offers ideas about how the programs in other states could be streamlined, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has finalized a rule regarding funding to help states upgrade technology for their Medicaid enrollment systems.
Calif. Attorney General Approves Transfer Of 6 Nonprofit Hospitals
The transfer involves the Daughters of Charity Health System and the BlueMountain Capital Management, a New York-based hedge fund.
IBM’s Supercomputer Watson Helps Doctors Analyze Health Care Data
In other medical practice news, some plastic surgeons are doing more psychiatric screenings as concerns over patient mental health grows.
Virginia Hospitals’ Reversal On Bed Tax Could Give Governor Path To Medicaid Expansion
The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association previously resisted paying a tax on how many beds they have — also known as a provider assessment. But the money generated from it, combined with a federal match, could help fund Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s plan to expand Medicaid. Elsewhere, other Medicaid developments are reported from Utah, Indiana and Kentucky.
In Speech Defining His Views, Ryan Challenges GOP But Reasserts Plans To Repeal Health Law
The new House speaker unveils his plans for a “pro-growth” agenda that includes a vow to offer a substitute next year to the 2010 health law.
Republican Senators Resist Democrats’ Push To Add Gun-Control Amendments To Health Law Repeal
Amendments were offered by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., one day after the deadly shooting in San Bernardino, Calif.
As Part Of Broader Repeal Effort Senate Votes To Strike The ‘Cadillac Tax’
In debate on the bill to repeal the health law, senators voted 90-10 to approve an amendment that would also repeal a future tax on high-cost health insurance plans.
Senate OKs Bill To Undo Key Health Law Provisions, Gut Planned Parenthood Funding
Though congressional Republicans have voted on similar legislation a multitude of times, this measure is likely to be the first one to make it to President Barack Obama’s desk, where it would certainly be met with a veto pen.
At a special meeting, 99 percent of Anthem shareholders approved a move to issue shares to carry out the $54 billion acquisition of Cigna.
Viewpoints: GOP’s ‘Doomed Quest’ On Health Law; Insurers And Drug Prices; HIV Therapy
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Bacteria On The Brain; Abortion Rhetoric; Texting Therapists
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
News outlets report on health care developments in California, New Mexico, Georgia, Colorado, Minnesota, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C.
Protests, Hate Mail And Stalkings Are Part Of Daily Life For Abortion Providers
ProPublica talks with an author who interviewed 87 clinic owners, doctors and employees about their experiences. In related news, following the shooting at a Colorado Planned Parenthood, regional reproductive rights groups are asking the state legislature to classify attacks on abortion facilities as domestic terrorism.
