Latest KFF Health News Stories
Burwell Announces $133M In Funding For Substance Abuse Treatment
The announcement by Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell came during the National Governors Association meeting. Meanwhile, a pair of Washington Post articles detail how long waiting lists and political dust-ups make it difficult for addicts to get help.
No Signs That Political Flap From Planned Parenthood Videos Is Quieting
If anything, the opposite is taking place. Some GOP lawmakers are pushing congressional efforts to defund the organization and Republican presidential candidates are using the recent developments in their fundraising. But few governors appear to be calling for investigations and, on the Sunday talk show circuit, Planned Parenthood’s president took strong positions in defense of the group.
In Sunday Vote, Senate Rejects Health Law Repeal
The effort fell 49-43, exactly along party lines. The mostly symbolic vote represented the chamber’s first attempt to repeal the sweeping health care overhaul since the GOP took control in January.
S.C. Democrats Pledge To Renew Medicaid Expansion Efforts Next Year
Meanwhile, in Kansas, Gov. Sam Brownback says his state’s rural hospitals need innovation — rather than the health law’s Medicaid expansion — to fend off their financial problems.
High Costs, Low Enrollment Set Up Steep Challenges For State Health Exchanges
The Associated Press reports that these issues may lead more states to turn over operations to the federal government. Meanwhile, news outlets in California and Iowa report on additional exchange developments, such as new insurers poised to participate in the Obamacare exchanges and rising 2016 premium rates.
Allergan’s Exploration Of Company Split Could Mean Teva Acquires Generic Drug Unit
Allergan is reportedly contemplating splitting into two business — keeping its brand-name business but spinning off its generic-drug unit. Teva is involved in talks to acquire it.
Federal Regulators OK First Of New, Costly Class Of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
The drug, Praluent, which is likely to become a huge seller, could be the next flashpoint regarding rising pharmaceutical prices. Health plans also are expected to put rules in place to control which patients can use it.
Anthem-Cigna Deal Prompts Questions About Regulatory Scrutiny, Consumer Impact
News outlets detail various aspects of the billion-dollar agreement in which Anthem agrees to buy Cigna, including how this deal fits into the insurance sector’s merger trend, what role the health law played in this market behavior, what might be in store regarding regulatory scrutiny and how the agreement may affect consumers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Jeb Bush’s Confusing Statements On Medicare; The Clash Over Fetal Tissue
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Retail Clinics; Medicaid And Access To Doctors; Mental Health Coverage
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Health care stories are reported from California, Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Arizona, Georgia, Washington, Iowa, Colorado, Nebraska and Massachusetts.
Jeb Bush Defends Campaign Trail Comments On Medicare
At a Wednesday forum, the GOP presidential hopeful made statements about phasing out Medicare. On Thursday, he defended his comments, saying they were taken out of context and that a “grown-up” conversation is needed regarding Medicare and budget issues.
Congress May Act Soon To Shore Up VA Budget With $3B Injection, VA Secretary McDonald Says
The Department of Veteran Affairs’ $2.5 billion budget shortfall has raised the risk of some VA hospitals closing as well as employee furloughs. The beleaguered agency has also made little progress decreasing vets’ wait times for health care or in hiring for 41,500 open medical positions.
Activists increasingly believe the goal of cutting off federal support for the organization is now achievable. The related outrage has spread from the halls of Congress, where members are calling for investigations, to the campaign trail and to some state houses.
Many Taxpayers Overpaid Obamacare Penalty, Report Finds
CBS News reports that more than 300,000 Americans overpaid the IRS on the Individual Shared Responsibility Payment, according to a report by the National Taxpayer Advocate. Meanwhile, the Colorado nuns who have been challenging the Obama administration on the health law’s birth control mandate announced they will appeal the most recent ruling to the Supreme Court.
Cancer Drug Costs Skyrocket, Create Tension Between Doctors, Drug Makers
IMS Health, which tracks the market, estimates an increase in 2014 costs of about 10.3 percent. Meanwhile, some physicians are developing a database to score cancer medicines based on how they will work and how much they cost.
The Deal Is Done! Anthem To Buy Cigna In Latest Health Insurance Merger Deal
Anthem’s acquisition of Cigna will create the health insurance industry’s biggest company by enrollment and shrink the number of major players in the sector.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Contrasts In Medicaid Expansion Affect Public Hospitals’ Bottom Lines
Reuters compares how hospitals are faring in states that opted to expand the program for low-income residents with those in states that are resisting the option.
