Latest KFF Health News Stories
McConnell Confronts A Restive GOP Caucus
Angst among lawmakers is taking the form of amendments to repeal the health law or defund Planned Parenthood, but they don’t always fit in with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plans for broader legislation.
Recent Insurer Mergers Trigger Capitol Hill Concerns About Reduced Competition
The House Judiciary Committee is planning two hearings in September to discuss these worries. Meanwhile, another House panel contemplates an overhaul of how Medicare pays hospitals for short-term stays. And a Kansas congressman throws his support behind the so-called “health care compact.”
Teva Agrees To Allergan Purchase; Price Tag Set At $40B
The Israeli company will acquire Allergan’s generic drug business and, if approved, the deal will place Teva among the largest drug companies in the world.
Just-Approved Cholesterol Drug Could Offer Millions A Pricey New Medication Option
The drug, Praluent, has demonstrated the power to drive down levels of LDL cholesterol to numbers almost never seen in adults. Its cost is $14,600 a year.
Covered California Sets 4% Hike For 2016 Premiums
News outlets report that the increase in health care premium costs for Obamacare plans will be felt the most by residents of the Bay Area and other northern parts of the state. Other states will experience rate boosts between 10 percent and 40 percent.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Views On The 50th Anniversary Of Medicare And Medicaid
News outlets note the 50th birthday of both Medicare and Medicaid by exploring its current financial health and what the future could hold for the programs.
Health care stories are reported from Florida, Virginia, Kansas, Illinois, California, Oregon, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Texas and Washington.
Likely Dismissal In Calif. Aid-In-Dying Lawsuit A Setback For Right-To-Die Advocates
San Diego Superior Court Judge Gregory Pollack said the issues were beyond his role as a judge to decide and that he will dismiss the case. A formal ruling is expected Monday. The plaintiffs say they will appeal.
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.
