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Latest Morning Briefing Stories

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ The GOP’s Health Reform Whiplash

KFF Health News Original

Rebecca Adams of CQ Roll Call, Anna Edney of Bloomberg News and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss the latest “will they or won’t they?” when it comes to Republicans and comprehensive health reform. Also, a wrap-up of the latest abortion fights in the states and on Capitol Hill. And, another court setback for the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act. Plus, Rovner interviews KHN’s Paula Andalo about the latest “Bill of the Month” feature.

Fixing Surprise Medical Bill Problem Shouldn’t Fall To Consumers, Panel Told

KFF Health News Original

Though a range of policy solutions have been discussed by Congress, the White House and other experts, a theme of a House subcommittee hearing Tuesday was that providers and insurers are key to correcting the issue.

Medicaid Expansion Boosts Hospital Bottom Lines — And Prices

KFF Health News Original

Colorado officials say hospitals are better off financially after the state expanded coverage to more low-income residents, but that hasn’t stopped them from shifting more costs to other insured patients.

Price Of A Brace Brings Soccer Player To His Knees

KFF Health News Original

After a sports injury, Esteban Serrano owed $829.41 for a knee brace purchased with insurance through his doctor’s office. The same kind of braces sell for less than $250 online, he says.

State Laws Ban Surprise Medical Bills. She Got One for $227K And Fought Back.

KFF Health News Original

No one told a Washington state woman she was racking up massive out-of-pocket charges during a month-long emergency stay in an Oregon hospital. For six months, she and her husband were haunted by looming debt — and bill collectors.

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ Surprise! Fixing Surprise Medical Bills Is Harder Than it Looks

KFF Health News Original

Joanne Kenen of Politico, Anna Edney of Bloomberg News and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss the efforts to curb “surprise” medical bills to patients who inadvertently get out-of-network care; a look at where the 2020 presidential candidates stand on health; and the Trump administration’s efforts to end HIV in the U.S. Also, Rovner interviews Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who is leaving his job in early April.

Health Plans For State Employees Use Medicare’s Hammer On Hospital Bills

KFF Health News Original

Some plans are experimenting with the idea of closely tying hospital reimbursement rates to what Medicare pays. The approach could be a game changer in their effort to control health costs.

How Much Difference Will Eli Lilly’s Half-Price Insulin Make?

KFF Health News Original

Eli Lilly released a half-price generic version of its own short-acting insulin. At $137.35 per vial, the generic insulin is priced at about the same level as Humalog was in 2012.

As Hospitals Post Price Lists, Consumers Are Asked To Check Up On Them

KFF Health News Original

Most hospitals appear to be complying with the federal rule to post their prices online. Yet there is little follow-up by the government or industry and debate continues about whether the price lists are creating more confusion than clarity among consumers.

Lawmakers United Against High Drug Prices Bare Partisan Teeth

KFF Health News Original

Clear differences of opinion emerged between Democrats and Republicans during a House Ways and Means subcommittee hearing about how to make prescription drugs more affordable in the Medicare program.

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ What’s Next For The FDA?

KFF Health News Original

Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Joanne Kenen of Politico and Kimberly Leonard of the Washington Examiner join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss the resignation of Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, the latest on federal and state efforts to shore up the Affordable Care Act; and how public health officials plan to persuade parents who are reluctant to vaccinate their kids. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health policy stories of the week.

Ciudades y condados seguirán importando medicamentos, a pesar de alertas de la FDA

KFF Health News Original

Varios estados, entre ellos Florida y Nueva York, dijeron que continuarán usando una compañía canadiense para ofrecer a sus empleados medicamentos recetados a bajo precio.