Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Senate GOP Bill Aims To Add Psych Beds; Squeeze On Medicaid Signals Their Undoing
The Senate health care bill has a provision to increase hospital beds for psychiatric care, but overall cuts in Medicaid could lead to even fewer beds nationwide.
Obamacare Inspires Unlikely Political Action In California’s Red Region
In a county where cows outnumber people and most voters supported Donald Trump, a coalition of health clinics is driven to defend the health law.
Half The Time, Nursing Homes Scrutinized On Safety By Medicare Are Still Treacherous
Of the 528 nursing homes that graduated from special focus status before 2014 and are still operating, more than half — 52 percent — have harmed patients or operated in a way that put patients in serious jeopardy within the past three years, a KHN analysis finds.
The Call-In: Answers To Questions About Our Business-Driven Health System
On NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday, KHN’s Elisabeth Rosenthal answers questions about the high cost of U.S. health care, while NPR’s Gisele Grayson addresses how the Senate bill to replace the Affordable Care Act would change the system.
McConnell Has About $200B In ‘Candy’ To Make Deals On Obamacare Repeal
As many as a dozen GOP senators may oppose the Senate majority leader’s Obamacare repeal bill. But the dealmaking is just beginning.
Health Care Battle On Hill Has Veterans Defending Obamacare Benefits
It’s too early to know just how many veterans might lose coverage as a result of the Medicaid reductions wrapped into the Republicans’ repeal effort. But many already feel boxed in.
Calif. Officials Sound Alarm, Envisioning $114B Hit To Medi-Cal Under U.S. Senate Bill
“Nothing is safe — no population, no services,” the director of the nation’s largest Medicaid program said Wednesday. GOP leaders say they seek to cut costs and widen consumer choices.
Analysis: Mitch McConnell Plans To Hide Trumpcare’s Pain Until After Midterms
The Senate health bill to repeal Obamacare hews closely to the electoral calendar, delaying much of the pain until after Republicans face re-election in Congress, statehouses and the White House.
Take Our Quiz To Test Your Wits On Aging
As we get older, it helps to tickle the noggin with trivia. Here’s a pop quiz to see what you have learned as a regular reader of Kaiser Health News.
Texas Hospitals Fear Losing $6.2B Medicaid Deal
Texas is asking the Trump administration to renew a 2011 agreement set to expire in December that helps pay hospitals’ costs of caring for the state’s uninsured residents.
In The End, Even The Middle Class Would Feel GOP Squeeze On Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays for two-thirds of nursing home residents, but some recipients don’t even know they’re on it.
‘Coverage Gap’ For Poor May End, But Many Will Still Have Trouble Affording Plans
Although some people below the poverty level will now be able to qualify for premium subsidies, they may have trouble covering the out-of-pocket costs.
Deep Cuts To Medicaid Put Rural Hospitals In The Crosshairs
Since 2010, at least 79 rural hospitals have closed across the country, and nearly 700 more are at risk of closing. The Republican repeal of the health law could hasten their demise.
Poll: Most Americans Unaware GOP Plans Would Make Deep Funding Cuts To Medicaid
The survey also found public support for program changes that would place work requirements on beneficiaries and make drug testing a condition of enrollment.
Proyecto de salud del Senado cambiaría Medicaid y limitaría apoyo para las primas
Los republicanos en el Senado revelaron un proyecto de ley de salud que transformaría dramáticamente el programa Medicaid, que ayuda a 70 millones de personas de bajos ingresos a tener cobertura de salud.
Senate Health Bill Would Revamp Medicaid, Alter ACA Guarantees, Cut Premium Support
Despite promises to craft their own way to revamp the federal health law, the Senate Republican bill follows the House’s lead in many ways.
Senate Releases Health Care Legislation: Read The Bill
The public — and most senators — got their first look at the bill as it was released Thursday morning. Here’s a chance to read all 142-pages of it.
Ear To The Door: 5 Things Being Weighed In Secret Health Bill Also Weigh It Down
No one knows what the final Senate bill will look like — not even those writing it. But here are some safe, educated guesses.
Seesawing Family Income Threatens Kids’ Medicaid Coverage In Texas
Critics point to the state’s aggressive eligibility checks as an example of what can go wrong when states have flexibility and add a reason to worry about GOP efforts to overhaul the program.
People In Recovery Worry GOP Medicaid Cuts Would Put Treatment Out Of Reach
In Pennsylvania alone, 124,000 people received drug or alcohol addiction treatment through Medicaid. Republicans in Congress want to cut Medicaid by as much as $800 billion over the next decade, leaving people in recovery wondering what will happen to their treatment.
