Latest Morning Briefing Stories
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.
California Joins States That Protect Patients Against Nasty Surprise Bills
A California law that takes effect July 1 prohibits out-of-network charges if you visit a medical facility that’s in your health plan’s network. New York and Florida also offer strong consumer protections.
Kaiser Permanente Cited — Again — For Mental Health Access Problems
California’s HMO watchdog agency says the HMO giant still is making mental health patients wait too long for treatment despite previous warnings and a large fine.
Safe Under The ACA, Patients With Preexisting Conditions Now Fear Bias
Thinking they were protected from insurance discrimination, many people got tested to see if they were likely to develop serious diseases. Legislation pushed by Republican leaders in Congress would leave them vulnerable.
Insect Venom Shortage Stings Allergy Sufferers This Summer
Allergists warn of scarce supplies of honeybee, wasp and other venom extracts used to prevent deadly reactions.
Drop In Sudden Cardiac Arrests Linked To Obamacare
A study published by the Journal of the American Heart Association showed that sudden cardiac arrests dropped by 17 percent in one Oregon county after people gained health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
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.
For Millennials, Both Good And Bad News In Senate’s GOP Health Bill
Provisions in the Senate’s “repeal and replace” bill could help some young adults by lowering the cost of premiums but could hurt others who gained insurance through a massive expansion to Medicaid.
Hospitals Ramp Up Hyperbaric Therapy For Diabetics, Despite Concerns
Medicare is trying to deter overuse of hyperbaric therapy, and some experts question its effectiveness for healing diabetic wounds, one of the treatment’s fastest-growing uses.
Postcard From Capitol Hill: Doubts, Dissent Over Health Bill Rescue July Fourth Holiday
Scenes from Capitol Hill Tuesday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s effort to pass a health care bill this week crumbled.
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.
House Seeks To Cap Malpractice Awards As Part Of Health Care Update
The bill would limit non-economic damages to $250,000, but it faces opposition from across the political spectrum.
CBO Deals Blow To Senate Health Bill With Estimate Of 22 Million More Uninsured
The much anticipated score by the nonpartisan agency could make it more difficult for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to round up the 50 votes he needs to pass his plan to replace Obamacare.
Senate And House Take Different Plans To Scrap Individual Mandate
The Republicans’ penalty would affect people buying insurance who had a lapse in coverage of more than 63 days over a year.
Patients With Mental Disorders Get Half Of All Opioid Prescriptions
A study finds that nearly 19 percent of people with mental illnesses use prescription drugs, while only 5 percent of other people do.
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.
‘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.
All Kids Should Be Screened for Obesity
An expert panel renews its guidelines that children and teens be screened for obesity at doctors’ offices and advised to receive treatment.
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.
Promises Made To Protect Preexisting Conditions Prove Hollow
Experts say the loopholes would allow states to bypass some protections for people with preexisting conditions.
