Health Headlines for Wednesday, June 21
After weeks of secrecy, U.S. Senate to unveil healthcare bill
Reuters
U.S. Senate Republicans plan to unveil the text of their draft healthcare bill on Thursday as senators struggle over issues such as the future of the Medicaid program for the poor and bringing down insurance costs.
With Health Law in Flux, Insurers Scramble to Meet Filing Deadline
New York Times
Health insurers are scrambling to decide whether to stay or go by Wednesday’s deadline to file plans for the federal marketplace. Several major companies have already left some states, while others are threatening to leave.
G.O.P. Rift Over Medicaid and Opioids Imperils Senate Health Bill
New York Times
A growing rift among Senate Republicans over federal spending on Medicaid and the opioid epidemic is imperiling legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act that Senate leaders are trying to put to a vote by the end of next week.
Republican Medicaid Cuts Would Hit States Battling Opioid Epidemic
NBC New York
The Republican drive to roll back Barack Obama’s health care law is on a collision course with a national opioid epidemic that’s not letting up.
Draft Order on Drug Prices Proposes Easing Regulations
New York Times
In the early days of his administration, President Trump did not hesitate to bash the drug industry.
In just one year, nearly 1.3 million Americans needed hospital care for opioid-related issues
Washington Post
The coast-to-coast opioid epidemic is swamping hospitals, with government data published Tuesday showing 1.27 million emergency room visits or inpatient stays for opioid-related issues in a single year.
Screen kids and teens for obesity, U.S. experts say
Reuters
Children and teens should be screened for obesity at doctors’ offices starting at age 6 and advised to attend intensive weight management programs if needed, according to a U.S.-government backed panel.
Many Americans taking too much vitamin D
Reuters
Nearly one in five U.S. adults are taking supplemental vitamin D, and a growing number are taking excessively high doses linked to an increased risk of fractures, falls, kidney stones and certain cancers, a new study suggests.