Health Law

Twenty minutes before the only scheduled 2018 California’s gubernatorial debate, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled into the San Francisco parking garage in a black SUV. Through the tinted windows, a soft overhead light slightly illuminated the front-runner’s chiseled features and slicked-back hair. In a well-tailored blue suit and matching tie, Newsom strode to the elevator and casually leaned his tall frame against the corner, emerging on KQED radio’s third floor to banter with waiting reporters — the picture of a polished and confident front-runner. Then, in gravelly tones, Newsom squared off with his Republican opponent John Cox, letting loose his inner wonk, delving into the weeds on all manner of issues in the Golden State. “If you’re looking for timidity, I’m not your person,” he said when asked about his temperament. But not once did the Democratic candidate mention one of the most controversial pillars of his campaign: single-payer … [Read more...] about Gavin Newsom Is Bullish On Single-Payer — Except When He’s Not

With the midterm election two weeks away, the dialysis industry has made Proposition 8 the most expensive on the California ballot this year. By Election Day on Nov. 6, the industry may also break the record for spending by one side on any statewide ballot measure. As of Oct. 17, dialysis companies had contributed more than $104 million to the “Vote No on 8” committee, which is encouraging voters to reject the union-backed measure to limit dialysis company profits. Industry giants DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care, which operate nearly three-quarters of the chronic dialysis clinics in California, are responsible for more than 90 percent of that total. The $104 million figure comes to about $1,500 for each of the roughly 66,000 dialysis patients in California who the industry warns could be harmed by the measure. The Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, which represents more than 95,000 health care workers in California and sponsored the … [Read more...] about Spending Against Dialysis Ballot Measure In California Nears Record

Tuesday, Oct 23 2018 UPDATED 9:02 AM full issue The administration is proposing regulations to expand so-called "health reimbursement arrangements," which are employer-funded, tax-advantaged accounts that employees can use to cover health costs. Critics say the move could allow employers to devise strategies for shifting workers with high health care costs off their corporate plans. The Associated Press: Trump Administration Unveils Health Options For Small Firms The Hill: Trump Administration Plans To Revamp Employer-Based Health Care CQ: Trump To Expand Employers' Tax-Favored Health Plan This is part of the KHN Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription. … [Read more...] about Trump Plan Targets Restrictions On Health Reimbursement Options For Small-Business Employers

Tuesday, Oct 23 2018 UPDATED 9:02 AM full issue The report that the Trump administration would define gender at birth has rankled scientists who study sex, gender identity and gender expression. The Associated Press: Science Says: Sex And Gender Aren't The Same Stat: Scientists See A Problem With Trump Plan On Defining Sex: Biology  The New York Times: Anatomy Does Not Determine Gender, Experts Say This is part of the KHN Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription. … [Read more...] about Defining A Person’s Sex At Birth And Making It Unchangeable Would Be ‘An Insult To Science,’ Biologists Say

Tuesday, Oct 23 2018 UPDATED 9:02 AM full issue The measures are being watched closely as a method to expanding Medicaid in states with resistant legislatures. Ballot initiatives “are so powerful because they strip away from the partisanship and the tribalism that dominates so much of our politics,” said Jonathan Schliefer, executive director of The Fairness Project. “When it comes to health care, the biggest gap isn’t between Republicans and Democrats. It’s between politicians and everyone else." Meanwhile, The Washington Post fact checks campaign ads that claim Republicans will get rid of Medicare. Bloomberg: In States That Didn’t Expand Medicaid, Voters Might Do It Anyway Roll Call: November Elections Bring High Stakes For Medicaid The Washington Post Fact Checker: Are Republicans Seeking To ‘Get Rid Of Medicare, Medicaid And Social Security’? And news on the election comes out of Iowa, … [Read more...] about After Years Of Political Bickering Over Medicaid Expansion, Choice Will Go Directly To Voters In Four Red States