Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Donald Trump Takes Positions On Medicaid Expansion, Birth Control And Abortion
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said that as president he would use Medicaid to cover poor people who can鈥檛 afford private health insurance, and make birth control available without a prescription. The comments appeared to differ both with what some Republicans have proposed in the past, and -- in the case of Medicaid -- aspects of Trump鈥檚 own policy proposals on his website. Republicans generally opposed the expansion of Medicaid to higher income levels under Obamacare, for example. (Cortez and Tracer, 9/15)
Donald Trump says he believes women should be able to obtain birth control without a prescription. Speaking on an episode of "The Dr. Oz Show" airing Thursday, the Republican nominee suggested that, for many women, obtaining a prescription can be challenging. "I would say it should not be prescription," he told the audience, adding that many women "just aren't in a position to go get a prescription." (Colvin and Sharp, 9/15)
The head of a major anti-abortion rights group is coming on board as chairwoman of Donald Trump鈥檚 pro-life coalition. Marjorie Dannenfelser, the president of the Susan B. Anthony List, is assuming that position on Trump鈥檚 behalf, her organization plans to announce Friday. Co-chairs are slated to be rolled out later this month. (Glueck, 9/16)
On Friday Trump reinforced his commitment to three anti-abortion platforms and announced he would also back making the Hyde Amendment permanent law... The Hyde Amendment withholds certain federal funds from being used for abortion. There are exceptions to protect the life of the woman or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. (Collins, 9/16)
Hillary Clinton returned to campaigning without offering apologies for keeping her pneumonia a secret, focusing on criticizing opponent Donald Trump instead of how she handled her health problem and the three-day rest ordered by her doctor. (Pace and Lerer, 9/16)
In this year鈥檚 presidential campaign, health care has taken a back seat. But one issue appears to be breaking through: the rising cost of prescription drugs.The blockbuster drugs to treat hepatitis C as well as dramatic price increases on older drugs, most recently the EpiPen allergy treatment, have combined to put the issue back on the front burner. ... Here are five reasons why this issue is back 鈥斅燼nd why it is so difficult to solve. (Rovner, 9/16)
