The Ethical Roundabout

Healthcare News and Ethical Issues for May 5-May 16th

Federal:
Whitehouse: A new Executive Order has been issued with the aim of delivering "most favored nation" prescription drug pricing to American patients. This order directs federal agencies to take steps to ensure that prices paid for certain prescription drugs under Medicare are no higher than the lowest price paid for those drugs in other economically comparable countries. The administration asserts that this policy will lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries, bringing U.S. drug prices more in line with international standards.

KFF: The US House Energy and Commerce Committee released its portion of the 2025 budget bill related to the Medicaid program. Subtitle D of the reconciliation bill proposed Medicaid provisions that outline potential changes to the financing, eligibility, and administration of the federal-state healthcare program for low-income individuals. The provisions of the current draft suggest potential impacts on state budgets, healthcare coverage for millions of Americans, and the overall structure of the Medicaid system.

State:

NBC Lexington: Overriding the Governor’s veto, the Kentucky legislature enacted a bill related to maternal health and birthing centers. House Bill 90, the Kentucky Maternal Care Access Act, aims to enhance access to maternal care services across the Commonwealth, particularly in underserved areas. The Act introduces several provisions, including the creation of a maternal care advisory committee, the establishment of a grant program to support maternal care providers and initiatives, and measures to increase the availability of doula services.

The Denver Post: The Governor of Colorado has signed into law two healthcare bills, one that mandates a study on the feasibility of universal healthcare and another that addresses emergency abortion access. Senate Bill 45 initiates an in-depth analysis of implementing a universal healthcare system in Colorado. The study will examine the feasibility, costs, benefits, and potential challenges associated with different universal healthcare approaches to inform future policy decisions regarding healthcare access and affordability in the state. Senate Bill 130 mandates that hospitals licensed in the state must provide emergency abortion services to patients facing life-threatening conditions or other emergent medical situations.

The Gazette: An Iowa bill aimed at helping rural healthcare is headed for Governor Reynolds' signature. House File 972 seeks to address the challenges facing healthcare access and delivery in rural parts of the state. The bill is anticipated to introduce measures to support and strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure and services.

NM Office of Governor: New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham signed into law landmark behavioral health bills. Senate Bill 1 establishes a state-managed fund to finance behavioral health programs within the state, primarily focused on substance use intervention and treatment and mental health crisis management. Senate Bill 3 creates a state executive committee to administer state efforts to make Medicaid behavioral health providers more efficient and oversee the state’s investment in behavioral health reform.

City Journal: A proposed medical aid in dying bill is under consideration by the New York Senate Health Committee. Assembly Bill A136 would permit terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live to request and self-administer lethal medication prescribed by a physician. The debate surrounding the bill involves arguments about individual autonomy and the right to make end-of-life decisions versus concerns regarding the sanctity of life and potential for coercion or abuse. Supporters emphasize the desire of some individuals to have control over the timing and manner of their death, while opponents voice ethical and practical reservations about the role of physicians in ending a patient's life and the safeguards necessary to protect vulnerable individuals.

Des Moines Register: Lawmakers in Iowa have passed a bill that will require thousands of Iowans on Medicaid to meet certain work requirements to maintain their healthcare coverage. Senate File 65 will mandate that non-exempt adult Medicaid recipients must engage in a specified number of work or work-related activities to remain eligible for benefits. The Governor’s expected approval of the bill would result in significant changes to the state's Medicaid program, potentially leading to a loss of coverage for individuals who do not comply with the new requirements.

Glances Abroad:

Notes from Poland: Polish President Andrzej Duda vetoed the government's proposed reduction in health contributions paid by business owners. This action blocks the government's plan to lower the financial obligations of entrepreneurs towards the national healthcare system. The President cited concerns that the reduced contributions would negatively impact the funding and stability of Poland's healthcare services, potentially leading to a deterioration in the quality and accessibility of care for citizens.

rfi: French lawmakers in the National Assembly have revived debate on a proposed end-of-life bill. The proposed legislation, initially proposed in 2024, seeks to legalize medically assisted dying under strict conditions for individuals facing incurable and progressive illnesses causing unbearable suffering.

JURISTnews: The Scottish Parliament has voted to advance a historic Assisted Dying Bill for consideration. This bill proposes to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults who have the capacity to make such a decision. The advancement to the next stage of the parliamentary process signals a significant step towards potential legal reform in Scotland regarding end-of-life care options. Members of the Parliament will now further scrutinize the details of the bill, including safeguards and eligibility criteria, before a final vote.

All Africa: In Kenya, Parliament is reviewing a proposed bill that has highlighted significant challenges in the country's healthcare system, particularly concerning the shortage and uneven distribution of healthcare workers. The bill aims to address the lack of healthcare access, patients’ rights, and medical provider regulations. The bill calls for urgent government intervention to address recruitment, training, and deployment strategies to ensure a more balanced and sufficient healthcare workforce nationwide.