Trending News Today: CMS Adopts More Restrictive Opioid Prescribing Laws

The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have adopted more stringent prescribing laws that limit the amount of potentially addictive medications, such as opioids, that are prescribed to patients insured through Medicaid. Physician critics argue that the implementation of these laws could potentially prevent patients from receiving proper medical care for chronic pain, according to Kaiser Health News. Under the more restrictive laws, patients may need to prove that they are experiencing chronic pain for their treatment to be covered, or they may have to try other treatments prior to being prescribed opioids.

Students from California State University, Northridge have started offering free exercise programs to residents of low-income areas near the school. The individuals who participate in the programs are typically Latino, did not previously exercise regularly, and have chronic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, Kaiser Health News reported. This program allows individuals of all ages to meet exercise recommendations without having to enroll in expensive membership programs.

Congress may choose to repeal the Affordable Care Act before there is a concrete plan for a replacement, The Washington Post reported. While repealing the health law would be easy due to Republican control of both the Senate and House of Representatives, replacing the law would require participation by Democrats in the Senate, which may prove difficult. Repealing the law first may allow legislators to put differences aside and focus on creating a more beneficial healthcare law, according to the report.