Latest KFF Health News Stories
Officials Scramble To Make Sure Consumers Have Tools They Need To Pick The Right Health Insurance
With the health law’s open enrollment period just days away, plans are in place to make sure that healthcare.gov and the online marketplaces run by some states offer consumers comprehensive ways to compare health plans, check physician networks and estimate costs. Meanwhile, news outlets also report on local strategies to enroll people in new coverage and an insurer’s exit from the Wisconsin marketplace.
Paul Ryan Takes A Big Step Toward Becoming Speaker Of The House
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., is officially nominated by House Republicans to take over the chamber’s top job. A final vote is set for today.
House OKs Two-Year Budget Agreement; Senate Action Likely This Week
The agreement raises the federal government’s debt ceiling and averts both Medicare premium increases for some beneficiaries and hits to Social Security disability benefits, among other things.
First Edition: October 29, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
UnitedHealthcare Expands Effort To Rein In Rising Costs Of Cancer Treatment
As part of an effort to pinpoint what’s driving up health expenditures, the insurer is broadening a pilot program to include about 500 more oncologists, bringing the total to 650 physicians in seven states.
California and Federal Government Locked In Debate Over Billions In Medicaid Funding
Delays in reaching an agreement on $7.25 billion in Medicaid funding for reforms in California has public hospitals and other providers worried.
Viewpoints: Budget Deal Wins Applause For Averting Standoff, Small Gains On Entitlements
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in California, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Connecticut, New York, Florida, Oregon, Texas, Minnesota, and Illinois.
What’s Got Americans Worried? Drug Costs
A new poll says the public’s top health care concern is how much prescription drugs will cost them. The same poll found that most Americans believe the Food and Drug Administration should review drug ads before they air, and a watchdog panel says the cost of some cholesterol drugs limits their value.
Theranos Shipped Blood Testing Device Under Wrong Risk Classification, FDA Says
The Food and Drug Administration says the start-up company’s Capillary Tube Nanotainer (CTN) — a tiny vial used to collect blood — should carry a higher-risk classification that requires more oversight. In other marketplace news, Novartis’ profits take a hit from a government lawsuit settlement, and the health-sector stock slump hurts hedge-fund managers like Larry Robbins.
Anthem Reports Better-Than-Expected 3Q Earnings
The insurer attributes this increase in revenue and profits to the company’s enrollment in government plans, especially Medicaid.
Walgreens To Buy Rival Rite Aid For $9.4B, Will Create Drugstore Giant
The deal, which Walgreens expects to complete in the second half of 2016, will likely draw regulatory antitrust scrutiny.
Following Paul Ryan’s Policy Framework, Jeb Bush Outlines His Medicare Plan
Bush’s proposal moves Medicare toward privatization with premium support and health savings accounts. He also pledged to push for new plan options.
In-Network Access To Specialists Not Always Available On Some Obamacare Plans, Study Says
New research finds that 19 of the 135 federal marketplace plans available may not provide patients with reasonable access to medical specialists. The most common specialties missing were psychiatry, rheumatology and endocrinology.
As Enrollment Period Approaches, Consumers And Advocates Prepare
Several outlets offer tips for consumers who will be shopping on the health law’s insurance marketplaces. Others look at the efforts to get more people to enroll.
House Vote On Budget Package Expected Today
The measure, which will prevent the federal government from reaching its debt limit, has drawn anger and opposition from some lawmakers on the right.
Budget Deal Stops Medicare Premium Increases For Most Seniors
The measure also prevents a deep cut in Social Security disability benefits. However, some hospital Medicare payments will be reduced.
First Edition: October 28, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Enrollment Guide: A Few Tips To Help You Shop For A New Marketplace Plan
Federal officials are promising that new healthcare.gov features – some of which are still being tested – will make the process of choosing coverage easier.
Poll: Majority Of Americans Agree That The FDA Should Review Drug Ads Before They Air
Nearly eight in 10 say they have seen or heard these ads, and more than a quarter have discussed one of the drugs with a physician as a result.