Latest KFF Health News Stories
Shortfall Estimate For UAW Retiree Health Care Fund Increases By $16 Billion
The fund, which pays health care costs for more than 700,000 United Auto Workers retirees, has been adjusted because of changes in accounting assumptions and new projections of how long members will live.
Hospitals Take New Look At Becoming Insurers
The interest within the hospital industry is fueled in part by the insurance sector’s consolidation trend and desire to keep more consumer dollars in house, notes Reuters. Meanwhile, Reuters also reports on the role the American College of Physicians sees for retail clinics within the health system.
Experts Offer Consumers Tips For Getting A Better Deal On Prescription Drugs As Costs Spiral
Two news outlets report on ways that consumers can check to make sure they are getting the best deal for their money on drug costs. Also, some drug makers are concerned about increasing pressure by doctors and hospitals to tie drug prices to effectiveness.
Medicare Part D Buyers Beware: Insurers’ 2016 Changes Could Hit Your Wallet
As insurance providers implement cost-cutting measures, experts advise consumers to not just re-enroll in their Part D prescription drug plan without shopping around during open enrollment. In related news, The Fiscal Times explores why Medicare costs can vary so widely across the country. And Reuters reports on a lawsuit filed by 250 hospitals against the U.S. government over Medicare reimbursement rates.
Utah’s Medicaid Expansion Plan Fails In Key Vote Among GOP Legislators
In a closed-door meeting, only seven GOP legislators said they favored the plan, which appears to have killed any action on the expansion for this year.
McConnell Likely To Seek Entitlement Changes In Return For Budget Deal
CNN reports that, according to sources, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., will seek major revisions to Social Security and Medicare in return for legislation to raise the debt ceiling and keep the government open. In other news, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, is pushing for a bill designed to lower drug costs.
Bush Steps Up ‘Obamacare’ Attacks, Offers 10-Page Replacement Plan
Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush filled in some of the details regarding how he would repeal and replace the 2010 health law.
Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Face Off In First Debate; Health Policies Drew Little Attention
Candidates briefly touched on issues such as the high costs of prescription drugs, but little mention was given to the 2010 health law.
First Edition: October 14, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Biking Behind Bars: Female Inmates Battle Weight Gain
Women in prison often eat to relieve stress or boredom. The resulting weight gain can make other physical and emotional problems worse. In one prison, spinning helps keep the pounds and rage at bay.
Viewpoints: Concerns About Bush’s Obamacare Replacement; Bring Health Issues To The Debate
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Connecticut, Missouri, Indiana, New York, Kansas, Maryland, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin and California.
N.D.’s New Medicaid Management Information System Goes Live
The multimillion-dollar IT system began operating Monday after a two-month transition from North Datkota’s 35-year-old system. Now questions are emerging as to how much better it will be. News outlets also report on Medicaid developments in Texas and North Carolina.
Nursing Homes Become New Focus In Efforts To Curb Antibiotic Overuse
Health officials and executives, whose attention in recent years has been on antibiotic use in hospitals, will expand that focus to nursing homes. But addressing antibiotic overuse in these facilities will be a significant challenge. In other public health news, The Washington Post reports on what makes the best ambulances.
On Capitol Hill, Uneasy Republicans Weigh Leadership Choices
The New York Times reports that some members of the right wing of the Republican Party are wringing their hands over whether Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., is conservative enough to be the new speaker of the House. For his part, Ryan is still publicly saying he is not interested in the job.
Democratic Presidential Hopefuls To Take Debate Stage In Candidate Forum
Health policies are among the issues likely to come up during this first contest, which is being held in Las Vegas. One such topic — the cost of prescription drugs — will likely be discussed by candidates and is examined by Reuters.
Time For Tips On Saving Money As Open Enrollment Begins Oct. 15
CBS News offers tips for comparison shopping for Medicare coverage. And Kiplinger’s Personal Finance reminds all consumers not to ignore dental coverage options when choosing plans during employers’ open enrollment periods.
Utah’s Medicaid Expansion Plan To Face Critical Closed-Door Vote
Gov. Gary Herbert maintains optimism that the vote by state House Republicans won’t end Utah’s expansion efforts, but some in the GOP caucus aim to pull the plug on the initiative.
The Shuttering Of Health Republic Sends Ripples Through New York’s Insurance Industry
Health Republic was New York’s only nonprofit insurance cooperative and the largest one established by the 2010 health law. Its demise leaves 215,000 people in need of a health plan. Meanwhile, another co-op, this one in Ohio, will be under “enhanced oversight” after reporting a loss of more than $9 million during the first six months of the year.
Healthcare.gov Revamped To Make Shopping For Insurance Easier
In other health law news, a new state-by-state analysis finds that nearly half of the 32.3 million uninsured Americans are likely eligible for subsidized coverage. They’re disproportionately young, poor adults, with 40 percent residing in California, Texas, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania.