Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Law Tax On Insurers Being Passed On To State Taxpayers
The Associated Press reports on how insurers are not only passing that levy onto customers but also onto states through costs associated with the Medicaid managed care plans. In addition, Reuters details a recent decision by a U.S. district court judge on retiree health plans that is being viewed as a victory for employers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
KHN Video: Filling In The Gaps
This video features specially trained paramedic Ryan Ramsdell, who is part of an ambitious plan in Reno, Nevada, to overhaul the 911 system to improve patient care and cut costs.
Paramedics Steer Non-Emergency Patients Away From ERs
In Reno and around the country, community paramedics are providing more care themselves and taking non- emergency patients to facilities other than emergency rooms.
NYC Respite Centers Help Keep Mentally Ill Out Of Hospitals
A quiet seven-bedroom facility is one of four publicly funded mental health centers in New York City that provide an alternative to hospital stays for people on the verge of a mental health crisis.
Viewpoints: Gov. Scott’s ‘Irrational’ Moves; Obamacare Success Ignored; Abortion Extremes
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Medicaid Doctor Pay; Malpractice Settlements; Nursing Home Quality
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets examine health care issues in Massachusetts, Washington, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, California, Louisiana, Connecticut, Texas, New York, Indiana and Maryland.
State legislatures and governors around the country — including in California, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, Wisconsin — are in the throes of their annual budget battles.
Calif. Bill To Tighten Vaccine Rules Sails Through State Senate
The bill, propelled by the recent measles outbreak at Disneyland, would eliminate “personal belief exemptions” from the state’s requirement that children be vaccinated.
Little Progress In Curbing Two Foodborne Bugs That Cause The Most Illness
As health officials continue to try to bring down disease rates caused by such pathogens, several companies are working to help U.S. food makers navigate new federal safety regulations and increased enforcement of food laws.
Flurry Of Bills Target Ongoing Troubles At VA
From taking back bonuses to enacting collective bargaining rights, The Washington Post rounds up changes lawmakers propose for the Department of Veterans Affairs. And The Associated Press reports on the debate over the Denver VA hospital construction project that has run out of money.
Soon-To-Be Released Medicaid Managed Care Regs Likely To Be ‘Epic’
Stakeholders are watching carefully for the regulations, the first such rules issued by the federal government in more than a decade, because states have increasingly been moving toward this managed care model for the federal-state low-income health insurance program.
A National Network Of Seniors Help Identify And Combat Medicare Fraud
Volunteers with the Senior Medicare Patrol aim to “protect, detect and report” fraud schemes by educating fellow Medicare beneficiaries on the risks and red flags.
Settlement Talks Held By Actavis, Justice Department In Warner Chilcott Investigation
In news from another Justice Department probe, PharMerica agreed to pay $31.5 million over charges that it dispensed drugs without a prescription and submitted false Medicare claims.
Nursing Homes In 11 States Get Lowest Quality Ratings
A new study from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows nursing homes in those states score only a 1 or 2 on a scale of 5. (Kaiser Health News is an editorially independent program of the foundation.)
GOP Senator Readies Obamacare Replacement
Sen. Bill Cassidy’s bill would let states opt out of the health law’s mandates and instead offer tax credits for health savings accounts as part of the GOP response to a looming Supreme Court decision on subsidies. Elsewhere, a key Republican says he doesn’t favor an extension of health law subsidies if the justices strikes some of them down. And, a Senate subcommittee investigates the subsidies for payment improprieties.
Does Obamacare Help Hospitals?
News outlets examine recent reports, including one from the American College of Emergency Physicians, to see if the health law is fulfilling its promise.
With Medicaid Impasse, Fla. Governor Orders State Agencies To Prepare For July 1 Shutdown
The state’s lawmakers have been unable to strike a budget because of concerns about federal funding of hospitals and Medicaid expansion. In Alaska, a House committee throws water on the governor’s plan to expand the health care program for low-income residents, Utah officials are working to try to find a compromise on the issue and Georgia is exploring some options.
Less Advertising, Outreach As Covered California Eyes Self-Sufficiency
The state exchange, run with federal dollars for now, released its 2015-2016 budget proposal. Elsewhere, in Hawaii, officials plan to use federal technology to run the insurance exchange there. And Iowa and Colorado exchanges are also in the news.