Latest KFF Health News Stories
12 Million Gain Medicaid Coverage Under Health Law, Administration Says
The expansion of the health program for low-income residents has also helped the bottom line for a number of hospital companies, which are facing fewer uncompensated care charges. Other Medicaid news examines developments in Pennsylvania, Montana, Michigan and Arizona.
Nearly Half Of State-Run Health Exchanges Face Financial Woes
Almost half of the 17 state-run health insurance marketplaces are confronting serious financial difficulties. Some may even be misusing health law grants to keep the exchanges operating. Under Obamacare, states are supposed to be able to cover the cost of operation starting this year.
Paying Medicaid Enrollees To Get Checkups, Quit Smoking and Lose Weight: Will It Pay Off?
Like wellness programs in the private sector, more than a dozen states are offering incentives to Medicaid enrollees to spur them to make healthier decisions — and potentially save taxpayers money.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Rural Indiana Struggles With Drug-Fueled HIV Epidemic
In response to an HIV outbreak of historic proportions, Indiana’s legislature passed a bill permitting drug users in areas with disease outbreaks to trade used needles for clean ones. Sarah Varney reports for KHN and PBS NewsHour from Austin, Indiana.
Viewpoints: Faster Drug Approvals; Medical Privacy; Fla. Official’s Opposition To Medicaid Expansion
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Testing Before Eye Surgery; Health Law Coverage Gains; End-Of-Life Talks
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets cover health care issues in Massachusetts, Oregon, Florida, Connecticut, Texas, Minnesota, New York, Missouri, Iowa and Indiana.
Declining Birth Rates Pose Challenge For Social Security, Medicare
A writer looks at the implications of declining birth rates for costly programs geared to the elderly. Meanwhile, Steven Brill blames health care costs on high prices in an appearance in Detroit.
White House Rejects Plan To Revamp TRICARE Health System
In related news, Bloomberg offers a bleak status check on efforts to fix the Veterans Affairs’ health care system.
Gilead’s Costly Hep C Drugs Continue To Rack Up Profits
The medications brought in $4.5 billion in the first quarter, far exceeding Wall Street expectations. Insurer Cigna also reported better-than-expected profit growth while hospital operator HealthSouth saw profits fall and Assurant announced it would sell or close its health insurance division.
D.C. Abortion Rights Law Blocked By The House
Late Thursday night, the House approved — on a largely party-line vote — a Republican-backed measure that overturns a D.C. law prohibiting workplace discrimination based on reproductive health choices.
House Passes GOP Compromise Budget Blueprint; Takes Aim At Obamacare
In addition to paving the way for the Republican-controlled Congress to send a health law repeal measure to the president’s desk, the budget framework also includes $430 billion in cuts to Medicare as well as trims to Medicaid, food stamps and other safety net programs. The Senate is expected to consider the combined budget next week.
Republicans Mull Next Move If High Court Voids Subsidies
One option would continue federal exchange subsidies through the 2016 presidential election in exchange for concessions from the president to end the individual and employer insurance mandate. Meanwhile, the 2015 special enrollment period ends in most states today.
Fla. Lawmakers, Governor At Odds On How To Solve Budget Stalemate Over Medicaid Expansion
The Republican leader of the Senate has proposed a timetable for a special session to hammer out a deal, but it’s not yet clear if House leaders, who adamantly oppose expanding Medicaid, will agree.
Study Finds Hospitals In Medicaid Expansion States Are Better Off
Hospitals lose less money on charity care when the states have expanded the health coverage for low-income residents. Also, news outlets look at developments in the Medicaid debates in Kansas, Maine, Louisiana and Arkansas.
Medicare Releases Trove Of Data On Drug Spending, Doctor Prescribing
The release marks the most specific breakdown ever provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the prescription claims of Medicare beneficiaries.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Running Out Of Money Is More Than Just A Worry For Many Seniors, Study Finds
About 12 percent of people 85 and older who died had no assets left and 20 percent had only their homes, according to the research. But even people who die much younger can face similar financial problems.
Decoding Your Diagnosis: Psychiatrists Unveil Plain-English Guide For Patients
The American Psychiatric Association is releasing a new resource, Understanding Mental Disorders: Your Guide To DSM-5, to give patients and their families a better understanding of what these conditions involve and arm them with tools to advocate for their care.