Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Law Coverage Bringing Changes To An Array Of Consumers
News outlets explore some of these issues, including new costs for people with “Cadillac” coverage, “narrow networks” of doctors and other health providers, new options for part-time workers and unexpected effects on smokers. In the meantime, exchanges are bracing for a busy December, and Covered California launches a hotline to help people having sign-up problems.
Anthem Blue Cross Exposes 24,500 Doctors’ Social Security, Tax Numbers
Data breaches in Vermont and in Oregon’s health insurance exchanges also make news.
Chances For Small-Bore Budget Deal Said To Improve
Despite a polarized Congress, The Associated Press reports that the prospects for a modest, end-of-year budget deal are looking up. Neither party would achieve its biggest priority with such an agreement, however.
Medicaid Expansion: Florida Stalls; Ohio Lawsuits; Kansas Hospitals Weigh In
States dominated by Republican governors and legislatures continue to wrestle with decisions about expanding Medicaid to poor people who don’t currently qualify.
Miami-Area Seniors Get ‘White-Glove’ Treatment From Private Plans
The Miami Herald reports that seniors in South Florida have benefited from the highly lucrative and super competitive world of privately managed Medicare Advantage plans.
Administration: Healthcare.gov On Target To Work For Most By Nov. 30
Administration officials and consumer advocates say that the enrollment website serving residents of 36 states is becoming easier for people to use, but insurers warn that flaws continue to hinder health plans.
After Son’s Death, Virginia Official Vows To Help Change State’s Mental Health System
Former gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds, who was stabbed repeatedly by his son before the young man took his own life, says, “I am alive for a reason, and I will work for change.”
A selection of editorials and opinions from news organizations around the country.
First Edition: November 26, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including examinations of health law impacts on insurers’ networks of doctors, appeals to mothers to convince their children to enroll and a new press strategy by the administration.
In Miami, Medicare Comes With White-Glove Treatment
More than half of all eligible seniors in Miami-Dade and Broward counties enroll in private managed care, rather than traditional Medicare, in a highly-lucrative and super-competitive marketplace for Medicare Advantage plans.
In California, Some Happy About Canceled Insurance Policies
After initial outrage over insurance cancellation notices, some people are finding better coverage and good deals on the marketplace.
In Wonky Version Of American Idol, Georgetown Researchers Vie For Grants Before Local Donors
To become a judge, individuals donate at least $1,000 and then hear presentations about a handful of proposals before voting on a winner.
Health Law May Offer Part-Time Workers Better Options
Many of these workers are not offered coverage through work and if they are it might be very limited.
‘Narrow Networks’ Trigger Push-Back From State Officials
Criticism of limited provider networks is emerging in at least a half a dozen states as consumers realize that their Affordable Care Act insurance may not include the physicians or hospitals they’ve been seeing.
Websites Step Up To Fill Federal Void
Several sites are helping consumers compare policies and figure out whether they are eligible for federal subsidies.
Healthcare.gov Progress Reports And Post-Mortems
A KHN report looks forward about what is next in the queue in efforts to fix the website — including possible fixes that would allow insurers and web-based brokers to enroll customers directly into subsidized coverage. Meanwhile, other news outlets analyze the factors that contributed to the balky rollout. Still, Obama administration officials stay positive.
Administration Moves Health Plan Sign-Ups To Mid-November In 2015
On Friday, the Obama administration announced that starting next year, it will push back the start of the sign-up period for those buying insurance until mid-November, rather than mid-October. Republicans called the shift a blatantly political move. The White House also pushed back this year’s deadline — to Dec. 23 from Dec. 15 — for coverage that takes effect Jan. 1.
Enforcement Of Health Law Mandate A ‘Crucial Test’ For IRS
The Washington Post reports that enforcing the requirement that almost all Americans have health insurance represents the biggest boost in the agency’s responsibilities in decades. A USA Today story looks at how the analysis of large data sets, such as medication usage or hospital readmissions, is being driven by industry trends as well as the health law, and is enabling providers and policymakers to make smarter decisions.
Medicare Reverses Course And Opts Not To Revamp Dialysis Payments
Federal officials announce that they will reduce what the program pays by less than 1 percent over the next two years.
Commentators look at the rollout of the health law and the implications for the nation and individual states.