Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Law Overview: At The State Level, Divided Gov’t Still Appears To Function
Some states have had more success striking compromises that expand health insurance coverage.
More Numbers Expected This Week On October Health Law Enrollment
In related news, The New York Times reports that state and federal exchanges are using “happy talk” to market the new health coverage options available through the online insurance marketplaces, but they rarely mention the penalty. Other news outlets report on developments from Maryland, Oregon and Colorado.
In States Not Expanding Medicaid, Hospitals Face A Squeeze As Federal Funds Dry Up
The New York Times examines the dilemma for some safety-net hospitals that will not see a drop in the uninsured but will lose federal money that used to help pay for those patients. Meanwhile on another issue affecting the health law, a federal appeals court blocked the administration’s effort to require employers to provide contraception coverage.
Issa Issues Another Subpoena — His Target: Top White House Tech Officer
So far, the White House has resisted congressional Republican efforts to speak with chief technology officer Todd Park about the roll-out of healthcare.gov.
Administration’s Mental Health Parity Rule Is Part Of Effort To Curb Gun Violence
The long-awaited final regulation will guarantee most insurance coverage offers access to mental health services on par with physical health coverage.
FDA Proposes Change In Generic Drug Makers’ Labels
The change would allow generic manufacturers to put new safety information on the labels without having to get FDA permission.
The health law, and the problems in getting it off the ground, are stirring strong feelings.
Proposals Likely This Week To Respond To Health Law Policy Cancellations
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., is among those who are expected to advance legislation. Her measure would extend the open enrollment period by at least two months.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: November 11, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how Republicans are positioning themselves to capitalize on the health law’s implementation difficulties in the upcoming election season.
FAQ: How The Health Law Impacts Federal Employees’ Health Benefits
Congressional staffers are among those most likely to experience changes in their coverage options as a result of the Affordable Care Act.
GOP Seeking To Rebound On The Issue Of The Health Law
Republican leaders believe the problems with the rollout of the law’s website and the concerns about policy cancellations gives them an opportunity to get beyond complaints about the government shutdown.
How Much Is That X-Ray? Still Hard To Say, Even In Massachusetts
A new state law requires price transparency, but it is still a days-long quest for one reporter to find out how much a simple back X-ray costs.
Detailing Long-Awaited Mental Health Parity Law Regulations
The Obama administration released the final rules Friday for 1996 and 2008 laws that expanded the kinds of mental health and substance abuse care insurers must cover. KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and CQ HealthBeat’s Rebecca Adams discuss.
Parity Rule Boosts Insurance Coverage For Mental Health Care
The regulation, five years in the making, means insurers won’t be able to charge higher co-payments or deductibles for mental health services than they charge for treating physical ailments. Here’s a sampling of this afternoon’s news coverage of the final rule.
Conn. Governor To Feds: Get Your Act Together On Healthcare.gov
Gov. Dannel Malloy said the rollout of Obamacare in Connecticut has been a success — but it would be a bigger success if the federal health marketplace weren’t doing so badly. “I hope that the federal folks get their act together in the remainder of the month, because I’m tired of sharing their bad news […]
Obama Apologizes For His ‘You Can Keep It’ Promise
President Barack Obama issued the apology in an interview with NBC News that aired Thursday evening. He also said his administration was working on a fix for the problem.
10 GOP Senators Want Sebelius To Be Fired; Some Dems Press For Individual Mandate Delay
Health law politics are triggering a new wave of political posturing among lawmakers who are attempting to position themselves for the upcoming election season.
People With Canceled Policies Could Dampen Financial Risks Of Exchanges
People who had their insurance policies canceled could improve the financial risks for the health law’s online marketplace risk pool, a fact often ignored by those hammering the law. In the meantime, the uninsured and young aren’t flocking to the marketplaces yet, and a health policy expert says one fix could help improve marketplace enrollment.
Long-Awaited Rules Requiring Parity In Mental Health Coverage To Be Unveiled Today
The New York Times reports on the release of the mental health parity regulations.