Latest KFF Health News Stories
Humana Exec Predicts Obamacare Open Enrollment Extension
Humana, one of nation’s largest health insurers, said Wednesday that it expects the Obama administration to extend open enrollment for its troubled online marketplaces beyond March 31. But a spokeswoman for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Julie Bataille, said, “Consumers still have ample time to enroll in the six-month open enrollment period.” Millions […]
Democrats’ Frustrations With Health Law Grow Amid Website Problems
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said at a Senate hearing Wednesday that officials were advised to keep healthcare.gov open while fixing problems and also fielded criticism of President Obama’s promise that if Americans like their old health plans they can keep it. KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and CQ HealthBeat’s Rebecca Adams discuss.
Popular Provision Of Obamacare Is Fueling Sticker Shock For Some Consumers
Barring insurers from rejecting people with medical problems or charging them more is the biggest of several factors affecting premiums.
Obama Resets The ‘Keep Your Insurance’ Pledge, Heads To Texas
President Barack Obama will be visiting an area — Dallas County — that has one of the highest concentrations of uninsured people in the nation. He is expected to urge Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a staunch opponent of the health law, to follow the lead of other Republican state executives and pursue the overhaul’s Medicaid expansion.
Sebelius Faces More Questions — This Time From A Senate Panel
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will face a new round of questioning as she appears before the Senate Finance Committee to face growing concern and criticism about healthcare.gov and about recent news surrounding health plan cancellations.
Officials Stepping Up Pressure On Insurers To Stop Cancellations, Or Explain Them
Insurance industry officials meet with White House officials, and California convinces one company to delay cancellations for three months.
What’s Behind The Medicaid Enrollment Jump?
Stateline examines the reasons why Medicaid enrollment is soaring in the 25 expansion states. Meanwhile, in Missouri, Gov. Jay Nixon may be attempting to resurrect his state’s conversation.
Study: Premiums In Red States After Health Law Rose More Than In Blue States
The Heritage Foundation reports that premiums for people who live in “red” states — those with more Republicans — are seeing their health coverage premiums rise more on average than those in “blue” states. In the meantime, an analysis shows how many people will be eligible for health law coverage subsidies in Georgia and Oregon.
Tavenner Tells Senate Panel To Expect 800K Enrollees By End Of Nov., Answers Security Questions
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn Tavenner said Tuesday that fixes have been made to the federal website to improve users’ experiences. She also answered questions about an exchange security breach that she said is fixed. In the meantime, the Obama administration faces growing skepticism from those in its own party on the rollout.
UnitedHealthcare CEO: Medicare Advantage Benefit Cuts Are ‘The New Frontier’
The Tampa Bay Times looks at cuts to the provider networks in Medicare Advantage plans marketed by AARP and whether they indicate more changes are coming for the popular insurance plans for seniors.
The Health Law’s Impact On Food Stamp Eligibility; Will Unions Get The Tax Relief They Are Seeking?
News outlets offer the latest news on a range of health law implementation issues.
‘War Room’ Notes Offer View Of Chaos That Surrounded Healthcare.gov Launch
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, released more than 100 pages of documents showing how the difficulties and glitches were chronicled.
Sens. Landrieu, Manchin Seek Support For Bills To Amend Health Law
The Democrats are offering legislation that would seek to stop the cancellations of individual market policies and delay fines set up by the health law for people who don’t secure coverage.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
HCA Profits Up, CVS Forecasts The Same On Filling More Prescriptions
HCA reports greater profits over higher admissions to their hospitals, while CVS Caremark forecasts higher profit on filling more prescriptions.
State Highlights: New Va. Governor-Elect Pledges To Expand Medicaid
A selection of health policy stories from Virginia, Wisconsin, Florida, California and Colorado.
Why New Medicaid Enrollment is Soaring
A Stateline survey indicates at least 1.5 million people have already signed up or have been pre-qualified for expanded Medicaid in the 19 states that have provided counts.
First Edition: November 6, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports detailing the contents of the health law’s “war room” notes as well as scene-setters for today’s Senate hearing testimony about healthcare.gov by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
Labor Unions May Get Health Law Tax Relief
Unions want their plans exempted from the reinsurance tax, but the Obama administration may not do so until 2015.
Obama Administration Hoping 800K Enroll By End Of November
About 800,000 people are expected to enroll in the new online health insurance marketplaces by the end of November, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn Tavenner said Tuesday at a congressional hearing. A CMS official said later that estimate includes people signing up for Medicaid as well as private insurance. In a testimony […]