Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Law Policy Issues Grab Headlines
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel draws parallels between policies included in the health law and some of those that have historically been advanced by conservatives. Meanwhile, other news outlets revisit central issues of the overhaul, including the individual mandate, the costs of coverage borne by businesses and accountable care organizations.
GOP Rank-And-File Push To Reopen Gov’t, Eye Medical Device Tax Repeal
Some Republicans are moving away from efforts to repeal the entire health law and are turning their focus instead to repealing the health law’s medical-device tax and reopening the federal government. In the meantime, Speaker John Boehner is telling members of his party that he will not allow the federal government to default on its debt — which was slated to be the next big fight on Capitol Hill.
Medicaid Expansion An Unsettled Issue For Some States
In Virginia, one member of the panel charged with exploring the idea of expanding the health insurance program for low-income people said any broadening of the program was unlikely to happen in the near future. In Mississippi, many low-income people will soon realize they won’t be eligible for Medicaid because the state opted against the expansion.
Congress, Their Staffs Face Scrutiny Around Exchange Plan Choice, Federal Gov’t Contribution
Some question if members of Congress and their staffs should continue getting a federal employer contribution toward the cost of buying insurance on the health law exchange. In the meantime, the Obama administration issues rules that would require members of Congress to buy the marketplace’s “gold” plans.
Shutdown To Stop Payments To D.C. Medicaid Providers
The District of Columbia’s payments to medical providers treating more than 200,000 poor people enrolled in Medicaid will stop until the federal shutdown ends, city officials said. In Virginia, GOP gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli called on Congress to reopen the federal government — and then cut off funding for the health law.
State Highlights: Calif. Gov. Signs Pharmacist Scope-Of-Practice Bill
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Delaware and California.
Commentators offer a variety of opinions on the government shutdown and the health law.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Roles Of Insurance Brokers, Navigators Explored
News outlets examine how brokers, navigators and other counselors are supposed to help consumers understand their coverage options through the online insurance marketplaces.
Consumers Share Tales Of Success, Frustration Buying Coverage
A couple of consumers vaulted into the headlines as the first to complete the sign-up process for health coverage through new online marketplaces. Other shoppers, including those who have coverage but who are looking for better, lower-cost options, tell their stories, too.
Longer Looks: Chinese Medicine; Revolutionary Doctors; Frozen Embryos
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, The Atlantic and Elle.
Research Roundup: Health Law’s Effects On Consumer Spending
This week’s studies come from the Rand Corp., the Journal of Health Management, Policy and Innovation, the Annals of Oncology, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Stroke, JAMA Surgery, JAMA Internal Medicine, The Heritage Foundation and news outlets.
5 Things To Remember About Shopping On The Health Insurance Marketplaces
Consumers should start now thinking about their options and should weigh the total costs, not just premiums, as well as the network of doctors and hospitals associated with each plan.
First Edition: October 4, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizatons, including continued status reports on state and federal health exchanges as well as the ongoing Capitol Hill budget drama.
Experts Suggest Software Problems, Not Just Demand, May Be Behind Marketplace Glitches
Insurance companies confirm a small number of successful signups through the federal website.
Insurance Brokers Look For Relevance As Health Exchanges Grow
Health Insurance brokers, once worried the health law would put them out of business, are now planning on flexing their expertise muscles to help guide people through the process of buying and getting the most out of their coverage.
A Former ‘Young Invincible’ Looks Forward to Health Insurance
Brad Stevens, 54, learned the hard way that being uninsured was risky as accidents and illness took a toll. Soon, he’ll qualify for California’s expanded Medicaid program.
What’s In A (Domain) Name? Lookalike Site In Wash. Raises Concerns
Washington Healthplanfinder is the name of the state’s online insurance exchange. But a private insurance agency is using the domain name “washingtonhealthplanfinder.org” to sign people up for policies. Confused? State officials want to make certain consumers won’t be. “We are aware of this site and … forwarded to our Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner […]
Day 2: Consumers Shopping For Insurance On Exchanges Continue To Confront Delays, Challenges
Interest and demand appeared to overload websites and clog phone lines. Federal officials, who were taking steps to build additional capacity into the system, said traffic to the website exceeded expectations.
States Seek Ways To Address Marketplace Trouble Spots; Also Report Progress
News outlets report on the fits and starts of state online health insurance marketplaces in Maryland, New York, Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, California and Colorado — just to name a few.