Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘Creepy Uncle Sam’ Urges Young To Stay Away From Obamacare
A Virginia-based conservative group backed by the billionaire Koch brothers launched a campaign this week urging young people to “opt-out” of the law’s mandate that all Americans have health insurance. Their first online ads feature young people going for doctor appointments, only to have a “Creepy Uncle Sam” pop up, ready to look them over.
Research Roundup: ‘Cadillac’ Plan Taxes; Long-Term Care Services
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Commonwealth Fund, The Kaiser Family Foundation, The Urban Institute, the Connecticut Health Foundation and news outlets.
Home Depot Will Send Part-Timers To Health Insurance Exchanges
The giant home improvement chain said it will send almost 20,000 part-time employees to the health law’s online marketplaces for insurance. Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that small businesses are racing to renew their health policies before year’s end to avoid having to comply with the health law’s requirements, which take effect Jan. 1.
Longer Looks: Psychology Of Gun Control; Saying Goodbye; Questioning ADHD
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, The Atlantic and Salon.
Census: More Than 850,000 Texas Kids Lack Health Coverage
This story was produced in partnership with Texas continued to have the highest rate of people without health insurance in 2012 at 24.6 percent, or more than 6 million residents, according to the Current Population Survey estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau this week. Texas also has the largest number of children without health […]
First Edition: September 20, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest on the Capitol Hill hijinx surrounding efforts to defund the health law and avert a government shutdown.
In Most States, Policies Will be Sold Outside The Health Law Marketplace
Those plans must also provide the same “essential benefits” as the plans set up for the exchanges and have similar out-of-pocket standards.
Health Law Caught In The Middle Of Budget Fight
With implementation of major provisions of the law looming, Republicans see this fall’s budget showdown as their last chance to slow or stop the president’s signature legislation from taking effect. Mary Agnes Carey and Politico Pro’s Jennifer Haberkorn discuss.
FAQ: Obamacare And Coverage For Immigrants
The federal overhaul will help some immigrants who are not citizens gain insurance, but there are no provisions to help those who are in the country illegally.
Expect Snags As The Affordable Care Act Rolls Out
Even proponents of the federal health law have the same expectation: The rollout of the biggest new social program in nearly 50 years is not going to be pretty.
House To Vote Friday On Bill Tying Govt. Funding To Repeal Effort
News outlets report that the decision by the House GOP leadership to link the two efforts increases the likelihood of a government shutdown.
House GOP Lambasts Senate Republicans For Caving On Obamacare
The showdown over the health law that some expected would unify the party has turned into a war of words between House and Senate colleagues. Meanwhile, Politico reports that while most people are focused on the threat of a government shutdown, the bigger threat is a U.S. debt default.
State Highlights: Penn State Ends Health Plan Penalty
A selection of health policy stories from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Oregon and Texas.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Mental Health Questions Re-Emerge After Shooting Deaths In Washington
Mental health is again front and center in the gun control debate with some consensus on Capitol Hill that more resources are needed to treat the mentally ill. A new study also examines the relationship between gun ownership and mental illness in several countries.
Stateline examines concerns about what could go wrong and other news outlets look at enrollment, outreach and implementation efforts for the online marketplaces that will sell insurance policies.
Obama Focuses Attention On Fiscal Risks Involved In GOP Health Law Defunding Strategy
President Barack Obama issues tough talk about Capitol Hill during a speech to the Business Roundtable. Meanwhile, JP Morgan Chase & Co. backs away from a research note in which it predicted a delay was imminent in the launch of key provisions of the health law.
States Hammering Out Medicaid Decisions On Qualifications, Expansion
In news about state Medicaid expansions, a hospital association in Missouri explores the state’s place nationally and globally in caring for its poor. Elsewhere, Pennsylvania could require those out-of-work and on Medicaid to look for a job, and South Dakota mulls expanding the program.
House Conservatives Offer Obamacare Alternative
The legislation, advanced by the Republican Study Committee, would expand tax breaks for people who buy their own health insurance and increase funding for high-risk pools.
The clinic will offer a voluntary early retirement package to about 3,000 employees.