Latest KFF Health News Stories
A Road To Health? Rural Alaska Town Argues For Access
A road in King Cove, Alaska would give 1,000 residents better access to emergency health care, but it would slice through a wildlife refuge. The decision rests with new Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, who toured the town in late August.
Health Insurance Ads Range From Weighty To Whimsical
The federal health care law is taking on unique personalities in states that have opted to run their own health insurance marketplaces. Some states are cracking wise in ads about the exchanges, where people will be able to shop for insurance starting in October. Others are rolling out catchy jingles. Some are all business. Stephanie O’Neill […]
Pennsylvania Governor Weighing Medicaid Expansion If Tied To Changes
Corbett’s spokeswoman indicates he might support the health law’s expansion if he could make alterations to how the existing program works.
Rx For Docs: AMA Answers Obamacare Questions
As we get closer to 2014, consumers are being surrounded by news coverage, ads and opinions about the health law. And many of them are turning to their doctors for advice. The American Medical Association wants to help doctors with answers. Today, the AMA is launching a new website to help answer frequently asked questions that physicians might hear from […]
‘Peers’ Seen Easing Mental Health Worker Shortage
Peer programs such as Georgia’s “certified peer specialist” licenses could become especially important once the Affordable Care Act takes effect early next year.
Draft Report: Missourians Favor Medicaid Expansion
This story was produced in partnership with the JEFFERSON CITY, MO. — They traveled to six, far-flung Missouri cities. They held marathon public hearings. They got detailed state briefings. So what did the 52-member House Citizens and Legislators Working Group on Medicaid Eligibility and Reform conclude? That people want both Medicaid expansion and reform. A seven-page […]
Some House GOP Lawmakers Take Hard Line Position Against Health Law Funding In Debt Limit Debate
As Republican leaders unveiled a plan to avert a government shutdown, they faced the challenge of building support for the proposal within their own ranks because it does not defund the health law. Some within the caucus reacted with skepticism. But, if enough support can be shored up, a vote could be scheduled as early as Thursday.
Federal Officials, Contractors Give Health Exchange ‘Data Hub’ Thumbs Up
Several contractors gave positive reports about their readiness to launch the health law’s new online marketplaces Oct. 1 at a House hearing Tuesday, although one expert predicted a “rocky start,” and several Republicans said they were not reassured.
State Highlights: S.F. Suing Nevada Over ‘Dumped’ Patients
A selection of health policy stories from California, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Georgia and Oregon.
Big Changes For Addiction Treatment Predicted Under Obamacare
An estimated 40 million people could enter treatment because the health law recognizes drug addiction and alcoholism as chronic diseases that must be covered by insurance plans, according to the California Health Report. Other news outlets report that Tennessee officials blame Obamacare for the shutdown of a state program that covered 16,000 people but didn’t meet the law’s coverage requirements and also how scam artists are trying to cash in on people’s confusion over the law.
Some Big Insurers ‘MIA’ From State-Based Exchanges
CNN reports that health plans such as Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Cigna are practicing watchful waiting to see how the launch of these online marketplaces and the 2014 push to expand coverage rolls out. Meanwhile, California’s exchange will be ready, according to its executive director, and most uninsured Kentuckians will receive discounts, says the governor.
FDA Takes Steps To Restrict The Use Of Pain Meds
The Food and Drug Administration will require a class-wide label change for long-acting opioids aimed at limiting use of these drugs to patients with severe, refractory pain.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Parsing Obamacare’s Impact On Employment
A new survey shows that despite worries about the health care law, chief financial officers anticipate improved hiring conditions over the next year, according to CBS News. Other media outlets report on Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s challenge to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to visit Seaworld where he says employees’ part-time hours have been capped to avoid the requirement that they be offered health coverage.
First Edition: September 11, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that some House GOP lawmakers are taking a hard line against funding for the health law in the ongoing debate about raising the nation’s debt limit.
Rural Hospitals in Texas Wary of Proposed Medicare Cuts
A federal proposal to reduce the number of hospitals that carry the ‘critical access’ designation could cost 60 Texas hospitals that status, along with their enhanced Medicare reimbursements, potentially jeopardizing their survival.
Applying For Marketplace Coverage Will Also Determine Eligibility For Subsidies
Tax credits to help pay for premiums will be available to people earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $46,000 for an individual.
One Woman Living Beneath A Georgetown Bridge Finds Her Way Home
Pathways to Housing offers the homeless health care services in addition to housing
Nurse Practitioner’s Life Story Prepares Him To Work With Homeless
As a primary care clinician at a health care clinic in northeast D.C., Douglas Reed’s life growing up in the neighborhood near the clinic prepared him to care for the residents there — and the special needs they have.
Pathways To Housing: One Woman’s Story
Two years ago Pathways to Housing helped a homeless Alicia O. find an apartment and get regular medical care, the first steps on her way to changing her circumstances, and improving her life.