Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Covered California ‘On Track’ To Launch Enrollment Oct. 1
The California state agency implementing the health law said computer tests indicate the website will be ready to go on the launch date. Also in the news, organizations and businesses dig into efforts to promote enrollment in the overhaul’s new online insurance marketplaces, but political battles continue to surround the “navigator” program.
New Medicaid Enrollees Under Health Law More Likely To Be Younger, Healthier
States expanding Medicaid under Obamacare are likely to see more people who are healthier, thinner, white and male, according to a study in the Annals of Family Medicine. Another Health Affairs study finds the expansion could pay for health care for the chronically homeless, thereby saving money for states and local governments.
New Types Of Choices, Expertise Add Value To Idea Of ‘Aging In Place’
The New York Times reports on this trend in geriatric care.
Health Exchanges Will Help Some Retirees Bridge The Medicare Gap
The New York Times reports on how the health law may assist some retired people who do not yet qualify for Medicare obtain affordable health insurance. In addition, Kaiser Health News details how the health law does and does not intersect with Medicare.
House To Consider Measure To Hold Obamacare Exchange Subsidies Until Applicants’ Income Is Verified
In other news on Capitol Hill: Sen. McConnell’s close ties to Humana are examined, the Senate eyes legislation giving the Food and Drug Administration greater oversight of compounding pharmacies, and Republican lawmakers are questioning Obamacare’s hiring practices.
The Health Law Could Add An Extra Pinch At Tax Time For Some Consumers
The Wall Street Journal reports that some people who receive government help to buy coverage could find they owe Uncle Sam money at tax time. Meanwhile, a new online poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos examines the question of whether young, unisured people will buy into the health law’s new insurance offerings.
GOP Readies Plan To Fund Gov’t, Force Dems To Vote On Defunding Obamacare
House Republicans are planning to help pass a stopgap measure funding the federal government, but they also plan to force Democrats in the Senate to vote on defunding the health law in the process.
A selection of health policy stories from Texas and California.