Latest KFF Health News Stories
What’s The Real Start Date For Health Exchanges? Oct. 1 Or Jan. 1?
The Washington Post asks this question, and offers Jan. 1 as the answer because it is the day the health law’s individual mandate takes effect and the policies purchased from the new online insurance marketplaces kick in. The Oct. 1 date is the “soft launch.” Meanwhile, progress reports from Colorado, Washington and California on the health exchanges.
Use Of Antipsychotics Down Among Nursing Home Residents
The Wall Street Journal reports on a two-year federal effort to reach targets of reduced anti-psychotic drug use.
The Impact of Physicians’ Retirement On Access To Health Care
Fox News reports that many doctors are approaching the retirement age just as more people will have health insurance as a result of the health law.
Michigan Lawmakers Set To Vote On Medicaid Expansion
The Michigan Senate is weighing whether to expand Medicaid eligibility to allow 470,000 residents to qualify for the program in a closely-watched vote that has divided conservative Republicans and centrist Republican Gov. Rick Snyder. Lawmakers are slated to vote on three separate proposals Tuesday.
Legislation Proposed To End Federal Funding For Lawmaker’s Health Insurance
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said she will introduce the bill when Congress returns from its five-week break in September. Veterans health care is also drawing attention on Capitol Hill.
Obama Administration Ties Health Law To Civil Rights
When President Barack Obama met with African-American religious leaders just before the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, he asked for their help in the final push to carry out the health law. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius also noted the connection between access to health care and other opportunities.
Viewpoints: Sen. Cruz’s Strategy And A Looming Deadline; Michigan Republicans Face Key Test
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Steep Court Costs For States Defending New Abortion Limits
States often find the cost of defending new abortion limits in court can run in the millions. In the meantime, Calif. lawmakers have passed a bill that would allow some nurses to perform certain abortions.
State Highlights: N.H. Pushes Back At Health Care Costs Ahead Of Obamacare
A selection of health policy stories from New Hampshire, Kansas and California.
Conservatives Increase Pressure On McConnell Over Health Law Funding
Groups launch radio ads and tour aimed at key Senate Republicans, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, in an effort to stop funding for the overhaul. Also, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., will speak at an anti-Obamacare Capitol Hill rally when Congress returns.
Missouri’s Poorest Residents Won’t Benefit From Obamacare
In a twist that wasn’t intended by the authors of the federal Affordable Care Act, most of Missouri’s poorest, working-age residents won’t be eligible for government help because state lawmakers opted against expanding Medicaid.
First Edition: August 27, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports regarding the gathering storm as the White House and GOP lawmakers continue to hold firm in their positions regarding the looming debt limit. President Barack Obama says he won’t negotiate while some Republicans are pushing for to defund, or at least delay, the health law’s implementation.
Consumer columnist answers questions about marketplace operations.
Washington State Launches Ad Blitz Promoting Health Exchange
With five weeks left until Washington state launches its online health-insurance exchange, many residents may have heard little about the program designed to offer coverage to the uninsured. That’s begun to change. The state began rolling out the first phase of its ad campaign last week to let the public know about the exchange, a central part of the […]
How Will Obamacare Affect Employee Health Coverage?
KHN’s Jay Hancock was on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal Monday morning taking questions about how the health law will affect employee health coverage offered by employers. Hancock reported recently that UPS has told employees it won’t cover their spouses if they can get coverage from their own employer. Read more: UPS Won’t Insure Spouses Of Some […]
Lobbying Efforts To Alter Obamacare Take On Urgency
Reuters reports how businesses, unions and advocacy groups continue to seek changes in the law, but lobbyists face uphill battles. Kaiser Health News reports on how bare-bones health plans are expected to survive the law, albeit in modified form, and also looks at the government’s efforts to inform seniors they shouldn’t seek coverage from new online insurance marketplaces.
States Scramble As Countdown Continues To The Launch Of Health Exchanges
The Washington Post reports that concerns are emerging that the tight deadline schedule has caused some states to take “shortcuts” regarding systems testing and contingency plans. But CNBC notes that the biggest threat to the success of these online insurance marketplaces may be consumers’ lack of awareness.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
VA Health System Scrutiny Draws Headlines
After a veteran commits suicide, his family takes on the challenge of improving the VA system.
A Fundraising Cause: Abortion Access
The Los Angeles Times reports on this trend.