Latest KFF Health News Stories
The IRS’ Role In The Health Law Comes Under Scrutiny
As Republicans raise new questions about the IRS’ responsibilities in implementing and enforcing the health law, KHN’S Mary Agnes Carey talks to Joanna Kerpen, a partner at the law firm McDermott Will & Emery, about the job ahead for the agency.
IRS Controversy Fuels Republican Health Law Opposition
Just as the House took its 37th vote to repeal the health law, largely along party lines, the Republicans held their first hearing on the IRS’s tax-exempt and government-entities division. Several media outlets report that Sarah Hall Ingram, who led the division when the questioned operations began, is now in charge of the branch overseeing implementation of parts of the health law.
Republicans Ask GAO To Probe Sebelius’ Fundraising
GOP lawmakers seek an investigation of the Health and Human Services secretary’s efforts to secure more funding for a private group that will help with the implementation of the health law. At the same time, an HHS spokesman offered more detail regarding whom she contacted.
CBO: Cadillac Tax’s Bark May Be Worse Than Its Bite
With fewer people than originally projected likely to be affected by the tax, the cost of the health law will go up due to lost tax revenue.
Updated Diagnostic Guidebook For Mental Disorders To Be Unveiled This Weekend
In advance of its release, the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has triggered debate and controversy surrounding the many changes included in this 947-page book.
Patient And Physician Prescribing Information A Powerful Aide In Drug Marketing
The New York Times reports on this marketing development.
Viewpoints: Health Law’s Effect On Patient Safety; Angelina Jolie’s Surgery Is The Ultimate ‘Choice’
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Some Hospitals Under The Microscope For Steep Pricing
The New York Times and Los Angeles Times report on specific hospitals that have been shown to be among the most expensive in the nation. Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare reports on interest from some senators in overhauling Medicare’s hospital payment system.
State Highlights: State Medicaid Investigators Get More Money To Investigate Fraud
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Kansas, Georgia, Wisconsin and California.
CMS Examines Interaction Between Medicaid And Health Insurance Exchanges
Also in the news, developments on Medicaid expansion from Arizona, Ohio and Iowa.
Liberty University’s Challenge To The Health Law Has A Day In Appellate Court
Mathew Staver, the university’s lawyer, told the judges Thursday in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that Liberty would face millions of dollars in penalties if it refuses to provide employee health insurance that violates its religious beliefs.
Conservative Lawmakers Seek To Capitalize On Link Between Current ‘Scandals’ And Health Law
Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., was among the members of Congress linking the IRS scandal to the repeal vote and even talk of impeachment.
Research Roundup: Surgical Residents Not Happy With New Schedules
This week’s studies come from JAMA Surgery, the American Journal of Public Health, Academic Emergency Medicine, The Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Management Associates.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the GOP vote to repeal the health law — for the 37th time — as well as how the current IRS scandal is being connected to the health law’s implementation.
My Insurer Says It Paid Too Much. Do I Have To Reimburse Them?
Michelle Andrews answers a reader question about having to repay an insurer that says it reimbursed too much after the patient received care from an out-of-network provider.
CDC Takes A Closer Look At Kids’ Mental Health
Somewhere between 13 and 20 percent of kids in the United States experience some sort of mental illness, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That adds up to millions of children suffering from disorders like ADHD, depression, autism and illicit drug use. The total annual cost of the […]
Cloning, Stem Cells Long Mired In Legislative Gridlock
This story comes from our partner ‘s Shots blog. The news that U.S. scientists have successfully cloned a human embryo seems almost certain to rekindle a political fight that has raged, on and off, since the announcement of the creation of Dolly the sheep in 1997. “The issue of legislation on human cloning is about to […]
Tavenner Becomes Agency’s First Confirmed Chief In 7 Years
In a 91-to-7 vote, the Senate approved President Barack Obama’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Marilyn Tavenner, who has been the agency’s acting administrator, was endorsed by Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va.
Repeal Votes Offer Important Campaign Trail Symbol For Some Republicans
Many GOP lawmakers see today’s scheduled vote to repeal the health law as important to their campaign trail messaging.
House GOP Lays Groundwork For Fall Budget Face-Off
Among the ideas being bandied about is delaying for at least two years the implementation of the health law’s insurance exchanges and Medicaid expansion, according to The Wall Street Journal.