Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Law Critics Raise Privacy Concerns About Navigator Program
Some state attorneys general say the plans for hiring and training navigators don’t have enough consumer safeguards.
News outlets examine how the Medicaid expansion and other health law changes might reshape the program in various locations across the country.
Obama Scolds GOP For Efforts To ‘Gum Up’ The Health Law
In his Saturday address, the president says if Republicans continue to work to undermine the overhaul, they will be doing a disservice to their constituents. But Republican Rep. Capito warns health law is not working and calls for an implementation delay.
First Edition: August 19, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how public perceptions and political opposition continue to swirl around the health law’s implementation.
Amid Health Law Expansion, Some States Trim Medicaid Rolls
Maine, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and Vermont are tightening eligibility requirements to shift some residents receiving Medicaid benefits into the online insurance marketplaces created by the health law.
HHS Awards Grants To Aid In Health Law Navigation
The grants are part of the health law’s outreach and assistance efforts — both of which are viewed as being among the linchpins to the law’s success.
Planned Parenthood Among Groups Tapped To Receive Health Law Grants
Three state-based Planned Parenthood groups were awarded funds to help educate consumers about the insurance options available from the overhaul’s online insurance marketplaces. Other news outlets highlight various other organizations that received funding to be ‘navigators.’
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Capitol Hill Health Plan Fix Could Include Abortion Coverage
Access to abortion coverage is not offered to other federal employees who get health insurance through the government’s plan. In other congressional news, more analysis of the possible budget battles that could occur over a threatened government shutdown and funds to implement the health law.
Sebelius On Making The Health Law Work
Key to achieving that goal, she said during an interview with USA Today, are navigators who will help educate the public about the health law’s options.
State Highlights: Pushback By Penn State Employees; Medi-Cal Cuts Loom
A selection of health policy stories from California, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
A California Audit Finds Oversight Lacking In Regard To Mental Health Spending
News outlets report the review concluded that the state has failed to properly monitor programs funded by the Mental Health Services Act.
Research Roundup: Doctors Aren’t Paid To Talk; Savings From High-Deductible Plans
This week’s studies come from the Journal of the American Medical Association, JAMA Internal Medicine, the Employee Benefit Research Institute, the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, The Rand Corporation and media outlets.
First Edition: August 16, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the $67 million in grants awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services to help groups assist consumers in navigating the health law.
Moving People Home After Nursing Home Stay Is Complicated
A program aimed at getting people out of nursing homes and back in their own homes is off to a slow start. Organizers say it’s a challenge to find out which services each person needs, from meals delivered to a whole new apartment.
Feds Award $67 Million In Grants To Help Consumers Navigate The Health Law
More than 100 organizations receive money to help consumers sign up for coverage in online marketplaces in 34 states.
HHS Watchdog Says Rural Hospital Program Needs A Trim
The federal government’s program to help rural hospitals has grown bloated and unwieldy, according to a report released Thursday by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. The program costs the government and Medicare beneficiaries up to a billion dollars a year more than the original parameters of the […]
As The Health Law Reshapes The Marketplace, Concerns Emerge
Narrow networks and other efforts to control steps are gaining media attention.
States Continue To Wrestle With Health Law Implementation Issues
Even as a Arkansas effort by a private group to block the health law appears to be falling short, states like Missouri continue to contemplate expanding Medicaid, and, in California, the health exchange experiences growing pains.
Analysis: Physicians Worried About Lawsuits Tend To Order Extra Diagnostic Tests
Reuters reports on a new study.