Latest KFF Health News Stories
Congress Weighing Changes To Medicare Reimbursements For Doctors
In other Medicare news, USA Today looks at the debate over whether the government should pay for Alzheimer’s PET scans.
Military officials may give these spouses health care, housing and other benefits by the end of the month, the Associated Press reports.
Today’s roundup features stories from The New York Times, USA Today, the Los Angeles Times and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Georgia Joins 7 States That Limit Abortion Coverage For State Employees
Meanwhile, The Texas Tribune explores the impact of the Texas Legislature’s 2011 decision to drastically cut family planning financing, and The Associated Press reports on a lawsuit by abortion rights groups to stop enforcement of an Oklahoma law that blocks access to the morning-after emergency contraception pill.
Brand-Name And Generic Drug Makers Take Fight To States
The battle concerns state laws that would require pharmacists to notify doctors and patients when they substitute generic versions of drugs derived from living organisms known as biologics.
Sebelius Open To ‘Uniquely Texan’ Approach To Covering Uninsured
In Texas, she says the Obama administration was flexible about how coverage might be expanded in that state, “but as far as I know, those conversations, at least with the state officials, are not taking place right now.”
Oregon Exchange Website Won’t Be Ready Oct. 1
Although Oregon’s marketplace will launch on time, people will have to go through certified agents rather than being able to register themselves online. News outlets also report on coverage concerns from autism advocates and marketplace developments in Idaho, Florida, Washington, California and Texas.
Research Roundup: Use Of High-Deductible Plans Limits E.R. Visits; Older Folks Not As Sick
This week’s selection of studies and briefs comes from Health Affairs, National Bureau of Economic Research, Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, Health Care Incentives Improvement Institute, The Heritage Foundation and Public Citizen.
Advocates Push For Renewal Of Federal Infant Screening Program
The bill would renew funding to state-run newborn screening programs, CQ HealthBeat reports.
‘Looming Questions’ Remain About Technology For Marketplaces
But HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner say the exchanges will be ready to operate on Oct. 1.
Insurance Agents Target Navigators; GOP Rep. McHenry Grilled At Town Hall
A selection of news about the health law from a variety of news outlets.
Mapping A Strategy To Reach Uninsured In King County, Wash.
Maps that show where the highest levels of uninsured live will help them target these areas for education and outreach in order to boost insurance coverage as required by the federal Affordable Care Act.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including Kathleen Sebelius’ outreach to Texans and a look at Americans’ comprehension of health insurance.
The Health Care Battle Over Navigators
After lobbying from insurance agents, states move to regulate a key to Obamacare’s insurance marketplaces.
Red State Idaho Embraces Obamacare Insurance Exchange — Reluctantly
Gov. “Butch” Otter and employer groups fought to keep control of their health insurance marketplace — the only GOP-controlled state to run a state-based exchange –
Sebelius: We’re Open to ‘Uniquely Texan’ Approach
The federal government is open to allowing Texas to expand Medicaid coverage under Obamacare in a way that is “uniquely Texan,” HHS Sec. Kathleen Sebelius said Thursday in Austin.
Fuzzy Math Behind Florida’s Health Insurance Projections, Group Says
After the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation released a chart and related information last week projecting that individual monthly health insurance premiums would rise 30 to 40 percent next year thanks to Obamacare, some critics cried “fuzzy math!” This week, the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, a left-leaning nonprofit research and education group, issued a […]
Anti-Obamacare Forces Ramp Up Campaign To Stop Implementation
This story comes from our partner ‘s Shots blog. With less than eight weeks to go before the official launch of the new health care marketplaces under the federal health law, backers of the law are ramping up to encourage people to sign up. But there’s another effort gearing up this month as well. Opponents […]
Govt. Will Continue To Pay For Capitol Hill Staffer Health Coverage, But Mostly In Exchanges
New details from the Obama administration clear a way for the government to continue to pay for the bulk of the costs associated with providing health coverage to Capitol Hill staffers, though most must buy coverage on Obamacare exchanges.
Sizing Up Health Law Politics And Policies
News outlets detail the political landscape surrounding the overhaul’s implementation and provide user’s guides to help consumers navigate changes. Coverage also highlights health law provisions that could impact coverage for small businesses and union members, and how the law is helping drive marketplace developments.