Latest KFF Health News Stories
AMA: Insurers Reduce Payment Errors
At its annual meeting in Chicago, the American Medical Association issued a report card for insurers, giving the industry high marks for cutting in half the number of medical claims that were incorrectly paid.
Supreme Court Rules Drug Firms Don’t Have To Pay Overtime To Sales Reps
The 5-4 opinion by Justice Samuel Alito says the sales representatives are not subject to the overtime pay provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Lobbying Sinks Efforts To Impose Restrictions On Painkillers
Pharmacists and drugstores appear to have undone an effort to impose more strict controls on certain drugs. Meanwhile, Accretive Health, the Chicago-based hospital-billing company which is under fire, is fighting back.
State Roundup: Retiree Health Costs Soar; Calif.’s Duplicate Surgical Payments
A selection of news articles about state health policy issues.
States Brace For SCOTUS: Calif. Exchange Marches On, Texas Mulls Next Steps
In California, the state health insurance exchange is starting its work no matter the outcome of the Supreme Court decision while Texas officials consider their post-decision steps.
Iowa GOP Wants To Stop Public Money For Abortion In Cases Of Rape Or Incest
In Iowa, Republicans filed a motion aiming to eliminate public money for abortions in case of rape or incest. In the meantime, 14 Pennsylvania abortion clinics have been licensed under a new abortion clinic oversight law.
The Los Angeles Times reports on the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act and how this federal statute requires hospitals to provide medical care to uninsured patients — regardless of their ability to pay.
A selection of editorials and opinions about health care policy from around the country.
Anti-Health Law Spending Far Outpaces Positive Ad Buys
The Los Angeles Times finds that opponents of the law have spent $250 million on advertising campaigns while supports have spent $76 million.
Kansas Move To Medicaid Managed Care Draws Advice, Skeptics
Kansas officials readying a move to managed care in their Medicaid program are getting an earful from a host of sources, including other state leaders who have instituted managed care.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including more analysis and speculation about the political implications of the Supreme Court’s much-anticipated health law decision.
Workplace Clinics Are Expanding Focus Beyond Injuries, Preventive Care
Some big employers are beefing up their clinic offerings with a host of new services, including physical therapy, dental and vision exams, mental health counseling and even acupuncture and massage.
GOP Promises Smaller-Scale Health Care Agenda If Court Strikes Down Law
If the court kills part or all of the health law, Republicans will likely wait until after the elections to roll out detailed proposals.
College Health Plans: Exploring The Options
College students and their families will have better health insurance options in the upcoming school year, but costs will be higher.
College Students Bridge Chasm Between Medical Care And Poverty
The volunteers, part of a program called Health Leads, help low-income families connect with social service groups providing food, clothes, housing and other services so that children can overcome some of the obstacles contributing to health problems.
Today’s Headlines – June 18, 2012
Good Monday morning! Here are your headlines: The Associated Press/Washington Post: Republicans Have No Plans To Seek Quick Replacement Of Health Care Law After Court Ruling Congressional Republicans intend to seek quick repeal of any parts of the health care law that survive a widely anticipated Supreme Court ruling, but don’t plan to push replacement […]
High Court Uncertainty Raises Stakes In Health Law Guessing Game
News outlets offer scene setters exploring the dynamics at play at the high court and the importance of the pending ruling on the constitutionality of the health law. They also look at how the decision will impact different parts of the health care sector, ranging from safety-net providers and investors to patient safety advocates and employers.
Party Leaders Stake Out Positions For The Health Law’s Future
If the measure survives the Supreme Court review, GOP leaders say they will seek quick repeal — but not until after the fall elections. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., says the overhaul is constitutionally “ironclad.”
Key Health Law Official Leaving Post For UnitedHealth VP Job
Steve Larsen, director of the federal Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, is leaving his post to join UnitedHealth as an executive vice president, sparking speculation on the move.
Health Care Spending Slowdown May Not Last As Economy Heats Back Up
The Associated Press reports that, although health care spending may have slowed, the trend may not last long. In the meantime, The Arizona Republic reports on a website that allows consumers to shop for discounted medical services.