Latest KFF Health News Stories
13 States Cut Medicaid To Balance Budgets
Provider cuts may limit care for poor people and make it harder to expand the program in 2014.
GAO: Proposed Rule May Leave Some Children Ineligible For Subsidies
While most uninsured children will qualify for coverage under the federal health law, a small percentage — 6.6 percent of the total, or at least 460,000 — may be shut out because of how the government proposes to define “affordable” coverage, says a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The proposed Treasury Department rule […]
To help balance their budgets, 13 states are cutting Medicaid either by lowering fees paid to medical providers, reducing benefits, or tightening eligibility for the health insurance program for the poor and disabled. Most changes went into effect July 1, though some take effect later this year and some are pending federal approval. Kaiser Health News surveyed the 50 state Medicaid programs:
CBO Reports On Impact Of Medicaid Ruling
In a separate report, CBO said the House GOP bill to repeal the health law would increase the federal deficit. Julie Appleby has the details on both reports.
Minnesota Wants Outside Audit Of Medicaid HMOs
Minnesota Public Radio’s Elizabeth Stawicki reports that the move follows months of controversy over whether the state’s contracts have been too generous.
When Going Back To The Hospital Is Good News
No one wants to be readmitted to a hospital, but it does beat one alternative: death. As Medicare prepares to start punishing hospitals with higher than expected readmission rates, new government data show that some hospitals with high readmissions are actually doing a better job than most in keeping Medicare patients alive. Beth Israel Deaconess […]
Today’s Headlines – July 24, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including news from the campaign season as well as reports from the international AIDS conference currently taking place in Washington, D.C. The Wall Street Journal: Deloitte: One In 10 U.S. Employers To Drop Health Coverage Around one in 10 employers in the U.S. plans to drop […]
Conference Marked By Talk Of ‘Cure,’ Commitment To Greater Investment In Research
The U.S. pledged an additional $150 million for the global AIDS fight, in what Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said was a step designed to move closer to “an AIDS-free generation.”
McDonnell Wants Better Answers To Medicaid Exchange Questions
Also in the news, the Boston Globe examines the possible impact of the Supreme Court’s health law decision on state-federal relations.
A selection of editorials and op-eds from around the country that focus on the campaign to eradicate HIV.
Study: One In 10 Employers Will Drop Health Coverage In The Next Few Years
The report by the consulting company Deloitte, which is to be released Tuesday, predicts the decline in work-based plans as much of the health law kicks in. Meanwhile, two Massachusetts insurers see opportunities to expand their out-of-state business.
State Roundup: Minn. Seeks Its Own Indepedent Medicaid Audit
A selection of health policy stories from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri and California.
VA Disability Claims Continue To Pour In
Despite efforts by the Obama administration to direct additional resources to help meet the disability benefits and treatment needs of veterans, the problems continue to grow.
Burgess To Offer Legislation To Fund High-Risk Pools, Reinsurance Programs
Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, plans to offer the bill before the August recess. Meanwhile, after fighting back a tea-party primary challenge, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, hopes to emerge as a dealmaker on tax and budget issues.
Where Does Ryan Stand On Romney’s List?
NPR reports on the effect Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., could have if Mitt Romney chose him as a running mate. Ryan’s budget plan, which includes sweeping changes to Medicare, is one of the reasons why he may not be “the safest choice.”
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
States Wonder Just How Big An Impact Health Law Dollars Will Have
An analysis in Minnesota expects the state to receive only about $42 million in increased state revenue between fiscal years 2010 and 2015 from the health law. Meanwhile, budget cuts — even with the increase in coverage from the health law — have some Pennsylvanians worried that the mental health coverage gap could persist.
Ariz., Mo. Officials Grapple With How To Tackle Abortion Restrictions, Coverage
In Arizona, local officials are split on whether to enforce a new law restricting abortion, while Missouri lawmakers prepare for a veto override vote on allowing employers there to exclude abortion and contraception from health insurance they offer.
Moody’s: Nonprofit Hospitals Continue To Face Economic, Budget Challenges
According to Moody’s Investors Service, there were more downgrades than upgrades among nonprofit hospitals, an indicator driven by the slow economic recovery, growing stress on state budgets and the mounting federal deficit.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including news from the campaign season as well as reports from the international AIDS conference currently taking place in Washington, D.C.