Latest KFF Health News Stories
Obama Signs Sweeping Spending Package
The funding bill highlights a lesson health law opponents have learned: that delays and suspensions work better than a frontal attack on the Affordable Care Act. But President Barack Obama is eyeing coverage expansion in the new year.
Democratic Candidates Delve Into Health Care At Debate
At Saturday night’s event, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders sparred over the health law, premiums, a single-payer system and painkiller addiction.
Potential Battles Loom Over Arkansas Medicaid Expansion Plans
Although Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s proposal hasn’t faced vocal opposition yet, that doesn’t mean the path is clear to impose new restrictions on the Medicaid expansion program known as the private option. And pressure is building in Republican states to expand Medicaid.
After Last-Minute Extension, Federal Exchange Enrollment Hits Nearly 6 Million
The administration says about 2.4 million of those are new customers who signed up in time to get coverage starting Jan. 1. Enrollment numbers from states running their own marketplaces are still to come.
First Edition: December 21, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Politics Of Delaying Health Law Tax Provisions; No Miracle Cure For Health Costs
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health care developments in Missouri, Florida, Connecticut, Kansas, Georgia, Arkansas, California, New York, Michigan and New Jersey.
Bankrupt Mich. Hospital’s Future Remains Uncertain, As Creditors Fail To Reach Consensus On Plan
Meanwhile, Florida’s Supreme Court has been asked to take up a dispute over whether a hospital can challenge plans for a new medical center.
When It Comes To Health Care, Helicopter Parenting May Undermine Kids’ Doctor Visits
In other news, a Seattle woman is pushing the Food and Drug Administration to approve a drug — the decision is expected Christmas Eve — to treat a fatal and rare muscle disorder from which her son suffers.
VA Approves Robotic Legs For Veterans
Veterans have been petitioning the VA to do this because many cannot afford the $77,000 needed to pay for the device called the ReWalk. The decision gave a large boost to the company’s shares in its biggest single-day jump since its debut.
Medicare Advantage Plans Overcharged By Millions With Diminished Chance Of Getting Caught
The Center for Public Integrity reports that CMS officials perform only 30 in-depth financial audits to recover overpayments each year, when they have the capacity for 80. Meanwhile, news outlets report on other Medicare developments such as the impact of the budget deal on the program, the continued high out-of-pocket costs for oral cancer medications and 21st Century Oncology Holdings’ $19.75 million settlement of a billing probe.
Virginia Governor Tries Again For Medicaid Expansion In Budget
The budget would authorize a tax on revenues from most hospitals in the state to raise money to match federal dollars under expansion and create a $195-million health care reserve from the portion of funds representing the state’s share of the expanded program’s cost.
Despite Gains, Texas Lags Behind Nation In Health Coverage
A new study finds that 760,000 Texans enrolled for insurance under the Obamacare exchange this year, which is 63 percent of the total who signed up last year. Meanwhile in D.C., “Star Wars” moviegoers will be targeted this weekend by representatives urging them to register for coverage.
Iowa’s Medicaid Privatization To Be Delayed At Least 60 Days
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees state programs, deemed Iowa “not yet ready” in a letter to the state on Dec. 17. The postponement, announced Thursday, will affect 560,000 poor or disabled Iowans who receive health care under the $4 billion program.
Montana Contracts With Blue Cross For $16M To Administer State’s Medicaid Expansion
Blue Cross will develop a provider network, a customer center and information technology services to administer the expanded low-income health program. In related insurance news, Independence Blue Cross CEO Daniel Hilferty will also take on board chairman duties for Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association of America.
GlaxoSmithKline To Buy HIV Drugs Pipeline From Bristol-Myers Squibb
In other pharmaceutical news, generic drug maker Endo Health reaches a $39-million fluoride settlement over alleged mislabeling; a report finds the cost of Medicaid-generic drugs have risen faster than inflation; and researchers’ financial ties to the industry are explored.
Kaiser Permanente: New Medical School Is ‘Natural Evolution’ For The HMO
Kaiser Permanente says it will base physician training on “strategic pillars,” including providing care beyond traditional medical settings, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork and addressing health disparities. No specific site has been selected.
Turing’s Bad-Boy Boss Martin Shkreli Faces Fraud Charges
The drug company CEO, who has drawn criticism for dramatic price increases for some life-saving drugs, was arrested Thursday. Though Shkreli has become the face of pharmaceutical company greed, his arrest is not likely to make concerns about drug costs disappear.
Why Is The ‘Cadillac Tax’ So Hated?
Congress’ spending package would delay it for two years, and opponents are hoping the move signals a permanent end to the much-reviled tax.
House Sends Tax Bill To Senate On 318-109 Vote
By locking in tax cuts now with the measure, Republicans will need to eliminate fewer tax breaks in the future to get an overhaul bill that is certified as revenue-neutral by congressional scorekeepers.
