Latest KFF Health News Stories
Kansas Finds Way To Increase Federal Medicaid Dollars Despite Aversion To Expansion
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, who faced a serious state deficit after cutting state taxes, tripled the tax on managed care companies and used that extra revenue to draw down more federal Medicaid funds and help stabilize his budget. In Iowa, state officials are working to overcome concerns about a shift to managed care in the Medicaid program.
Viewpoints: The Price Of Sovaldi; A Medicaid Compromise For Virginia; The Cadillac Tax
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health care developments in Florida, California, Texas, New Hampshire and Minnesota.
Fla. Legislative Panel OKs Bill To Divert Mentally Ill People From Criminal Justice System
Meanwhile, in Ohio, a Columbus Dispatch series highlights the need for funding to combat and treat suicide as a public health crisis. Also, in California, an Oakland minister is working to raise awareness about mental health concerns.
Security Efforts Redoubled At Planned Parenthood Clinics After Colo. Shooting
In other Planned Parenthood news, the Supreme Court will not block a federal court’s order that the activist who filmed the sting videos turn over a list of his supporters. Meanwhile, “Day of Solidarity” rallies were held across the country Saturday. At the Denver event, the national head of Planned Parenthood called for an end to violence against women and clinicians.
Conn. Hospital Funding Battle Increasingly Bitter
The fight, which stems from a proposed $240 million in cuts in state aid, pits Gov. Dannel P. Malloy against the state’s hospitals. News outlets also report on other state-based hospital developments in Georgia, New York, Arizona and Ohio.
Iowa Gov. Branstad Defends Medicaid Privatization Deadline
Critics say the timeline for the low-income health program’s transition to being managed by four private companies is rushed. Meanwhile, a federal review of Iowa’s plan is about to begin.
Nonprofit Hospitals Build ‘Solid Financial Cushion,’ Financial Analysis Finds
The report by Fitch Ratings says most hospitals had higher volumes in 2015 because of patients’ increased coverage under the federal health law and the growing number of people covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
Home Health Care For Frail Aging Patients Pushed By Group Of Doctors
Research has shown that home care can lower costs and hospitalization rates. In other news on senior health care, The New York Times looks at the growth of robotic health aides. And in other medical practice news, media outlets report on the rules dictating residents’ hours, the rise of scribes in doctor offices and coroners facing a backlog.
Kaiser Permanente To Acquire Seattle-Based Group Health Cooperative
The agreement by the California managed-care operator is likely a sign that the insurer will pursue a strategy of expansion that includes more such deals across the country.
New York Health Exchange To Partner With Pharmacies To Educate Public About Coverage Options
And in Medicaid expansion news, outlets report on developments from Louisiana, South Dakota and Wyoming.
Officials, Families Push For Congressional Action On 9/11 Health Bill
The Sunday rally was held to push lawmakers to extend the medical coverage for first responders and clean-up crews who were sickened by toxic materials at the World Trade Center site. They want Congress to add the coverage to the must-pass omnibus spending bill.
Despite Symbolic Repeal Vote, Senate Offers Few Clues To Future Efforts On Health Law
News outlets analyze last week’s vote to repeal key parts of the 2010 health law and strip federal funding from Planned Parenthood.
Dramatic Drug Cost Hikes To Be Subject Of Wednesday Senate Hearing
Meanwhile, The New York Times takes a look at Martin Shkreli, the pharmaceutical company official who has become the poster boy of drug company greed.
Congress Has Until Friday To Pass Year-End Spending Bill
Policy riders threaten to be a flashpoint as lawmakers work to reach a spending deal in order to avert a government shutdown.
Viewpoints: Ryan’s Idealistic Strategy; Obamacare Repeal; An Abortion Doctor’s Fears
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Hep C And Prisoners; Generic Drugs; Bundled Payments
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health care developments in Illinois, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Puerto Rico and New York.
Companies Appeal Judge’s Finding That Iowa Dismiss One Of Four Medicaid Contracts
Also in Iowa, three large hospital systems sign contracts to participate in the state’s new Medicaid managed care programs. Meanwhile, in other related news, a former Kansas Medicaid director offers ideas about how the programs in other states could be streamlined, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has finalized a rule regarding funding to help states upgrade technology for their Medicaid enrollment systems.
Calif. Attorney General Approves Transfer Of 6 Nonprofit Hospitals
The transfer involves the Daughters of Charity Health System and the BlueMountain Capital Management, a New York-based hedge fund.
