Latest KFF Health News Stories
Utah Lawmakers May Weigh New Options For Expanding Medicaid
Utah legislators have been hesitant to move forward with the health law’s Medicaid expansion, but several are planning to propose other ways to cover low-income residents. Also in the news, three Georgia lawmakers debate expansion.
As Enrollment Deadline Nears, Obama Praises Health Law Successes In Radio Address
“It’s making a difference for millions of Americans every day [and] it is only going to get better,” the president says. Also in the news, a look at some health plans that exclude outpatient surgeries, Ohio’s lagging enrollment effort, the latest Mississippi figures and the House’s postponement of a vote on health care.
Clinton Reminds Voters She Wanted Universal Health Care First
Hillary Clinton says she just has a different way of working toward providing coverage to everyone than her opponent Bernie Sanders. Meanwhile, Bloomberg News examines her claims that “HillaryCare” was the precursor to the Affordable Care Act. And, Sanders’ “Medicare-for-all” proposal would hit working seniors with tax increases.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Marketplace Competition; Rural Health IT; HIV Testing; Abortion Coverage
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Ask Clinton About Her Health Plan; Ill. ‘Bait And Switch’; Improving Hearing
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health care developments in Virginia, Hawaii, California, Florida, Delaware, Texas, Colorado and Missouri.
States Face Difficulties In Move To Managed Care For Medicaid’s Long-Term Care Patients
As about half the states work to keep costs down through these managed care plans, enrollees and their families have faced a rocky transition, The Chicago Tribune reports. In other Medicaid news, federal officials set a new rule on outpatient drug reimbursement, Vermont’s governor proposes some changes to help the budget and the debate in Iowa over moving to managed care intensifies.
Federal Limits On Anti-Addiction Medication Stymies Treatment For Hard-Hit Communities
Due to federal law, fewer than 32,000 physicians in the country are able to prescribe buprenorphine, which has been shown to offer a greater chance at recovery from opioid addiction. Meanwhile, in Ohio, thousands have been saved by the use of Naloxone in the first nine months of 2015.
Decision On Kansas Ban Of Second-Trimester Abortion Method Expected Friday
The 2015 law prohibits doctors from a common practice of using forceps or similar instruments on a live fetus to remove it from the womb in pieces. Two abortion providers filed a lawsuit against the ban, which was the first in the nation. In other news, a new app looks to cut the doctor’s office out of birth control access.
Drug Makers’ Funding To Patient Groups Has Stifled Crucial Voice In Cost Debate, Critics Say
But one reason for the lack of interest in the topic could be that the organizations are focused on developing drugs to cure diseases. Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson is halting trials of drugs in the same class as the one that left a patient brain dead and five others hospitalized in France.
Aetna-Humana Deal Could Cause Medicare Advantage Costs To Increase: Report
The Center for American Progress found the proposed purchase of Humana by Aetna could lead to increased premium costs for seniors with these private Medicare plans. Meanwhile, California’s four largest health plans may owe the state an estimated $10 billion in back taxes — depending on the outcome of a pending legal case.
Clinton On Sanders’ Single-Payer Plan: ‘In Theory’ Isn’t Enough
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton continues her barrage against opponent Sen. Bernie Sanders’ health plan, calling it unrealistic. “In theory there’s a lot to like,” she said in Iowa. “But ‘in theory’ isn’t enough. A president has to deliver in reality.” Meanwhile, KHN explains what exactly the contentious single-payer system is, and The Associated Press looks at what’s in Sanders’ proposal.
Kansas Medicaid Expansion Advocates Call Waiting List Argument An Evasion Tactic
In other state Medicaid news, a top Louisiana health official says she is “optimistic” that the Obama administration may OK the state’s plan for expanding the health program to another 400,000 low-income or disabled residents. Meanwhile, a new survey finds that 49 states now take Medicaid applications by phone and online.
HHS: Average Costs Of Health Exchange Premiums Rose, But Most Enrollees Pay Far Less
The Department of Health and Human Services reports that premiums for Obamacare plans increased to $408 per month, about 9 percent more than last year. The vast majority of people with this coverage, though, pay far less because they receive subsidies. Meanwhile, a federal proposal would create standardized marketplace plans and consumers could see their out-of-pocket costs drop.
VA Secretary: Agency Providing Better Care Than Ever
During a congressional hearing on Thursday, Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald rebuffed charges that he had not fired enough employees for the scandal over veterans’ health care and outlined his plan for the VA “to become the No. 1 customer-service agency in the government.” In other Capitol Hill news, a Senate report finds that hospitals did not properly report outbreaks associated to dirty scopes.
If He Shows, Shkreli Plans To Invoke Fifth Amendment
The Oversight and Government Reform Committee subpoenaed former Turing CEO Martin Shkreli, who became the face of the high drug costs controversy, to testify on the spiked prices.
GOP Senators: Obama Administration Missed Warning Signs On Co-Ops
At a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Thursday, lawmakers grilled acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt over the failed nonprofit health insurers. Slavitt promised the committee that the government is taking steps to help the co-ops, which were created to compete with larger private insurers. Twelve of the 23 set up under the law have gone out of business.
First Edition: January 22, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Sanders’ Health Plan Draws Concerns; Gov.’s ‘Bizarre Attack’ On Ky. Reform
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
