Latest KFF Health News Stories
Cigna To Pull Florida Plans From Health Exchange — Just Two Weeks Before Open Enrollment
Cigna’s Florida exit will impact 2016 plans that would have been available through the federal exchange starting Nov. 1. Also in the news, Pennsylvania regulators say the cost of premiums for individual health plans will rise in the year ahead; while Connecticut reports that the state’s uninsured rate drops below figures from the U.S. Census.
Medicaid Spending Rises 14% As Health Law Expands Eligibility, Report Finds
Because the federal government covers the cost of expansion for the first several years, states that opted for the program are not yet feeling any pinch, according to the research from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Obama Administration Expects Small Health Law Enrollment Growth In Upcoming Open Season
Some news outlets called the forecast of a small increase in enrollment through the health law’s insurance exchanges “pessimistic.” Officials acknowledged that cost was a concern for some consumers searching for coverage.
First Edition: October 16, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Kasich’s Medicaid Success; Abortion Issues And The High Court
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Mental Illness in Africa; Living With Lupus; Agriculture’s Impact On Nutrition
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
News outlets report on health issues in Missouri, Virginia, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Hawaii and California.
Mo. House Committee Floats Plans For More Restrictions On Abortion Providers
Among the ideas being considered are random inspections of any facility, including hospitals, that performs abortions. News outlets also report on other develoments regarding abortion policies or Planned Parenthood in Utah, Texas and Wisconsin.
Urban Hospitals Engage Beyond Medicine In Effort To Address Community Problems
In Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University and the Hopkins hospital and health system have begun an initiative to alleviate some poverty and improve health. Meanwhile, in Florida, the University of Central Florida is joining forces with HCA to train doctors in the hope that they will stay in the state. Also in Florida, the future of a key hospital funding program is uncertain.
Advocates Pressing For States To Recognize Dental Therapists To Help Meet Consumer Needs
Millions of Americans do not seek dental care, often because they can’t afford it. A new mid-level professional that could handle some of the regular care with less expense, might help. In other consumer health news, some employers are offering cash bonuses to workers who find cheaper medical care, telemedicine is opening some doors and retirement health care can be expensive.
UnitedHealth Reports 3Q Revenues Up, Earnings Flat At $1.6B
The health insurer beat expectations due in part to growth in its pharmacy benefits management business, spurred by a recent purchase of Catamaran.
Valeant Pharmaceuticals Under Federal Investigation For Drug Pricing Practices
In other news, Bloomberg examines an effort by top cancer hospitals to provide patients with information about the cost of the drugs used in their treatments. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal takes a look at Theranos, and The Washington Post reports that a watchdog group has thrown up a red flag regarding the Food and Drug Administration’s review of a blood-thinning drug.
Ky.’s Marketplace Failed To Ensure All Customers Were Eligible, Auditor Reports
Earlier reviews found similar problems in the federal exchange, healthcare.gov, and exchanges in California, Connecticut and New York. Also in news about the health law, California moves to eliminate a coverage gap, Illinois officials are preparing for some small business changes and Ohio and Utah weigh Medicaid expansion issues.
Capitol Hill Focus To Return To Budget Issues And Raising Debt Limit
Meanwhile, Republicans’ efforts to recruit Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to run for speaker of the House continues to draw headlines, speculation and analysis. And the Planned Parenthood controversy continues.
While In Las Vegas For Debate, Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Woo Nevada’s Culinary Union
High on the 55,000-member union’s wish list is a repeal of the health law’s “Cadillac” tax. Meanwhile, news outlets continue to examine aspects of Tuesday night’s debate, including health care for people who are in the U.S. illegally. Largely absent from the discussion, however, was mention of Planned Parenthood. And the minimal focus given to drug pricing issues made biotech stocks rebound on Wednesday.
Millions On Medicare Face Unprecedented Premium Increases
Congress has so far failed to find a way to stave off 2016 Part B premium hikes that could reach 52 percent for more than 30 percent of Medicare recipients.
First Edition: October 15, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Bush Follows GOP Plan On Replacing Obamacare; ‘Tuning-Up’ The Cadillac Tax
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in Kansas, California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Michigan.
News outlets report on state-level Medicaid develoments.
