Latest KFF Health News Stories
Jon Stewart Returns To ‘Daily Show’ To Urge Congress To Extend 9/11 Health Benefits
The Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which expired last year, provides health care funding and compensation for first responders. The program has enough funding to last another year, and its backers are seeking a permanent extension.
Speculation Increases That Congress Might Miss Friday Budget Deadline
Policy riders appear to be the stumbling block. Some leaders are suggesting a stop-gap measure may be necessary to avert a government shutdown, but the White House spokesman said the president would not sign a short-term bill unless an outline for a deal had already been reached.
In Some Red States That Expanded Medicaid, Focus Shifts To Details Of Federal Waivers
These waivers allow states to create a Medicaid expansion that fits their political outlooks. Also, news outlets examine Medicaid expansion news in Kentucky, Ohio, Louisiana and Idaho.
HHS Says It Won’t Allow Extension This Year For People Who Miss 2016 Enrollment Period
The administration offered uninsured consumers a reprieve if they missed the 2015 enrollment deadline, but officials said that wouldn’t be repeated this year. Also in health law news, a new government survey looks at the effect of medical bills on consumers, HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell’s mission for the rest of her term and an insurance executive’s views of the changing market landscape.
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.
