Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
IBM’s Supercomputer Watson Helps Doctors Analyze Health Care Data
In other medical practice news, some plastic surgeons are doing more psychiatric screenings as concerns over patient mental health grows.
Virginia Hospitals’ Reversal On Bed Tax Could Give Governor Path To Medicaid Expansion
The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association previously resisted paying a tax on how many beds they have — also known as a provider assessment. But the money generated from it, combined with a federal match, could help fund Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s plan to expand Medicaid. Elsewhere, other Medicaid developments are reported from Utah, Indiana and Kentucky.
In Speech Defining His Views, Ryan Challenges GOP But Reasserts Plans To Repeal Health Law
The new House speaker unveils his plans for a “pro-growth” agenda that includes a vow to offer a substitute next year to the 2010 health law.
Republican Senators Resist Democrats’ Push To Add Gun-Control Amendments To Health Law Repeal
Amendments were offered by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., one day after the deadly shooting in San Bernardino, Calif.
As Part Of Broader Repeal Effort Senate Votes To Strike The ‘Cadillac Tax’
In debate on the bill to repeal the health law, senators voted 90-10 to approve an amendment that would also repeal a future tax on high-cost health insurance plans.
Senate OKs Bill To Undo Key Health Law Provisions, Gut Planned Parenthood Funding
Though congressional Republicans have voted on similar legislation a multitude of times, this measure is likely to be the first one to make it to President Barack Obama’s desk, where it would certainly be met with a veto pen.
