Latest KFF Health News Stories
States Implement Strategies To Reach Uninsured People During Insurance Sign-Up Season
In addition to detailing state efforts to reach these consumers, news outlets also report on how local market offerings have changed this year.
Health Law’s Third Open Enrollment Season Begins
Open enrollment for health coverage available on the healthcare.gov and state exchanges kicked off Nov. 1. Though the technology glitches and drama of the first sign-up period appear to be less likely, officials note challenges remain — namely, the reduced number of plan choices and the costs increases for some premiums.
First Edition: November 2, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Budget Deal’s Key Reform On Hospital Payments; Carson’s ‘Muddled’ Health Plan
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: The Cadillac Tax; Patient-Centered Care; Medicare Advantage
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health issues in California, Florida, Kentucky, New York, Minnesota, Oregon, Wisconsin and Kansas.
In other state Medicaid news, a judge blocks Louisiana’s effort to cut Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood clinics, and a New York audit uncovers a pattern in which people who are deceased were able to enroll in Medicaid or continue to receive benefits. Meanwhile, Rhode Island gets a new Medicaid director, and the Des Moines Register reports on the bidding process used in Iowa for management of the health insurance program for low-income people.
Some First-Year Docs Still Working 30-Hour Shifts Despite Ban
The Washington Post reports that dozens of hospitals are still engaged in this practice, outlawed due to patient safety concerns. Elsewhere, The Washington Post Magazine looks at a primary care doctor shortage.
GM Contract Would Improve Newer Workers’ Health Coverage, Could Raise Employee Spending
The agreement with the UAW, which still awaits a union ratification vote, provides better coverage for the 11,000 people who were hired since October 2007. But the union members could face higher costs if the plan is affected by the “Cadillac” tax scheduled to take effect on generous health plans in 2018.
Aetna Reports Earnings Up, Raises Full-Year Profit Forecast For Fourth Time This Year
In other industry news, Sanofi recalls Auvi-Q epinephrine injectors, and NPR reports on the false hope that “breakthrough” cancer treatments can cause.
Valeant To End Controversial Relationship With Specialty Pharmacy Philidor
The nation’s three largest drug benefit managers, CVS, Express Scripts and UnitedHealth Group, had also announced that they would no longer work with Philidor, the mysterious pharmacy at the center of questions surrounding Valeant’s business practices.
Allergan Acquisition Would Vault Pfizer To Top Drug Maker Spot
As the trend toward mega-mergers continues in the health care sector, Pfizer and Allergan confirmed that the two companies are in talks to create a drug giant. In related news, a former executive at an Allergan unit was charged with conspiring to pay kickbacks to doctors.
Groups Eye Obamacare Enrollment As Voter Registration Opportunity
Voting rights groups are urging the Obama administration to make sure this opportunity is available in states that rely on the federal exchange to sign people up for health care.
HHS To Launch National Ad Campaign Encouraging Health Plan Enrollment
The advertisements will stress that affordable options are available on the health law’s marketplace plans. Also, news outlets look at other strategies to get the long-time uninsured to sign up for coverage and explore why consumers are hesitant.
With Committee Hearing, Senators Focus Attention On Mental Health
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee heard expert testimony regarding pending legislation to reform the nation’s mental health system, as well as a bottom-line message that much more must be done in order to apply research gains to treatment.
Paul Ryan Takes The Speaker’s Gavel — But Will He Be Able To Advance His Policy Agenda?
News outlets analyze how the new speaker, who previously chaired the House Budget and Ways and Means committees, might use this position to advance policies that he has promoted in the past, including overhauling Medicare and changing the federal health law.
Senate Approves Budget Deal To Avert Default Risk, Sends Measure To Obama
In the wee hours of Friday morning, the Senate approved the bill 64 to 35.
With Open Season About To Begin, Minnesota Exchange Officials Expect Busy Season
News outlets also cover insurance cost news from Ohio and Indiana as well as uninsured rates for kids in Virginia and Georgia.
Breaking Down Medicare, Social Security Positions At Republican Debate
Also, McClatchy takes a closer look at candidate Ben Carson’s short-on-details proposal for overhauling the health care system.
First Edition: October 30, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
