Latest KFF Health News Stories
Vets’ Mental Health Needs Still Not Met Due To Staffing Set Up, Study Says
Despite a recent hiring push, the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn’t have enough full-time psychiatrists, and staff resources aren’t being used efficiently, an Inspector General report finds. In Alaska, frustrated veterans testified before state lawmakers, saying that recent VA reforms have not improved care in the state.
Medicare ACO Program Saves $120M For Three Massachusetts Health Systems
Nationwide, accountable care organizations saved the senior health care program $304 million in three years, federal officials say. In other Medicare news, a proposed coverage change could limit access to prosthetic limbs for amputees.
The new projections may give congressional leaders more runway to work out a spending deal before the government hits the borrowing limit, now estimated to be in mid-November.
Calif., Ga. Insurance Exchanges Marked By Narrow Networks
According to a report by University of Pennsylvania researchers, Florida and Oklahoma also topped the list of states that had a high percentage of small Obamacare provider networks.
‘Cadillac Tax’ On Generous Health Plans Expected To Hit A Quarter Of Employers, Report Finds
The tax, set up under the health law, takes effect in 2018, and employers will have to pay 40 percent of the cost of the plan that exceeds government thresholds.
First Edition: August 26, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Barring Abortions For Down Syndrome; GOP’s Replacement Options
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, California, Iowa, Illinois and Massachusetts.
This plan was revealed Monday by Gov. Rick Scott as part of his continued battle with the state’s hospitals regarding Medicaid costs and hospital profits.
Doctors Divided On Using Single-Dose Radiation Technique To Treat Early Breast Cancer
Meanwhile, cases of “second cancers” — a tumor of another type or in another site than the original occurrence — are on the rise. In other news on clinical diagnoses, patients can now turn to online services from medical centers and independent businesses for second opinions.
VA Backlog Of Disability Claims Drops 84 Percent To Under 100,000 Cases
The 98,535 unprocessed claims older than four months is the lowest number recorded since the Department of Veterans Affairs started to track them in 2009. The beleaguered agency made the gains after hitting a peak number of 611,000 cases in 2013.
Menendez Case Continues To Take Shape
Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., was indicted in April for allegedly accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in improper gifts and campaign contributions as bribes in exchange for using his office to aid Dr. Salomon Melgen.
Repeal Of Obamacare Taxes On House GOP Minds As Shutdown Looms
The caucus is also targeting full repeal of the health law as well as legislation on over-the-counter drugs and health savings accounts. Also, a standoff over Planned Parenthood funding is adding to concern over a government shutdown.
Republican Candidates’ Plans To Replace Obamacare Eclipsed By Other Campaign Issues
Politico reports that health law alternatives offered last week by Scott Walker and Marco Rubio have not helped the candidates gain any ground, while The Hill examines the difficulties presidential hopefuls face with voters who want to keep their new insurance or benefits.
Late Tax Filers Risk Big Bills, Loss Of Obamacare Subsidies
The best way to avoid the loss is to file your 2014 taxes by August 31. Elsewhere, 26 percent of employers could be hit by the so-called “Cadillac” tax on high-benefit health plans — which could also spell trouble for flexible spending accounts.
Report Finds Lack Of Competition Among Medicare Advantage Plans
The study by the Commonwealth Fund finds that in 97 percent of markets a small number of insurers dominate, which could raise concerns about some high-level insurance company mergers. Also in industry news, health analytics company Inovalon is acquiring the consulting firm Avalere Health and two large kidney-care providers plan consolidations.
First Edition: August 25, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Dueling Views On Alaska’s Medicaid Expansion; Treating Breast Cancer
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Arizona, Pennsylvania, Washington, Illinois, Florida, Texas and New York.
Arkansas Governor Must Win Over State Lawmakers, Feds To Revamp ‘Hybrid’ Medicaid Expansion Plan
In other state Medicaid and public health program news, outlets look at developments in Nebraska, Kansas and Minnesota, as well as two multimillion-dollar fraud case settlements in New York.
