Latest KFF Health News Stories
Healthcare.gov Enrollments Up Over This Time Last Year; Two-Thirds Are Repeat Customers
Of the 543,000 people who submitted applications for health law exchange insurance and chose plans, 34 percent are first-time users, according to the Obama administration. Meanwhile in Congress, a move by some Republican senators to repeal Obamacare is snagged on complex Senate rules.
Viewpoints: VA Still Missing Many Vets’ Mental Health Needs; Finding Abortion Help
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Inequality; Paying For Alzheimer’s; The Case For Melancholy
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
News outlets report on health issues in Connecticut, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, California, Pennsylvania, Texas and New York.
In Pittsburgh Battle, Arbiters Order Highmark To Pay UPMC Hospital More For Oncology Care
The decision, which UPMC says could expand to all its facilities, is the latest skirmish in a long-term battle between the two health giants. In other news, one New Jersey hospital files suit against an insurer, while another New Jersey hospital agrees to a settlement for a tax dispute.
As Furor Over Medicaid Managed Care Grows In Iowa, Officials Postpone Public Forum
The state has signed contracts to move the program to managed care, but hospitals are suing to stop the transfer and patients are asking the federal government to block the change.
Gene Therapies Likely To Offer High Hopes, Big Price Tags
The Washington Post reports that the controversy surrounding soaring drug prices may also touch this type of therapy. Meanwhile, The California Health Report highlights how Kaiser Permanente in Northern California is creating a database for use in research related to genetics and precision medicine.
Ongoing VA Health Care Troubles Highlighted In Obama’s Proposals For Veterans
While progress has been made in improving benefits, President Barack Obama said “I am still not satisfied” during a Veterans Day speech. To address the long wait vets face for medical services, Republicans have been increasingly supporting the privatization of the VA health system. But some veterans groups have concerns about the idea.
AMA Urges Government To Block Insurance Megamergers
Arguing that reduced insurer competition will lead to higher consumer prices and compensation issues for medical providers, the doctors group wrote a letter asking the Justice Department to block Aetna from acquiring Humana and Anthem from acquiring Cigna.
Workers’ Health Costs Skyrocket As Employers Reduce Benefits, Study Shows
Health care costs for mid-sized and large companies rose 3.2% in 2015, the lowest rate increase in 20 years. Employee costs, meanwhile, rose 134% over the past decade. Experts say deductible and out-of-pocket increases stem in large part from the health law’s pending “Cadillac tax.”
Horizon Pharma Stock Tumbles As Relationship With Express Scripts Unravels
The latest developments come as part of the continuing drama between pharmaceutical companies like Horizon and bill payers such as Express Scripts over how some drugs are priced and sold.
In Montana, Players Race To Get Medicaid Expansion System In Place For Jan. 1 Start
Meanwhile, a battle continues in Kansas, as three state representatives who are in favor of Medicaid expansion are removed from a legislative panel that oversees health issues.
So Far, Studies Show Health Law Open Season Marked By Unclaimed Subsidies, Sticker Shock
News outlets report on new studies — one from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Urban Institute, and the other from McKinsey & Co. — and examine some of the dynamics now playing out in the insurance marketplaces.
Republican Presidential Hopefuls Offer Populist Themes That Include Health Care Transparency
The Wall Street Journal noted that during the most recent Republican presidential candidate debate, Carly Fiorina called for a policy that would require every health care provider to publish costs, prices and outcomes to help inform consumers. Also in the news, The Associated Press reports that Ben Carson has maintained a business relationship with a friend who was convicted of health insurance fraud.
GOP Moderates Raise Challenges To Defunding Planned Parenthood, Health Law Repeal
The cuts in funding to Planned Parenthood are included in a bill that would repeal parts of the health law. It was passed by the House, but some Senate Republican moderates are balking.
Viewpoints: Bush’s Plan For Health Care; Improving Hospitals’ Questions For Patients
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues in New Jersey, Michigan, Kansas, Nebraska, Georgia, Maryland, California, Maine and Texas.
Arkansas Medicaid Program Resumes Eligibility Review
News outlets also report on Medicaid developments in Kansas and Pennsylvania.
Medicare Raises Part B Deductibles $19, Sets Premium Increases For Some Beneficiaries
Congressional action last month thwarted a much higher premium increase for new beneficiaries and those with higher incomes.
On Veterans Day, White House To Push Measures To Improve Private Medical Care For Vets
In addition to tackling the ongoing health care access issues, President Barack Obama’s proposals also target veteran homelessness as well as educational and disability benefits. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald is also urging Congress to stop using VA issues to score political points. And TriWest Healthcare Alliance’s president discusses the difficulties in meeting the need of the military backlog.
