Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: McConnell Laments Insurance Mergers; Debate On Planned Parenthood Video
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from California, Connecticut, North Carolina, Kentucky, Minnesota, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Illinois.
New Type Of Pharmacy Is Emerging To Handle Growing Number Of Costly Treatments For Complex Diseases
Also in the news, the drug industry is increasing — though modestly — its spending on continuing medical education.
UnitedHealth Boosts Full-Year Outlook After Better-Than-Expected 2Q Earnings
These results come in the midst of a merger frenzy for the nation’s health insurers.
Senate Republican Freshmen Want New Health Law Repeal Vote ‘For The Record,’ Argue Tactics
In other congressional action, the House cleared legislation to assist those with ALS, sending the bill to President Obama. The House also passed a breast cancer research bill, while lobbying on Capitol Hill heats up over the so-called “Cadillac tax.”
Congressional Republicans Urge Investigation Of Planned Parenthood In Wake Of Controversial Video
GOP congressional leaders and presidential hopefuls are calling for action after the release of a sting video by anti-abortion advocates alleged the organization sells aborted fetal body parts.
Report Gives IRS Poor Marks On Taxpayer Service
But it also said that the Internal Revenue Service ran a generally successful tax season even as it faced budget cuts and grappled with the implementation of its role in the Affordable Care Act.
Choice Of Doctors And Hospitals More Limited In Health Law Plans, Study Says
Analysis by consulting firm Avalere Health finds that the “narrow networks” available under the federal and state exchange plans offer 34 percent fewer medical providers than average.
Phony Applicants Approved For Subsidies And Allowed To Re-Enroll On Healthcare.gov
A congressional watchdog filed fictitious applications last year, 11 of which were enrolled for Obamacare despite fake documents or missing information. The report raises concerns about the federal health exchange’s ability to detect fraud.
As Medicaid Turns 50, Debate On Expansion Clouds Celebration
Alaska’s governor is expected to announce a plan for expansion there Thursday as other states are still locked up in controversy over the choice.
Tavnenner Moves Through Revolving Door, Accepts Top Lobbying Spot At Health Insurance Trade Group
Marilyn Tavenner, who stepped down from her position of administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in February, was named president and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Lindsey Graham Returns To Simpson-Bowles; CVS Takes ‘High Road’
A selection of opinions on health care from around the nation.
Health care stories are reported from Florida, Illinois, California, Oregon, Texas, Washington, Iowa and Missouri.
Shopping Around For The Best Surgeon
New search tools offer consumers important information to weigh their options in making this choice. Meanwhile, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report offers a warning about how Medicare’s “observation status” can make for a hefty hospital bill, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ five-star ratings approach to nursing homes.
Walmart Facing Legal Action For Denying Health Insurance To Gay Worker’s Spouse
Civil rights groups are trying to build the case into a national class action lawsuit.
Biotech Shares Add To Stock Market’s Four-Day Winning Streak
In other marketplace news, Blue Cross and Blue Shield will begin offering identity protection services to all eligible members by the start of the New Year, while Johnson & Johnson is reviving its nonprescription drug business.
The video recorded a lunch between two antiabortion activists posing as biotech firm employees and Dr. Deborah Nucatola, Planned Parenthood’s senior director of medical services, in which Nucatola talked about the organization’s work donating fetal tissue to researchers. The activists pressed her on whether the clinics were charging for the organs.
McConnell: Senate Will Consider Using Budget Procedure To Undo Parts Of The Health Law
The Senate majority leader, however, did not say when he expected this action to take place. Elsewhere on Capitol Hill, former Bush officials urge confirmation of the Obama administration’s pick to head the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and a House hearing alleges that the administration has been slow to implement the inspector general’s recommendations of fraud in the Medicare prescription drug program.
