Latest KFF Health News Stories
Support For Health Law Grows To 62% In California, Survey Finds
According to the annual Field Poll, while most Republicans still oppose the law, nearly half say that Obamacare has met key goals like lowering the uninsured rate. Statewide, 58 percent approve of the way California runs its health services.
Judge Rules Ariz. Hospital Fee To Pay For Medicaid Expansion Is Legal
Lawmakers in Arizona approved the plan, but opponents said the vote required a supermajority, which a judge rejected. In Alaska, lawmakers that have taken Gov. Bill Walker to court over a proposed Medicaid expansion there get their day in court.
Some States’ Big Premium Hikes May Be Talking Point During Enrollment Season, Campaigns
The Wall Street Journal reports that some insurers are winning approval by state regulators of hefty increases in health insurance premiums. Meanwhile, Florida news outlets report on what the numbers look like in that state.
Long Island Hospital Puts Quality Rankings Of Its Doctors Online
Meanwhile, Politico Pro reports on a Health Affairs blog post that questions Medicare’s penalties for hospitals that have high readmission rates, while the Connecticut Mirror notes that almost all of the hospitals within the state took such a hit.
First Edition: August 27, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP Health Plans And Pre-Existing Conditions; The Cadillac Tax
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from South Carolina, Florida, California, Maryland, Oregon, Nevada, Illinois, Minnesota, Kansas and Texas.
New York, Texas Take Steps To Tackle Synthetic Marijuana
Meanwhile, Maryland launches its efforts to counter the state’s heroin epidemic.
Calif. Lawmakers Reject Proposed Audit Of Planned Parenthood
Also, in Missouri, a GOP-led committee questions legality of the University of Missouri Health Care granting privileges to a local Planned Parenthood doctor. News outlets in Florida and Wisconsin report on related news.
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, also a GOP presidential hopeful, announced plans earlier this month to cut off Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood’s clinics in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Jeb Bush: Planned Parenthood ‘Not Actually Doing Women’s Health Issues’
News organizations fact-check the Republican’s comments at a town hall meeting — and find fault. In the meantime, the battle over Planned Parenthood deepens as Ted Cruz draws a line in the sand over funding for the group. Also, Politico profiles the man behind the covert videos that began the latest fight, even as the group releases an eighth video.
Injured Patients And Families Push For Cameras In Operating Rooms
When something goes wrong during a surgery, families often can’t find out what happened because of a lack of documentation. Some now say the procedures should be recorded so that actions can be reviewed. Also, a look at the promises and pitfalls of precision medicine.
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.
