Latest KFF Health News Stories
On The Campaign Trail, Planned Parenthood Offers Fodder To Candidates From Both Parties
Almost all the candidates — both Democratic and Republican — have had something to say about the nonprofit organization’s recent troubles as well as issues related to women’s health.
Viewpoints: Rubio’s Health Plan; Drop In Uninsured Levels Linked To Economy
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from California, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Alaska Lawmakers To Consider Possible Challenge To Gov. On Medicaid Expansion
Legislative leaders are meeting today on the issue. Gov. Bill Walker has opted to expand the health care program for low-income residents after the legislature failed to act on his request. Also, a key Republican in Montana is raising concerns about the state’s plan to expand Medicaid.
Percentage Of Workers With Job-Based Insurance Declines, Federal Report Finds
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality says the percentage fell from 84.9 percent in 2013 to 83.2 percent in 2014, a continuation of a decline that started in 2008.
Medicare Extends Moratorium On Auditors’ Challenges To Hospitals’ Billing For Short Stays
The billing issues dealing with beneficiaries in the hospital for less than three days have been controversial, and Medicare is studying the situation. Elsewhere in the news, hospitals lose an appeal on Medicare reimbursements, and the FDA warns some scope makers about possibilities of spreading infections.
Planned Parenthood Seeks Emergency Injunction In Clash With Florida Regulators
The legal action was filed in a Tallahassee circuit court after an investigation launched last month by Florida Republican Gov. Rick Scott resulted in three clinics being cited for allegedly performing illegal abortions.
Jeb Bush Details Approach To Overhaul VA, Improve Veterans’ Health Care
While campaigning in South Carolina, the Republican presidential hopeful offered his take on how he would improve health care for veterans by expanding “choice” options for care outside the department but not cutting funding for VA hospitals and medical staff.
Walker’s Health Plan Designed To Dismantle Obamacare, Give More Control To States
Wis. Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican presidential candidate, unveiled his health care plan — which includes tax credits to pay for private health insurance and an overhaul of Medicaid. It would also allow people to shop for coverage across state lines.
White House Marshals Money, Focus To Combat Heroin Epidemic
The Obama administration plan, unveiled Monday, is a response to the nation’s mounting problem with heroin abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, use of this drug has more than doubled among people aged 18-25 in the United States in the past decade.
First Edition: August 18, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: House Lawsuit On Health Law ‘Misguided’; FDA’s Rules On Drug Claims At Issue
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Health care stories are reported from Maryland, California, Kansas, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, New York, Alabama, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Ariz. Sets Public Meetings On Governor’s Plan To Overhaul Medicaid
Gov. Doug Ducey has recommended a plan to get about 350,000 able-bodied adults off the government health plan. News outlets also report on North Dakota’s efforts to improve its Medicaid system and South Carolina’s decision to offer nutritional counseling to some Medicaid enrollees.
Arkansas Gov. Cancels State Contracts With Planned Parenthood
Meanwhile, in Utah, Gov. Gary Herbert also announced that he has directed the state’s Department of Health to stop acting as an intermediary for pass-through federal funds to the organization. But National Journal reports on what has become of similar efforts in other states.
Trump Details Where He Stands On Abortion; Fiorina Goes On The Record Regarding Vaccinations
Meanwhile, NBC examines the similarities between the policy positions of Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama.
Kasich Scores Major Endorsement From Alabama Governor
News outlets describe this development as “head-turning” because Alabama Gov. Robert J. Bentley has followed a very different path in his state — especially when it comes to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion.
HHS Tells Congress That Federal Researchers Have Not Violated Fetal Tissue Laws
Little federal research is done on fetal tissue, Politico reports. Also in the news, a tissue company cuts its ties with Planned Parenthood and a fact check about remarks by Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson on Planned Parenthood’s origin.
Steelworkers’ Union Negotiates Benefits, Wages Under Looming Contract Deadline
Elsewhere, thousands of Boeing employees must decide whether to opt for a new health insurance option with provider Mercy Health that offers lower premiums and no copays but restricts patients to network doctors.
Medicare Pays Top Dollar For ‘Ultra-High’ Nursing Home Therapy
The Wall Street Journal reports on how patients who get at least 720 minutes of rehab a week generate some of nursing facilities’ biggest payments from Medicare.
