Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health care stories are reported from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, Texas, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Florida, Oregon and New York.
VA Threatens To Shut Down Hospitals Next Month If Congress Doesn’t Help With $2.5B Budget Shortfall
In other news on military health care, the Pentagon is narrowing the finalists for a multibillion-dollar contract to overhaul the military’s health IT system, and a Florida lawmaker calls for a former naval hospital in Lake Baldwin to be repurposed as housing for elderly and homeless veterans.
After Supreme Court Ruling, Some Questions Remain About Health Benefits For Gay Spouses
Also in the news, a look at the recurring problem of out-of-network surprise charges and an article about lack of dental coverage for seniors.
As Drug Costs Continue Climb, Large Pension Plans Cast Close Eye On Prices
The autoworkers retiree benefits trust is trying to glean how much drug makers will increase costs for specialty drugs — and how those prices might affect everyone’s bottom lines. And for one expensive hepatitis C drug, Gilead is restricting how many patients receive assistance paying for treatment.
Insurer Deals, Mergers Raise Questions, Draw Attention
The insurance industry consolidation is causing some concerns in Georgia. Yet despite national attention to the mergers after Aetna announced its deal to purchase Humana, UnitedHealth was focusing on its second-quarter gains. And in California, Aetna took heat from regulators for “price gouging” after it raised rates on small employers by 21 percent.
Democrats Push Back After Undercover Obamacare Probe
Some say the audit didn’t find any real fraud, despite what government watchdogs say. In the meantime, lawmakers try to overhaul the mental health system, and teen pregnancy prevention money faces cutbacks.
Republicans Call New Political Play After Controversial Planned Parenthood Video
As Republicans seize on a secretly-recorded video to more aggressively push abortion policy changes, Planned Parenthood’s president apologized for the “tone and statements” made by a senior staffer on the tape but said the allegations of fetal organ sales are not true.
Calif. May Be The First To Let Undocumented Immigrants Buy Obamacare Plans
The California proposals would need federal approval and couldn’t start until 2017. Meanwhile, in Colorado, officials mull switching the Obamacare marketplace’s technology to the federal exchange’s to stave off problems in the system.
Alaska Governor Announces Plan To Use Executive Power To Expand Medicaid
Alaska Gov. Bill Walker, a Republican turned Independent, has already had several expansion attempts blocked by the state’s GOP-controlled legislature. He described this action — bypassing the legislature and applying directly to the federal government — as the final option.
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.
