Latest KFF Health News Stories
$10B VA Health Care Choice Program Has Disappointing Results
The program was supposed to shorten waiting lists by allowing patients to switch to private-sector doctors. Meanwhile, a Florida congressman has introduced legislation that would make it easier to fire Veterans Affairs employees.
Tenn. Gov. Says Federal Approach To Medicaid ‘Feels Awfully Heavy Handed’
The recent announcement that federal officials will tie special hospital funding for uncompensated care to states’ decisions on whether to expand Medicaid is raising some concerns. Meanwhile PolitiFact examines Medicaid claims in Florida.
Obamacare Satisfaction Scores Top Traditional Plans
A study by J.D. Power offers the first comprehensive look at the Department of Health and Human Services’s efforts to improve the customer experience in the second year of the health lawr.
Dr. Oz Fires Back After Other Doctors Call for His Ouster From Columbia Med School
Ten doctors wrote a critical letter that included references to his promotion of “quack treatments” on his television show. He has since launched a vigorous public defense.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Seniors’ Fears Of Obamacare; Kochs Lose Mont. Medicaid Fight; Regulate E-Cigs
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: A Young Woman’s Mental Illness; Dr. Oz; Hospitals And Patient Satisfaction
Each weekend, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
News outlets cover health care issues in California, Louisiana, Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Massachusetts and Colorado.
N.C. Lawmakers Move To Extend Abortion Waiting Period
A state House committee approved the measure in a party line vote. It could come before the full House as soon as today.
Alabama Medicaid Is Relatively Low Cost; La. Nursing Homes Resist Privatization
Stories track state Medicaid costs in Alabama, West Virginia, Rhode Island, Louisiana, New York and Maine.
California Vaccine Bill Advances After Key Senate Panel Vote
The measure, which would require nearly all California children to be vaccinated before they can go to school, still faces a number of hurdles before it becomes law.
Whistleblower Reports Mental-Health Drug Substitutions At W.Va. Facility
According to a federal investigation, the substitution, which involved putting patients at risk by using older, less expensive drugs instead of the prescribed medications, was done to save money. Other headlines suggest that Veterans Affairs whistleblowers felt “demoralized” and faced hostile work environments for reporting claims-processing failures.
Worries Over Deteriorating Finances Of Teaching Hospitals
The Wall Street Journal looks at how relationships between teaching hospitals and universities are fraying because of financial concerns. Medicare Advantage plans face scrutiny over allegations of overcharging and a healthcare report says consumers and providers feel the squeeze of rising health costs.
New Generation Of Pharma Deal Makers Takes The Spotlight
The Wall Street Journal reports that many of these drug industry movers and shakers are not yet household names but are clearly beginning to show their marketplace muscle. The Journal also details cost trends in generic drug pricing and reports on Novartis’s first-quarter earnings.
Bipartisan Legislation To Repeal Health Insurance Tax Gains Momentum
The bill, which would undo a health law provision that charges insurers an annual fee to help pay for the overhaul, is now backed by a majority of House lawmakers. In other legislative news, GOP budget negotiators may have found a way to pay for the recently enacted Medicare “doc fix.” Also, the Senate approved a human trafficking bill after overcoming an impasse related to abortion funding restrictions and the House passed a bipartisan cybersecurity bill.
Most Cancer Hospitals Participate In ‘Some’ Exchange Plans
The analysis by Avalere Health surveyed 20 cancer centers and found 75 percent participated in at least “some” of the exchange plans in their state.
Florida Senators Say Gov. Scott’s Actions Are Not Helping Resolve Medicaid Logjam
Lawmakers complain the governor’s threats are not helpful in getting a compromise on the issue of Medicaid expansion. News outlets also look at the controversy about expansion in Alaska, how Tennessee may lose federal funding for uncompensated care related to the legislature’s failure to pass an expansion bill and a vote by the Ohio House to keep the governor’s expansion program in place.
IRS Reports 8 Million Unanswered Phone Calls
During Capitol Hill testimony, the Internal Revenue Service commissioner said the agency cut many taxpayer services to pay for the enforcement of the health law and other activities.
GAO: Healthcare.gov Has Multiple Cyber ‘Incidents’
A report detailing those incidents will be released later this year. Meanwhile, the streamlined computer systems built for the health care law are resulting in more food stamp applicants and a survey suggests healthcare.gov needs a brand makeover.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
