Latest KFF Health News Stories
Americans Say They’d Like To Talk To Their Doctors Via Email, Facebook
A survey conducted by Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that many Americans would like to chat with their doctors the same way they talk with friends and family. Other studies show continuing health care disparities for blacks and efforts to overhaul medical school entrance exams to find students attuned to issues like the social determinants of health.
Looming ‘Cadillac Tax’ Adds To Pressure To Cut Employee Health Benefits
Also in the news, the Society of Human Resource Management finds in its annual survey of employee perks that wellness programs are becoming more common.
Court Order Will Allow Some Charities To Skip Federal Birth Control Coverage Requirement
The order will be in effect until the Supreme Court decides whether to hear an appeal filed by the nonprofit organizations. In other health law implementation news, an Urban Institute report looks at pricing by co-op plans and Medicaid insurers and finds they are among the cheapest available on state exchanges where they do business. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, is leading an attack on the Internal Revenue Service’s penalties.
Insure Tennessee’s Push For Medicaid Expansion Reinvigorated By Supreme Court Decision
Meanwhile, the National Journal examines the extent to which the Obama administration will go to advance efforts to expand the health insurance program for low-income people — a central aspect of the Affordable Care Act.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Same-Sex Marriage Ruling Likely To Impact Employer-Provided Health Benefits
Last week’s ruling is expected to boost employer-sponsored health coverage for same-sex partners, but could also lead to new questions.
Viewpoints: Health Law Assaults Not Finished; Time To Double Down On Medicaid Expansion
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health care developments in California, North Carolina, Missouri, Maryland, Iowa, Alabama and Texas.
CDC Panel Urges Expanding Pool Of Young People Who Receive Meningitis B Shot
An advisory committee for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that all 16- to 23-year-olds to consider the vaccine. Previous guidance was limited to those at high risk of exposure to the disease, like lab workers and students at colleges with outbreaks.
IBM Trains Watson As A Cancer Specialist
The idea is to use the supercomputer to find personalized treatments for every cancer patient within minutes. Meanwhile, patient advocates are pushing consumers to learn how to take charge of their medical records. And provider-run insurance plans face challenges to acquire the right health technology tools.
Justice Department Looking At Anti-Trust Issues In Insurance Mergers
Many of the health insurance company mergers under discussion have the potential to raise antitrust concerns, a Justice Department official tells The Wall Street Journal.
Kasich, Christie Poised To Announce Presidential Bids
News outlets also examine how the Supreme Court’s decision in the health law challenge, King v. Burwell, could make the high court a central issue in the 2016 campaign. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times notes “the lack of a clear front-runner” among the GOP’s presidential hopefuls.
Following Supreme Court Ruling, Alaska State Senator Urges Governor To Expand Medicaid
The senator presses Gov. Bill Walker to expand the program for low-income residents without approval from the legislature. Also, Politico Pro surveys the responses in some other states that have been on the fence about Medicaid expansion.
Critics Of Obamacare Recalibrate After High Court Decision
The Supreme Court has proven a dead end for those using legal arguments to blow up the law, despite pending lawsuits focused on smaller-bore issues. But political efforts to repeal the law through Congress continue — although those are unlikely to surmount a presidential veto unless Republicans win the White House.
In Wake Of Supreme Court’s Health Law Decision, Burwell Says There’s Still ‘Work To Do’
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell said that the ruling was an emotional one, but also that it’s time to look ahead and build on the ACA momentum.
High Court Ruling May Encourage More States To Join Healthcare.gov
Many of the dozen states operating exchanges under the Affordable Care Act are encountering financial strains and, in some cases, technical problems, which might make the federal exchange or creating regional operations more attractive.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: ‘Common Sense’ Overcomes Ideology; Justices Ignore Law’s Problems
A selection of opinions from around the country on the Supreme Court ruling upholding subsidies on the federal health marketplaces.
Viewpoints: Health Law Ruling Cracks Conspiracy Theories About Court; Scalia’s Views Lose
A number of opinion writers look at the King v. Burwell decision’s impact on the court.
Viewpoints: GOP Needs To Take Some Responsibility For Law; Debate Will Now Start Fresh
The court’s decision on health insurance subsidies also impacts the nation’s politics, and opinion writers took note of that.
