Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hint Of Higher Hospital Spending Sends Health Insurer Stocks Plummeting
Despite the higher cost indications from Humana officials, most of the nation’s biggest insurers have hiked earnings expectations for 2015 based on strong first-quarter results.
Auditor: States Might Be Propping Up Exchanges Illegally
A federal auditor warns that some states may be using federal grants illegally to finance their health insurance exchanges, which are supposed to be self-supporting. And an Urban Institute study finds small businesses are most vulnerable to steep insurance increases if the Supreme Court rejects federal-exchange subsidies, while a San Antonio experiment in payment reform produces results.
Insurers Violate Health Law’s Protections For Women, Studies Find
The National Women’s Law Center said Wednesday it had found violations in many health-plan documents regarding coverage of birth control and other issues in more than a dozen states. Responding to the findings, several Congressional Democrats called for better enforcement of the health law.
Red States Increasingly Seek Work Requirements As Part Of Medicaid Expansion Efforts
The efforts, however, are not winning support in the Obama administration. Meanwhile, Montana’s governor signs the state’s expansion bill and Florida legislature is still at an impasse over the issue.
House Leaders Unveil New Bill To Speed Drugs To Market
The legislation, known as the 21st Century Cures bill, also overhauls the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, boosting funding for the latter.
Republicans Divided On Response If High Court Voids Obamacare Subsidies
GOP lawmakers have yet to unite behind a single strategy if the Supreme Court overturns the health law’s insurance subsidies in about three dozen states. Most of the proposals being considered, however, would put off the pain of millions of Americans losing their subsidies until after the 2016 elections. The justices are expected to rule in June.
GOP Lawmakers Agree On Blending House And Senate Budget Blueprints
The non-binding budget resolution will set up flash points with the Obama administration over a range of issues, including the health law, the health care safety net and spending on domestic programs.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets cover health care issues in Indiana, Minnesota, California, Georgia, Kansas, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, Massachusetts, Arizona and Texas.
In Mass., Opioid Use Claims More Than 1,000 Lives In 2014
This number, which was released Tuesday, is a 33 percent increase over 2012 and is leading state officials to call for a comprehensive response.
Consumer Group Sues Cigna Over Mail Order Drug Rules
Consumer Watchdog says the policy, which requires medication to be dispensed via the mail, discriminates against people with HIV and AIDS because it is unreliable, might violate their privacy and prevents them from interacting in person with a pharmacist. Meanwhile, big companies are considering adding some genetic tests to wellness programs and the parent company of Milwaukee’s Assurant Health says it will be shut or sold.
Aetna May Reconsider 2016 Obamacare Rates If High Court Rejects Subsidies
Nonetheless, the nation’s third largest insurer has increased its 2015 earnings forecast. Also in insurance company news, Anthem touts its effort to change how it pays primary care doctors as it delivers stronger-than-expected earnings. And Humana is helping members boost their health — and hold down medical costs — by developing health apps for mobile phones.
Lawmakers Target Stopping VA Whistleblower Retaliation
Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, is pushing whistleblower-protection legislation he says would set a federal government precedent, but some advocates worry it could backfire. And Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is demanding that Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald account for the “beyond unacceptable” treatment of whistleblowers.
Senate Finance Committee Scrutinizes Medicare Appeals Process
The panel is calling for more attention to the increasing backlog of Medicare appeals claims and seeking out ideas that might help address the logjam.
Efforts To Refine ‘Cures Bill’ Continue As Bipartisan Backers Eye Thursday Unveiling
The Hill reports that a funding increase for the National Institutes of Health is among the remaining sticking points in what is being termed a landmark medical innovation measure.
Sen. Corker Blocks GOP Budget Deal Progress
The Tennessee Republican’s objection stems from what he terms a spending “gimmick” that produces billions in fantasy savings.
Two New Reports Highlight How States Are Finding Savings By Expanding Medicaid
Meanwhile, news outlets also examine Medicaid expansion developments in Alabama, Louisiana and Missouri.
Florida House Adjourns Early After Tiring Of Fight With Senate Over Medicaid
The state Senate is advancing a plan for Medicaid expansion but House leaders are adamantly opposed. Also, Florida’s governor has filed suit against federal officials, arguing that they are trying to coerce the state into accepting an expansion plan by threatening to cut some funding for hospitals.
More Flexibility For Medicare Part D To Pursue Rebates Would Lead To Savings, Report Finds
The ability to negotiate additional prescription drug rebates for Medicaid beneficiaries saved the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services $16.7 billion, according to a report from HHS’ Office of Inspector General. Medicare Part D does not have the same flexibility, something the OIG study recommends Congress and CMS work to fix.
