Latest KFF Health News Stories
Congressional Leaders Explore Long-Term Fix To Medicare Physician Payments
As the next round of cuts — a 21 percent reduction — are scheduled to kick in April 1, bipartisan efforts are underway to negotiate a compromise that would permanently revamp this Medicare trouble spot.
Washington State Exchange Confronts Funding Shortfall
News outlets in Minnesota and Colorado also report on other developments regarding the health law’s online state insurance marketplaces.
The Clock May Run Out On Utah Medicaid Expansion Compromise
News outlets report that a deal for Health Utah may be in the works but there may not be enough time before the legislative session ends at midnight Thursday to complete negotiations between the House, Senate and Gov. Gary Herbert’s office.
King V. Burwell Raises Concerns For GOP Governors, Triggers A Fact Check
News outlets analyze the possible fallout of this case now being considered by the Supreme Court.
KHN First Edition: March 12, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: CBO’s Missing Numbers; Parents’ Beliefs And Kids’ Health; Rape Kit Backlogs
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from California, New York, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, Minnesota, Georgia, Illinois, Oregon and New Mexico.
FDA, Medicare At Odds Over ID Numbers On Medical Devices
Meanwhile, an effort to build a nationwide public safety communications network for first responders encounters challenges.
Enroll In Clinical Trials Through Your IPhone
In a surprise announcement Monday, Apple unveiled a biomedical platform called ResearchKit that will allow any iPhone user to enroll in tests of new drugs and therapies by downloading apps from hospitals and providers who are recruiting patients. Meanwhile, Reston-based Maximus announces plans to acquire information technology contractor Acentia.
Medicare Announces New Models For Accountable Care Programs
The announcement offers new variations in the efforts to create accountable care organizations (ACOs), which are formed by doctors, hospitals and other health care providers to coordinate patient care and lower costs. Also in the news is a look at how medical providers share information.
New Hepatitis Drugs Push Up Prescription Spending
Prescription drug spending jumped 13 percent last year, the biggest increase since 2013, according to Express Scripts, the nation’s largest pharmacy benefits manager. Meanwhile, the FDA approves the first “biosimilar” drug.
Obama To Visit Phoenix VA Hospital Where Scandal Began
In related news, NPR examines how the Veterans Choice Act is working and the Arizona Republic takes a look at how the VA system’s culture may be changing.
SGR Talks Proceed At Staff Level As Cuts Loom
Senior House staffers discuss a long-term repeal of Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula just weeks before cuts are slated to take effect April 1. Meanwhile, three senators introduce a medical marijuana bill that would enable marijuana businesses to open bank accounts, among other things. Also, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hears input on efforts to speed the drug approval process.
Democrats Cry Foul Over Abortion Provision In Bill To Curb Human Trafficking
The legislation, which had strong bipartisan support, was on a path to easy passage when Democrats noticed a section they say was inserted without their knowledge that would prohibit restitution money from being spent on abortions.
Covered Illinois Gets New Exec. Director; Two Bills Advance To Make MNsure Changes
Karin Zosel, a former CIA intelligence officer and college director, will take the helm of Illinois’ online insurance marketplace.
GOP Legislators Officially Kill Mont. Gov.’s Medicaid Expansion Plan
Meanwhile, debate continues in Florida over efforts to expand the state-federal health insurance plan for low-income residents. Also in the news, Republican N.J. Gov. Chris Christie touts his support for expanding Medicaid there, and Alabama officials begin tests on restructuring the state’s Medicaid program.
Report: About 11.7 Million Americans Signed Up Or Re-Enrolled For Obamacare Coverage
Federal officials on Tuesday provided the sign-up tally as of Feb. 22 for insurance coverage under the health law. News outlets note that 86 percent of the enrollees received subsidies, which are the subject of a legal challenge currently pending before the Supreme Court. If the court rules against the health law, it would strip away subsidies in states that rely on the federal government’s marketplace, affecting as many as 7.7 million people.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Health Savings Propel Good Deficit News; VA Delays; Medicine, Race And Poverty
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Oregon, New Jersey and Georgia.
