Latest KFF Health News Stories
Passing Obamacare Alternative Would Be Politically Tricky
While Republicans say they are weighing ways to help people who might be hurt should the Supreme Court reject federal exchange subsidies, USA Today writes that building GOP consensus to pass legislation would be extremely difficult. Meanwhile, The Washington Post explores how the debate over four words in the Affordable Care Act shows Congress can sometimes be sloppy when it writes legislation.
Co-Op Signs Up 39 Percent Of Colorado Obamacare Enrollees
In Missouri, meanwhile, a GOP lawmaker wants to bar health insurance subsidies to residents of his state regardless of how the Supreme Court rules. And budget pressures on Florida hospitals have fueled new discussions of Medicaid expansion, while Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback softens his stance on the program’s expansion.
Subsidy Recipients, Insurers Watch High Court Anxiously
In Minnesota, officials at UnitedHealthcare and Medica worry about losing millions of customers if the Supreme Court rules against some subsidies, while residents of states reliant on the federal health insurance exchange, such as Michigan and Georgia, say they would be unable to afford coverage without tax credits.
Challengers’ ‘Legal Standing’ Explored During Court Arguments
Although the justices asked about whether the plaintiffs had standing — the legal right to challenge the law — it does not appear that either side has concerns about the issue. Other reports examine some of the other legal issues and the background of the case.
Ruling Against Obamacare Would Have Broad But Disparate Impact
A decision to strike down the premium subsidies in states that rely on the federal marketplace would affect a wide variety of stakeholders, including hospitals and groups such as Latinos who have been the focus of enrollment efforts.
Each Side Claims Victory In Supreme Court Health Law Arguments
Suspense grows over how the Supreme Court justices will rule, with each side claiming confidence that their arguments won over the court — but how a couple of justices will see the issue remains in the air.
Supreme Court Scene: Justices Appear Divided But Offer Few Clues About How They Will Rule
The arguments went into overtime and ideological differences were evident. The next step for the nine justices is to meet Friday to cast initial votes on a decision in King v. Burwell. The court’s ruling, however, is not expected until June.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Justices Raise Questions About Federal-State Balance, Plaintiffs’ Standing
Oral arguments in King v. Burwell, the challenge to the health law’s insurance subsidies, were completed this morning.
Viewpoints: High Stakes At The High Court; Gov. Scott Insists Obama Needs Plan For States
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from Wyoming, Wisconsin, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Missouri and Iowa.
FDA Orders Drug Makers To Add Heart, Stroke Warnings To Testosterone Drugs
The move is in response to controversial marketing of the drugs in recent years to help fight the effects of aging in men.
Study: Unplanned Pregnancies Cost Taxpayers $21 Billion Per Year
That’s $366 for every woman of childbearing age in the U.S., a new Guttmacher Institute analysis contends. Also, teen pregnancy rates for Latina and black girls have dropped, but they are still higher than for whites.
Report: More Doctors Needed To Treat Aging Baby Boomers
A report by the Association of American Medical Colleges says the United States faces a shortage of 90,000 doctors by 2025, lower than their previous estimate, to treat a sicker, older population. Elsewhere, a program to provide primary care for underserved areas is in danger of shutting down.
Utah’s GOP-Controlled House To Hear Medicaid Expansion Plan After All
Lawmakers reversed course to consider Gov. Gary Herbert’s plan. Meanwhile, Texas state lawmakers reiterate that they will not expand the program and New Hampshire hospitals report fewer uninsured patients in their emergency rooms since that state expanded the insurance program for the poor.
Chief Justice Returns To Hot Seat In The Latest Health Law Challenge
Chief Justice John Roberts was pivotal in the Supreme Court’s 2012 decision and observers will again be watching him for clues on the outcome of King v. Burwell.
High Court Face-Off: Today’s Arguments A Rematch For Attorneys Arguing The Case
Michael Carvin will argue for plaintiffs seeking to undo a key aspect of the health law, and Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. will again defend the federal government.
Poll: Majority Wants Congress To Step In If High Court Nullifies Health Law Subsidies
According to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, a majority of voters believe that a law should be passed on Capitol Hill to help low-income Americans who could lose their health coverage without this assistance. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers seem to agree that some action will be necessary — but there’s little consensus beyond this point.
Looking Forward: Health Law Supporters See Dire Consequences If They Lose King V. Burwell
News outlets detail how the Supreme Court’s ruling could impact the insurance marketplace, the health care delivery system and million’s of Americans who gained health coverage as a result of the health law.
For Obamacare, Today Is A Big Day In Court
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case — King v. Burwell — that challenges the overhaul’s health insurance subsidies, one of the fundamental components of the law. If the justices rule that these subsidies are not legal, the law’s future could be in jeopardy.
