Latest KFF Health News Stories
Despite Health Law Goal, Emergency Room Visits Still On The Rise
News outlets report on the findings of a survey of E.R. doctors conducted in March in which about three-quarters said they had witnessed a continued increase in emergency visits — which is the opposite of what many expected would happen once Obamacare took effect.
King V. Burwell Challenge To Health Law’s Subsidies Viewed As Test For Chief Justice
Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare reports that CEOs overwhelmingly expect the high court to rule in favor of the government and uphold the health law when it announces it’s King V. Burwell decision this summer.
Obamacare Enrollment Deadline Passes For Most — But Exceptions Do Exist
The New York Times details who might qualify to enroll for health coverage before the next open season begins. Meanwhile, news outlets take a look at a range of other implementation issues, including funding for the health law’s risk corridor program and some marketplace reverberations.
Florida Legislative Session Ends In Disarray After Divisive Medicaid Battle
The lawmakers still need to pass a state budget but it’s not clear when or how they will do that. News outlets look at the political and practical effects of the impasse.
12 Million Gain Medicaid Coverage Under Health Law, Administration Says
The expansion of the health program for low-income residents has also helped the bottom line for a number of hospital companies, which are facing fewer uncompensated care charges. Other Medicaid news examines developments in Pennsylvania, Montana, Michigan and Arizona.
Nearly Half Of State-Run Health Exchanges Face Financial Woes
Almost half of the 17 state-run health insurance marketplaces are confronting serious financial difficulties. Some may even be misusing health law grants to keep the exchanges operating. Under Obamacare, states are supposed to be able to cover the cost of operation starting this year.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Faster Drug Approvals; Medical Privacy; Fla. Official’s Opposition To Medicaid Expansion
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Testing Before Eye Surgery; Health Law Coverage Gains; End-Of-Life Talks
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets cover health care issues in Massachusetts, Oregon, Florida, Connecticut, Texas, Minnesota, New York, Missouri, Iowa and Indiana.
Declining Birth Rates Pose Challenge For Social Security, Medicare
A writer looks at the implications of declining birth rates for costly programs geared to the elderly. Meanwhile, Steven Brill blames health care costs on high prices in an appearance in Detroit.
White House Rejects Plan To Revamp TRICARE Health System
In related news, Bloomberg offers a bleak status check on efforts to fix the Veterans Affairs’ health care system.
Gilead’s Costly Hep C Drugs Continue To Rack Up Profits
The medications brought in $4.5 billion in the first quarter, far exceeding Wall Street expectations. Insurer Cigna also reported better-than-expected profit growth while hospital operator HealthSouth saw profits fall and Assurant announced it would sell or close its health insurance division.
D.C. Abortion Rights Law Blocked By The House
Late Thursday night, the House approved — on a largely party-line vote — a Republican-backed measure that overturns a D.C. law prohibiting workplace discrimination based on reproductive health choices.
House Passes GOP Compromise Budget Blueprint; Takes Aim At Obamacare
In addition to paving the way for the Republican-controlled Congress to send a health law repeal measure to the president’s desk, the budget framework also includes $430 billion in cuts to Medicare as well as trims to Medicaid, food stamps and other safety net programs. The Senate is expected to consider the combined budget next week.
Republicans Mull Next Move If High Court Voids Subsidies
One option would continue federal exchange subsidies through the 2016 presidential election in exchange for concessions from the president to end the individual and employer insurance mandate. Meanwhile, the 2015 special enrollment period ends in most states today.
Fla. Lawmakers, Governor At Odds On How To Solve Budget Stalemate Over Medicaid Expansion
The Republican leader of the Senate has proposed a timetable for a special session to hammer out a deal, but it’s not yet clear if House leaders, who adamantly oppose expanding Medicaid, will agree.
Study Finds Hospitals In Medicaid Expansion States Are Better Off
Hospitals lose less money on charity care when the states have expanded the health coverage for low-income residents. Also, news outlets look at developments in the Medicaid debates in Kansas, Maine, Louisiana and Arkansas.
Medicare Releases Trove Of Data On Drug Spending, Doctor Prescribing
The release marks the most specific breakdown ever provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the prescription claims of Medicare beneficiaries.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
