Latest KFF Health News Stories
Administration Announces Increased Payments To Medicare Advantage Plans
The final announcement about rates reverses a slight decrease proposed in February. Also in Medicare news, The Hill looks at a lobbying effort seeking to derail the House bill to revamp payments to doctors and the departing head of MedPAC looks back at his tenure.
Rule Proposed For Medicaid Mental Health Parity
Enrollees in Medicaid managed care plans would get the same access to mental health and substance abuse services as consumers covered by private plans if the proposal is enacted.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Senate Should Get To Work On Medicare; Mark Cuban’s Mistakes On Health Care
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Women Often Don’t Get Quick, Proper Treatment For Heart Attacks
Researchers seek to find out why women don’t seek or get appropriate care. Other news about health treatments include a look at the annual physical, mental health parity concerns and an effort to keep FBI agents in shape.
Medicare Payment Fix Faces Challenges From Some Deficit Hawks
The Associated Press looks at the details of the House plan to change how Medicare reimburses doctors and the opposition it could face in the Senate. Also, KHN details another change to doctor pay: a requirement in the health law to link it to quality.
Billionaires Harness Money, Technology In Pursuit Of Fountain Of Youth
The Washington Post reports on how some of Silicon Valley’s tech titans are using their billions to transform biomedical research, and on how ALS patients are pressuring the FDA for quick access to a new, yet-to-be-approved drug.
More People Face Risk Of Crippling Medical Bills Under High-Deductible Plans
The Charlotte Observer spotlights the growing shift by employers of costs to workers, which can result in devastating bills for a person who experiences a medical crisis. Meanwhile, the high prices of some new drugs are being scrutinized.
Alaska Legislative Hearings This Week Will Focus On Governor’s Medicaid Expansion Plan
Plus, a roundup of other Medicaid-related stories impacting Florida, Colorado, New Hampshire and Louisiana.
Lawmakers Push Bills To Repeal ‘Cadillac,’ Medical Device Taxes
Business and labor unions work to kill the federal health law’s so-called Cadillac tax on expensive insurance policies, while a Massachusetts Democrat touts bipartisan legislation to roll back a tax aimed at medical device makers. Meanwhile, the health law increases tax refunds for some while decreasing them for others and the filing deadline for Obamacare customers given the wrong tax forms is extended until Oct. 15.
State Highlights: Health Issues In Jails; VA Waits In Florida, Calif. Right-To-Die Bill
News outlets examine health issues in California, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri and New York.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Trouble For Exchanges?; Doc Fix’s Potential To Shake Up Medicare; War On Cancer
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: The ER Vs. Health Directives; Individual Mandate Strikes Bipartisan Chord
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
A selection of health policy stories from Minnesota, Iowa, Maryland, New Mexico, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
N.J.’s High Court Says State Can Deny Medicaid To Some Adult Non-Citizens
In a split decision, the New Jersey state Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling allowing Medicaid benefits to be denied to adult non-citizens who are in the U.S. legally but have been here for less than five years. In other Medicaid news, a federal judge orders Ohio to reinstate benefits for people involved in a lawsuit regarding the state’s re-determination of eligibility, and Connecticut’s Medicaid program is cutting payment rates for doctors who provide pregnancy care, perform deliveries and provide women’s preventive services.
Safety Concerns Over Procedures Prompt Insurance Coverage Changes And Court Cases
Following a Food and Drug Administration cancer warning, insurance providers are curtailing or considering limits on coverage of procedures using the laparoscopic power morcellator. Also, a Seattle medical center and the maker of medical scopes allegedly tied to so-called “superbug” outbreaks are being sued. And a former doctor pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a hepatitis C outbreak in Nevada.
Patients Increasingly Hiring Advocates To Help Navigate Difficult Health Situations
The Associated Press looks into the field of patient advocates, explaining the work they do and exploring whether they can save money. Also, a new study finds that even as many consumers face higher medical costs, fewer are contributing to health savings accounts.
Fla. Lawmakers Prepare For Budget Showdown Over Medicaid Expansion Funding
Meanwhile, in Montana, a Senate panel will hold a hearing next week on a measure to expand the state-federal low-income health insurance program.
Obamacare Is A ‘Boon’ To U.S. Economy, Adviser Says
But a Fox News poll finds that more voters still say their families are worse off because the health law costs them money.
