Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Health Law ‘Off-Ramp’; GOP’s Tough Choices; Negotiating Medicare Drug Prices
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from Kansas, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Ohio, Georgia and Oregon.
Workers’ Costs Grow Despite Slowed Health Spending
A new report indicates that employees face higher medical bills as a result of increasing insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses. Another finds that drug coverage in Obamacare plans is often stingier than in employer coverage.
Groups That Rate Hospitals Often Disagree On Rankings
A study in Health Affairs examined four hospital rating systems for consumers and found their results often diverged.
Both Sides Tailor Talking Points To Sway Justices
Leading Republicans say they have a plan if the Supreme Court voids health insurance subsidies, although they have offered no details, because they believe that will make it easier for the court to strike down the credits. Likewise, the Obama administration insists it has no plan.
