Latest KFF Health News Stories
VA Has Made Little Progress In Reducing Wait Times
The Associated Press reports that since the summer, the number of vets waiting more than 30 or 60 days for non-emergency care has basically remained steady, and the number of medical appointments that take longer than 90 days to complete has nearly doubled.
Pressure From Industry, Lawmakers Protects Medicare Advantage Rates
The Obama administration has repeatedly backed away from proposed rate cuts as a result of the outcry from insurers and lawmakers of both parties. Nonetheless, DaVita HealthCare Partners warns investors that new risk calculation scores will hurt the company’s bottom line.
Gilead’s Pricey Hep C Drug Drives State Medicaid Spending
In other marketplace news, Rite Aid’s prescription sales help the corporation beat profit estimates. Meanwhile, John Hancock Financial announces a new program to offer discounts to policyholders who wear wireless fitness trackers.
Balanced Budget, Abortion Dominate Paul Campaign’s First Day
As Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., kicks off his presidential candidacy, The Associated Press fact-checks his balanced budget plan. And the Kentucky Republican dodged questions about whether he supports abortion exceptions in cases of rape or when the mother’s life is at risk.
Rep. Lois Capps To Retire After 10 Terms In House
The California Democrat is a former nurse who has often championed health care issues like grants for children’s dental care, improving mental health services and expanding nursing training. Capps was elected in a 1998 special election to replace her late husband, Walter, who died from a heart attack.
Enroll America, A Group Dedicated To Promoting Health Law Sign Ups, To Cut 100 Jobs
The non-profit organization was set up by liberal advocates to persuade people to sign up for new health insurance coverage under the health law. Its key funders are now turning to other health care priorities.
In Montana, Bipartisan Effort Muscles Medicaid Expansion Bill To House Floor
In other state Medicaid expansion news, an effort by some Nebraska lawmakers to expand the low-income insurance program sinks to the bottom of the legislature’s agenda, and, in Florida, expansion positions continue to trigger political hijinx.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets offer articles on health care issues from Massachusetts, New York, Idaho, New Jersey, California, Kansas, Connecticut, Minnesota and Illinois.
Kansas Gov. Signs Nation’s First Law Limiting Abortion Procedure
The measure makes Kansas the first state to sharply restrict use of the technique commonly used for second-trimester abortions. The legislation also has been introduced in Missouri, Oklahoma and South Carolina.
UnitedHealth CEO Made Over $66 Million Last Year Due To Company’s Strong Stock Gains
In other news from major insurance providers, Aetna targets a marketing campaign toward the LGBT community and Humana expects its Medicare funding to exceed estimates in 2016, based on the latest CMS benchmark payment rates.
Changes Afoot In How Employers Provide Health Coverage For Workers
Privately run health insurance exchanges are becoming an increasingly popular option for employers.
Montana’s Medicaid Expansion Fracas Continues
A Montana House panel tried to stop the bill from moving forward by heavily amending it, and giving it an unfavorable report. Meanwhile, in Alaska, a finance panel is taking a hard look at the governor’s expansion proposal. Also, tensions are escalating between Florida’s GOP-controlled state senate and Gov. Rick Scott over this health law provision.
On Scale Of 1 To 10, Obama Gives His Health Law An 8
In an ABC News interview, President Barack Obama said his signature domestic achievement didn’t warrant a “10” because there are things that can always be improved. Among them — getting more states to expand Medicaid. Meanwhile, in California, about 18,000 people have taken advantage of a special enrollment window that will close April 30. In other news about the health law, media outlets report on how it is factoring into this tax filing season.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Rethinking Seniors’ Care; Immediate Demands For Hospital Payments; Gov. Scott’s Switch
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets offer articles on health care issues from California, the District of Columbia, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
Federal Officials Criticized For IT Oversight Problems
Other stories explore the sharp rise in medical record data thefts and Aetna’s fining for providing inaccurate information about in-network pharmacies.
Experts Urge Removing Financial Barriers To Organ Donation
In a paper published in the American Journal of Transplantation, the group says the nation should find ethical ways to get rid of financial “disincentives.” Also in the news, the ACLU is seeking federal records about reproductive health care for immigrant minors who are in the country illegally.
