Latest KFF Health News Stories
Florida Surpasses California In Obamacare Sign-Ups
The Sunshine State had more residents buying private health insurance through the online marketplaces set up by the Affordable Care Act than any other state. Other stories track state-by-state enrollment totals as of Sunday.
In Touting Sign-Ups, Official Warns Supreme Court Decision Could Hurt Millions
HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell says many of the 8.6 million people choosing their health plans through the federal exchange could be deprived of coverage if the high court decides to strike down their subsidies in a pending case.
First Edition: February 19, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Arguments For Law Unpersuasive; Health Spending Rising; A Case For Asylums
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health care issues in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, and Washington.
Many Long-Term, Acute-Care Hospital Discharges Reflect Most Lucrative Payments
A Wall Street Journal analysis finds that patients in many of the 435 long-term hospitals that specialize in treating people with serious conditions are sent home after the hospital has maximized its Medicare payments. In other news about the health care marketplace, a report about doctors’ efforts to be more attentive and the reasons Giliad doesn’t do more to promote its AIDS drug.
CVS Health Warns Of Potential Costs From New Cholesterol Medicines
The treatments, which could be approved for some patients this year, could cost between $7,000 and $12,000 a year. This comes as a new poll finds health costs are Americans’ biggest worry about retirement.
Oregon’s Legal War With Oracle Shifts To Medicaid Contract
Oregon’s battle with Oracle over the technological glitches that plagued last year’s exchange operations has spilled over into its separate contract with the company to help enroll tens of thousands of residents into Medicaid. Meanwhile, estimates suggest Wisconsin could save $400 million over two years with an expansion of Medicaid, putting Gov. Scott Walker in a difficult position as he looks at a $2 billion budget deficit. It is a dilemma that other Republican governors have faced.
Calif. Weighs Giving Consumers Facing Tax Penalty New Chance To Enroll In Health Plans
Meanwhile, Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber’s resignation has provided a Republican-controlled congressional panel with a fresh opportunity to examine what went wrong with the state exchange. Other developments are tracked in California, Maryland, Minnesota and Missouri.
Questions Grow About GOP, Administration Plans Should Supreme Court Reject Subsidies
Health and Human Services Secretary Secretary Sylvia Burwell has refused to say what, if any, contingency plans are being made and most Republican governors and lawmakers have offered little encouragement to those getting federal tax credits to buy a health plan. Also, The Washington Post finds that several Republican members of Congress have flip-flopped on the issue at the heart of the case.
Marketplace Website Still Has Many ‘Back End’ Glitches Affecting Insurers
Plans continue to have problems verifying whether consumers have enrolled and subsidy payments are not yet automated. Meanwhile, Democrats are preparing for blowback during tax season from people who realize for the first time that they will pay a penalty for failing to have insurance and some advocates call for a change to make it easier for pregnant women to sign up for coverage.
Obama Announces 11.4 Million People Enroll In Marketplace Plans
The tally, higher than the administration’s estimate but slightly below the CBO’s projection, will likely change as customers granted extra time finish up the process and others fall off after failing to pay premiums.
First Edition: February 18, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Questions Raised About Report On Morcellator By Surgeons’ Group
The Wall Street Journal reports that an official of the group supporting the use of the controversial surgical device was also a paid consultant to a morcellator’s manufacturer. In other news about the health care industry, the Journal also has a collection of articles about medical innovation, and KHN examines some difficulties for determining if a doctor is in an insurance network.
NPR’s Diane Rehm Plays Role In Right-To-Die Debate
Her husband’s slow and painful death prompted her to speak out about the lack of legal medical help for the dying. Meanwhile, the issue of assisted suicide is playing out in several state legislatures.
Viewpoints: Troubles With The GOP Health Alternative; Rise In Co-Payments Is A Problem
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets look at health care developments in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, North Carolina and Texas.
New Benefits Spotlight Shortage Of Mental Health Providers
Nearly 100 million Americans are living in areas with inadequate numbers of mental health providers, reports The Wall Street Journal. The Kansas City Star looks at the unaddressed mental health problems of children.
States Have The Tough Job Of Deciding When To Require Vaccinations
As some residents grow more concerned with risks of epidemics, they turn to government to intervene. Also, some doctors are learning how to take a harder line with parents who oppose vaccinations.
Veterans Say New ‘Choice Card’ System Is Confusing
The ‘choice card’ was meant to give those facing long waits for health care the option to see a private doctor, but some say it isn’t working. Meanwhile, the head of the embattled agency says he has fired 900 people as part of a process of restoring accountability.
