Latest KFF Health News Stories
States Vary In How Medicaid Handles ‘Medically Complex’ Kids
Stateline examines challenges related to this Medicaid policy. In addition, the Kansas Health Institute News Service takes a look at how the end of the Medicaid pay boost will hit primary care doctors within the state.
Appeals Court Hears Arguments On Texas Abortion Clinic Rules
The Texas law was debated Wednesday before a federal appeals court in New Orleans that has already dealt with similar issues in Mississippi.
Feds Use Physician Pay Data To Probe Fraud
Modern Healthcare reports on how the data made public last year can help the government prosecute health care fraud. Two federal lawsuits filed against a Florida cardiologist offer examples.
FDA Advisory Panel Backs First Potential ‘Copycat’ Drug
If the government accepts the recommendation, it could mean millions of dollars in savings for consumers who need expensive drugs.
So Far, The Feds Still Say No To Utah’s Medicaid Work Requirement
Meanwhile, Medicaid expansion efforts, positions and policies in Arkansas, Texas, Florida and Kentucky highlight how the expansion is playing in different locations across the country.
Workers Pay More For Health Care Despite Slowed Premium Increases: Study
Stagnant wage growth caused workers to need a bigger percentage of their income to cover premiums and other costs.
Obamacare Sign-Ups Increase Steadily
The Obama administration reported Wednesday that nearly 103,000 people signed up for coverage last week in the 37 states using the federal exchange, bringing enrollment to 6.6 million in those states. Meanwhile, small businesses are steering clear of the exchanges designed for them and Minnesota’s state exchange gets a $34 million infusion from the feds.
As GOP Leaders Aim To Build Public Trust, The White House Issues Veto Threats
In the early days of this congressional session, it appears that a serious divide exists between Republican leaders and the White House.
Full-Time Work Week Bill Sets Up Face-Off Between Hill GOP, White House
The measure would raise the health law’s definition of full-time work to 40 hours. The measure is expected to gain easy passage in the House, but will face a more difficult challenge in the Senate, where Republicans don’t have a filibuster-proof majority.
First Edition: January 8, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Paul Ryan Says Health Law Is Beyond ‘Repair’; GOP’s ‘Attack’ On Disability Payments
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Texas, Connecticut, Oregon, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Texas.
What Governors Want: A To-Do List For Congress
State executives, in conjunction with the National Governors Association, offered federal lawmakers a list of action items that included the reauthorization of the Childrens’ Health Insurance Program and steps to streamline the Medicaid expansion waiver process.
Conn. Senator Proposes New Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill
In the meantime, the head of the New Mexico VA health system plans a good-will tour of the state.
Pharma, Biotech Stocks Avoid Much Of Early New Year’s Malaise
In other news, a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel will meet Wednesday to decide whether to recommend approval for a biosimilar drug, which represents a potentially cheaper alternative to Amgen Inc. ’s Neupogen. If it gains agency approval, this drug would be the first biosimilar to get the FDA’s OK and it could mark the beginning of a new drug-industry era in the United States.
The 2015 Forecast Is Sunny For For-Profit Hospitals
Modern Healthcare reports that investor-owned hospitals are better positioned and “enjoying momentum” from the health law more than are not-for-profits. Meanwhile, ProMedica is appealing an anti-trust decision to the Supreme Court that could have national implications related to the market trend of hospital consolidation and acquisitions.
Meet The New Health Law Tax Form
Form 1095-A is necessary if you obtained health insurance last year through the health law. Meanwhile, here’s a roundup of other news coverage regarding health law policy issues and developments, including the overhaul’s medical device tax and the birth control mandate.
Ark. Gov.-Elect Stays Quiet On State Plan To Privatize Medicaid
Meanwhile, Georgia doctors deal with the end of their enhanced Medicaid pay.
Turnover Marks The Top Spots At Many State Exchanges
Only five of the 16 directors who headed up state-based insurance marketplaces remain in their posts, and among the most recent departures is that of executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector.
House Passes Bill To Ease Insurance Requirements For Employers Hiring Veterans
The measure, which passed unanimously, would allow employers to exempt workers who received health coverage through the Defense or Veterans Affairs departments from the tally used to determine the health law’s employer mandate.
