Latest KFF Health News Stories
From Quirky To Earnest, Pitches Target Millennials, Latinos, Southerners
An Illinois exchange ad mocks young people with a no-cost insurance plan called “Luck,” while Georgia navigators reach out to the state’s growing Latino population, and coalitions of non-governmental groups join forces to sign up uninsured people in southern states.
With Sign-Up Season Underway, State Exchanges Offer Positive Reviews
The Kentucky governor’s office reported that more than 1,100 people purchased or renewed their coverage during the first weekend of open enrollment. Also, in Massachusetts, officials reported that about 12,000 people logged on to check their eligibility, and, in Minnesota, the online marketplace operated largely without interruption.
Health Marketplace Chief Pleased With ‘Good Couple Of Days’
Healthcare.gov CEO Kevin Counihan tells state insurance commissioners about websites’ early successes. Nonetheless, consumers are reporting some bumps as they enroll.
First Edition: November 18, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: How Secure Is Obamacare?; More On Gruber And Liberal ‘Arrogance’
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Mass. Town Considers Total Tobacco Ban; Ohio Autism Program Changes
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Ohio, New York, Illinois and Wisconsin.
VA Secretary Points Out Need For Agency Redesign
After giving out his personal cell phone number and having it ring off the hook with agency issues that require attention, Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald said the agency has to be set up in a way that will allow it to be responsive. Also in the news, the Arizona Republic reports that the VA’s record-keeping has been in such disarray that the agency didn’t track its number of unfilled medical positions until June of this year.
NFL Teams Face Federal Drug Inspections
In a surprise, post-game twist, Drug Enforcement Agency officials conducted inspections of various National Football League medical staffs as part of an investigation related to prescription drug abuse within the league.
Doctor With Ebola Dies In Nebraska After Mistaken Negative Test
Elsewhere, The Washington Post examines what financial role private foundations are playing in the fight against the disease.
Probing Insider Trading Inside The Beltway Proves Difficult
The New York Times explores why efforts to build an insider trading case in Washington, related to a tip about Medicare reimbursement rates, are turning out to be challenging. Meanwhile, a study looks at the dearth of data available to seniors trying to choose health plans.
Obama Uses Saturday Address To Urge Americans To Sign Up For Health Coverage
The president, traveling to meetings in Asia, reminded consumers to shop around for the best option.
Obama Disputes Consultant’s Remarks On Health Law
President Barack Obama and Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell challenged comments by MIT economist Jonathan Gruber that the administration misled American voters, with the president noting the year of debate that preceded the law’s passage.
GOP Readies Strategy To Hobble Health Law
Congressional leaders plan a variety of ways to dismantle the law, including holding new hearings and launching investigations. Also, Politico looks at one of the administration’s key players in the ongoing effort to strengthen the overhaul: Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell.
Costs For Many Marketplace Plans Are Increasing In Sophomore Season
The Washington Post reports that on the health law’s marketplace website, 25 states have plans with higher premiums on average for the most popular plans. Nine states have lower prices this year. Elsewhere, The New York Times reports that unless Americans switch health law plans, they could face big increases next year.
Health Enrollment Outreach Takes Multiple Forms
The Associated Press reports that as advocates expand their efforts, the pitches are being made at places ranging from nail salons and bars to mosques. Meanwhile, Kaiser Health News examines how two states — California and Connecticut — that had successful state marketplaces last year are now refining their outreach efforts.
State Exchanges Back In Business, With Only Limited Hiccups
On opening day of the health law’s second open enrollment season, state-based exchanges appeared to operating relatively smoothly — a stark contrast to last year’s troubled launch. News outlets offered status reports from Washington, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon and Illinois.
Debut Of Exchanges Goes Smoothly
Administration officials said that more than 500,000 people had already logged onto the federal online marketplace Saturday and about 100,000 had submitted applications. Some returning customers had problems, however, remembering their usernames and passwords.
Court Rejects Challenge To Latest Contraceptives Exemption
A federal appeals court on Friday upheld the Obama administration’s accommodation for religious nonprofits, which allows them to avoid paying for contraception under the health care law.
First Edition: November 17, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: ‘Family Glitch’ And Subsidies; Depression Care By Home Health Aides
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
