Latest KFF Health News Stories
Survey: Iowa Hospitals Save More Than $30M From Medicaid Expansion
Elsewhere, Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, experienced a big jump in enrollment, and a Texas board appointed by Gov. Rick Perry recommended that the state’s health commissioner negotiate an agreement with the federal government to expand health coverage to the poor under the health law.
Appeals Court Pulls Health Law Subsidies Case From Calendar
After the Supreme Court’s Nov. 7 announcement that it will consider the issue as a result of a separate lawsuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said it would delay its review of Halbig v. Burwell until after the high court makes a ruling in King v. Burwell. Arguments before the high court are expected early in 2015 with a decision by July.
Healthcare.gov Re-Enrollment Could Lead To Pocketbook Surprises For Consumers
The mix of lower-priced plans that will be available on the federal exchange and lower tax credits could cause some people to pay more for coverage, The Wall Street Journal reports. Meanwhile, news outlets also examine what might be next for the overhaul and its impact on people who signed-up last year. Also, The Hill notes that Enroll America’s fundraising to support its outreach efforts is down $7 million from last year.
State Marketplaces Prepare To Open Again On Saturday
Officials in a number of states say they are optimistic that their operations are ready, but some questions remain. In Minnesota, a new audit identifies problems with verifying customers’ eligibility.
Officials discuss what they’re doing to sell the second enrollment period for the health law’s exchange as well as language improvements they’ve made. Also, what else to watch for when the marketplace opens on Saturday.
First Edition: November 13, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from Kansas, Virginia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Arizona, California, Texas and Maryland.
Investors Plow $7.5M Into Health Insurance Comparison Tool
The owners of Priceline.com and Kaha are building a website that they say will enable consumers to compare 75,000 state and federal exchange plans, as well as off-exchange plans. Other stories look at health savings accounts and whether life insurance companies should have access to your genetic test results.
HHS Official: Providers Warn Patients Away From Dual-Eligible Pilots
Melanie Bella, who oversees programs for Americans covered by both Medicare and Medicaid, complains that providers are warning patients they will lose benefits if they participate in a managed-care initiative designed to test ways to reduce costs and improve quality. Meanwhile, a Center for Public Integrity probe finds that nursing home patients may not be receiving the advertised level of care.
Medicare Proposes To Cover Lung Cancer Scans For Heavy Smokers
The agency is following the advice of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in making CT scans available to heavy smokers for the first time. Many insurers already do this.
House GOP Eyes Budget For Health Law Repeal, Medicare And Medicaid Transformations
Additionally, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., are teaming up to develop a proposal to replace Obamacare. Former White House adviser David Axelrod recommends compromise, but Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is holding firm in his commitment to undo the Obama administration’s landmark legislative achievement.
Obamacare Architect Slammed For Voter ‘Stupidity’ Comments
A year-old video showing MIT economist Jonathan Gruber saying that “lack of transparency” made the passage of the health law possible has hit a political nerve.
Politics, Funding And Policy Issues Swirl Around State Medicaid Expansion Decisions
News outlets report on various expansion issues, including the latest developments from Texas, Utah, Pennsylvania and Missouri.
States Race To Make Last-Minute Health Exchange Improvements
With the second lap of enrollment about to begin, a number of states are making sure their call centers are staffed up and other consumer-friendly changes are ready. In other news, Politico Pro reports that some states are finding it difficult to recoup the money spent on botched websites. News outlets also report on specific developments in Idaho, Minnesota, Arizona, Missouri and Nevada.
On The Cusp Of Its Second Enrollment Period, Health Law Still Faces Challenges
Those challenges are of both a political and legal nature, notes The New York Times. Other news outlets analyze premium costs: how they might change for 2015 coverage and fluctuate among states. Headlines also continue to parse the Obama administration’s enrollment projections and examine why Latinos continue to be an important population to reach with the sign-up message.
First Edition: November 12, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Court Could Undermine Health Enrollment; Losing Control Of Mental Hospitals
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Judge Skeptical Over Partners Deal In Mass.; S.C. Gets New Medicaid Director
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, North Carolina, Louisiana, Oregon, Ohio, South Carolina and California.
VA Chief Pushes Overhaul, Firings At Agency
A day before Veterans Day, VA Secretary Robert McDonald announced a complete restructuring of the agency in the wake of the scandal over excessive wait times and poor care that critics blamed for patient deaths.
