Latest KFF Health News Stories
GAO: Government Could Save Billions With Better Vetting Of Medicaid Waivers
Also in the news, state Medicaid programs would be able to get federal funding indefinitely to update their enrollment and eligibility computer systems under a proposed rule. Currently, the funding deadline is Dec. 31.
Doctor With Ties To Indicted Sen. Menendez Arrested
The Florida eye doctor faces bribery charges, and — in a separate case — 46 counts of health care fraud for allegedly submitting false claims to Medicare.
Probe: Medicare Overpays Hospitals Due To Markups
A Wall Street Journal analysis shows that many hospitals increased prices faster than their costs rose, affecting payments for complicated cases known as “cost outliers,” where they can charge Medicare their actual costs. Another study finds that millions of older people are getting unnecessary tests to prove they are healthy enough to have cataracts removed.
New Ariz. Law Would Keep State From Setting Up Its Own Exchange
The measure’s impact could be significant if the Supreme Court rejects federal subsidies in King V. Burwell. Meanwhile, plans are moving forward to beef up oversight of Colorado’s health exchange.
Fla. Lawmakers Still Deadlocked Over Medicaid Expansion, Health Spending Issues
Meanwhile, in other coverage, The Washington Post reports on how state decisions to pursue the expansion of the low-income health insurance program are impacting residents’ access to mental health care services.
Employers See Modest Increases In Health Care Premiums As Workers Sign Up
In the meantime, the IRS chief says there’s no backup plan if the Supreme Court strikes down some health law subsidies. And Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton suggests she may be open to making some changes to the law.
Medicare Changes In ‘Doc Fix’ Bill OK’d By Congress Has Benefits, Risks
News outlets analyze the various components of this legislation, which also includes renewed funding for state insurance programs for children and thousands of community health centers.
GOP Lawmakers See Different Opportunities In Budget Reconciliation
Republican House and Senate leaders will have to settle on a list of key priorities for this fast-track budget procedure to avoid a partisan free-for-all. Meanwhile, now that the bipartisan measure to address Medicare’s physician payment formula has cleared both chambers, bickering is coming back.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Requiem For The Medicare Doc Fix; Health Law Aids Christie Plan; More Work At VA
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets offer articles on health care issues from Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin, Kansas, North Carolina, Connecticut, California and Massachusetts.
Tobacco Companies Sue FDA Over Labeling Rule
The biggest U.S. tobacco companies argue in legal papers filed Tuesday that the agency has overstepped its authority with new guidelines requiring them to submit labels for cigarettes and other tobacco products for prior approval.
Christie Calls For Raising Retirement Age, Overhauling Entitlements
Saying the “American people have the appetite for hard truths,” presidential aspirant and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie proposed scaling back Social Security and Medicare for affluent seniors and raising the eligibility age for both programs.
Cancer, Diabetes Drugs Drive Johnson & Johnson Profits
The world’s biggest producer of health-care treatments reported quarterly earnings that topped analysts’ estimates. Meanwhile, federal investigators say they will probe the impact of generic drug price increases on the Medicaid drug rebate program.
Data Breaches Affected 29 Million Medical Records
And nearly 60 percent of those breaches between 2010 and 2013 were because of theft, a new report in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports.
Sen. Johnson Loses Appeal Of Health Law’s Coverage Rule For Congress
The court upheld a lower court ruling that Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican, lacks legal standing to challenge a provision of the federal health law that requires members of Congress and their staffs to get health coverage through online insurance exchanges.
Feds Add New Pressure To Push Florida Toward Medicaid Expansion
Meanwhile, political hijinx continue in the aftermath of the Montana legislature’s approval of a plan to expand the health insurance program for those with lower incomes. News outlets also report on Medicaid expansion developments in New Jersey.
Filer Beware: Health Law Tax Issues Trip Up Many
Insurance subsidy paybacks and special reporting requirements are confusing many consumers as tax day dawns. Elsewhere, a tax on high-value health coverage could be more than anticipated.
Medicare Fraud Charges Filed Against Florida Doctor Linked To Indicted Senator
Ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen faces 76 counts of health-care fraud and related offenses, the Miami U.S. attorney announced. Campaign contributions and gifts from the Florida doctor are at the center of the federal corruption case against Sen. Robert Menendez.
Democrats Look To Force GOP Into Tougher Budget Votes
Democrats will seek, in the context of budget consideration, to force votes on minimum wage, sick leave and privatizing Medicare. In the meantime, some House legislators worry over whistleblower retaliation in in the VA health care system.
