Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: GOP’s Doomed Vow On Health Law; ‘Scary Sign’ On Obamacare From Supreme Court
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: ‘Pharmacy Deserts’; Marketplace Premiums; Narrow Networks
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
State Highlights: Mass.’s Quincy Hospital To Close; N.M. Human Services Secretary Resigns
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Maryland, New Mexico, South Carolina, Colorado, New Hampshire, Alabama, Oregon and California.
Docs’ Groups Eye Lame Duck Session For SGR Overhaul
Doctors’ groups say the cost estimate for changing the formula to pay Medicare providers has never been lower but differences over how to fund the change might still block action, Politico reports.
Humana Says Health Law, Hepatitis C Drug Costs Hurt Profit
The insurer says, however, that the increased costs were offset in part by increasing membership.
Ariz. Court Weighs Medicaid Expansion Suit; Ark. Program Faces Uphill Battle
Also, in Ohio, the governor’s office says he plans to continue the expansion, but Republicans in the state legislature may want to change course.
New Chief Vows Healthcare.gov Will Be ‘Well-Running Ford’
Kevin Counihan, chief executive of Healthcare.gov, says he will deliver a functional, not flashy, shopping experience in the second open enrollment season. Other stories look at cybersecurity upgrades for the federal exchange and debates among state exchange officials about plans for long-term financial viability.
Boehner, McConnell Outline Agenda, Efforts To Repeal ACA High On The List
The presumptive Senate majority leader and the speaker of the House outlined their legislative vision with a series of bullet points in a Thursday Wall Street Journal opinion piece.
GOP To-Do List: Fix Health Law’s Medical Device Tax, Refine Work Hours Provision
Flush with the power of the majority, congressional Republicans plan to have a vote to repeal Obamacare, although the president has vowed to veto that. The “plan B” strategy will then be to undo some of the overhaul’s most unpopular provisions. News outlets also report on how congressional committees may deal with the Affordable Care Act and other health policy.
Congressional Leaders, President Obama Exchange Opening Salvos Over Health Law’s Future
The New York Times notes that one thing is for sure — the overhaul will again face a high level of scrutiny. Lines in the sand are already emerging — with Republicans calling for a complete repeal and President Barack Obama re-iterating his intent to protect his signature legislative achievement — but in the background some point to the potential to address provisions that both parties would like to fix.
First Edition: November 7, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: A Doctor Seeks To Muster Courage To Treat Ebola; Scars From A Son’s Attack
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
State Highlights: Migrant Health Care Cuts In Hawaii; Mo. Docs Face Medicaid Pay Cuts
A selection of health policy stories from Hawaii, Colorado and Missouri.
Voters Considered A Range Of Health-Related State Ballot Initiatives
Even as the election-day dust settles, Kaiser Health News reports that no clear theme emerged on what health policy issues won and lost. California news outlets examine what became of the state’s Proposition 45. Voters also considered ballot questions regarding abortion, personhood, paid sick leave and soda taxes.
President Obama Calls For More Work To Improve VA Care
Also, VA health care providers worry a policy change allowing veterans to get care outside the VA system could lead to slow repayment. Meanwhile in Iowa, veterans prepare to take advantage of that change.
Insurer WellCare Reports Increased Membership As Medicaid Rolls Grow
In its quarterly report, the company said it also beat profit estimates but told investors it faces challenges next year. Meanwhile, six former officials have filed a suit alleging that the company improperly kept money that should have been repaid to Medicare and Medicaid.
State Exchanges Focus On Outreach, IT Issues
In Connecticut, exchange officials warn that thousands could lose subsidies and even coverage if they do not verify their immigration and income status, while in Minnesota, workers race to fix website glitches 10 days before open enrollment begins.
Insurers Ramp Up Marketing For Second Enrollment Season
The competition is increasing as more companies offer plans and insurers seek to get this year’s customers to re-enroll as well as attract new ones. Also in the news, small business owners testing a new website for their workers report some problems.
Business Leaders, Lobbyists Expect Limited Action On Health Care
In exit polls, meanwhile, many GOP voters said they supported a rollback of the health overhaul, but their No. 1 wish was for greater cooperation in Washington, reports The New York Times. Also, McClatchy examines what’s important to Latino voters.
