Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Highlights: A Retreat On Mental Health Funding; Big Hospital, Insurer Fight In Ga.
A selection of health policy stories from Georgia, California, Kansas, Missouri, Florida and Maryland.
Big Firms Take Wait-And-See Attitude To Private Exchanges
Major employers are waiting for proof that switching to the private exchanges will save them money, reports Reuters. Meanwhile, Centene Corp, a Medicaid insurer, gave a stronger-than-expected outlook for next year.
Rep. Issa Wants To Hear More From Jonathan Gruber
The MIT economist testified last week before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and apologized for his controversial comments about the health law. But the panel’s chairman, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., wants to know more about Gruber’s income related to his work on the overhaul and has issued a subpoena.
Spending Bill Approved By Congress Includes Health Policy Provisions
The New York Times reports on an array of policy measures attached to the mammoth spending measure, including one provision that provides relief to Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that the section that deals with pensions could become a model for trimming other federal programs, including Medicare.
Incoming Budget Panel Chief Outlines His Agenda
Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., says he will continue to advance changes to the Medicare program that create a “premium support” option. He will also work on reining in federal spending.
Obama Takes To The Airwaves To Pitch Health Coverage
During interviews on sports shows and other popular media, President Barack Obama noted the sign-up period was closing for coverage that starts Jan. 1. While appearing on an ESPN show, he also talked about the NFL and domestic violence.
Alaska Health Official Says Proposed Medicaid Expansion Could Face Delay
If the legislature were to accept the governor-elect’s efforts to expand Medicaid, technical problems with the state’s Medicaid enrollment and eligibility systems are still being addressed. Also, many Virginia residents in the “coverage gap” are feeling a pinch as they look for insurance.
Employers, Consumers Want Their Share Of Obamacare Dividend
Now that insurers and hospitals have reaped rewards from the rollout of the federal health law in states that expanded Medicaid, other groups are demanding a share of the savings. Meanwhile, some free clinics close their doors and a few small businesses start to drop coverage.
Health Exchanges Bracing, And Hoping, For A Last Minute Rush
The first 2015 Obamacare open enrollment period will end at midnight on Dec. 15. News outlets report that the online insurance marketplaces appear to be operating well enough to handle any pre-deadline rushes to sign up. In addition, New York extended its deadline until Dec. 20.
First Edition: December 15, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: States Slow To Appreciate Danger Of Possible Subsidy Ruling; Problems With Medicaid
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy news stories from Hawaii, California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Connecticut, Missouri, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Kansas and the District of Columbia.
Proposed Federal Rule Would Give Gay Spouses Equal Rights At Hospitals, Nursing Homes
The regulations would give the same rights to gay and straight spouses of patients no matter where they live — as long as the marriages are legal somewhere in the United States.
House Gives Nod To $1.1 Trillion Spending Bill
Tucked into the more than 1,600-page measure is a technical fix to the Affordable Care Act that benefits Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance plans.
Public Opinions On The Health Law Vary
A new Associated Press-GfK poll finds that most people think President Barack Obama will be able to prevent Congress from repealing the overhaul, but a Fox News poll found that the majority of Americans favor repealing the Affordable Care Act.
Alabama Gov. Signals Interest In Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Robert Bentley hints he would consider expanding Medicaid in the form of a federal block grant that includes employment requirements.
Connector officials say this scenario is expected because the first payment for 2015 coverage isn’t due until Dec.23. Meanwhile, news outlets in Maryland, Minnesota, California and Oregon track developments related to enrollments and the online insurance marketplaces.
Many Obamacare Enrollees Choose Not To Shop
Almost half of the 6.7 million people who remain enrolled in health exchange plans have not chosen new plans for 2015, which means they will be re-enrolled in the same policies even though the costs and benefits may be changing.
Philadelphia Transit Agency Sues Gilead Sciences To Challenge Sovaldi’s Price Tag
The transit system alleges that Gilead is engaging in price gouging with the drug to treat hepatitis C. The cost of a normal, 12-week course of treatment with Sovaldi is about $84,000, or $1,000 a pill.
