Latest KFF Health News Stories
GOP Statehouse Victories Will Impact Medicaid Expansion, Other Health Issues
Medicaid expansion advocates, who were hoping Democratic challengers would win big, were disappointed by the outcome of a number of gubernatorial races. Arkansas’ alternative Medicaid plan is one of the expansion ideas that might be caught in the cross hairs.
Obama, McConnell Promise A Bipartisan End To Gridlock
But the health law could still be a sticking point. Presumptive Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is feeling pressure from some Republicans to pursue a repeal of the law, However, President Barack Obama made clear that he will resist attempts to undermine the Affordable Care Act.
Now That The GOP Will Control The Senate, What’s Next For The Health Law?
News outlets examine the early signs regarding how a Republican-controlled Senate agenda may attempt to take on Obamacare. Some note that the party’s strong showing might embolden calls for repeal. Presumptive Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., appears to waver between favoring a piece-by-piece dismantling and an even more targeted approach that would seek to undo the most unpopular parts of the overhaul. Topping this list would be the medical-device tax.
First Edition: November 6, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Obama’s ‘Shellacking’; States Benefiting From Health Law Turn Red
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Medicare Defers Request To Pay Doctors For End-Of-Life Counseling
While signaling a willingness to consider the request from the American Medical Association, the agency did not include new billing codes for the service in its 2015 payment rules. Meanwhile, Consumer Reports publishes an end-of-life planning guide.
Some Consumers Could Be Double-Billed Due To Healthcare.gov Issues
Back-end issues with the federal exchange may result in new complications during the 2015 enrollment period, including double billing in some cases, reports The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, The New York Times explores the concerns of small business owners.
The Obama administration announced Tuesday that large employers who offer plans that don’t include coverage for in-patient hospital stays will not meet the health law’s standards. The administration outlined steps it will take going forward to address this issue.
State Highlights: Emergency Responders Squeezed In Texas; Mental Health Costs In Kansas City
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Missouri, Kansas, California, North Carolina and Iowa.
Oklahoma Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Abortion Laws
Meanwhile, a federal appeals court sets the first week in January to hear arguments about a new abortion law in Texas.
Republican Shocks Democrat In Maryland Gov. Race
Elsewhere, Medicaid issues play a key role in deciding gubernatorial races in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Georgia. And updates on races in Wisconsin, Florida, Michigan, Maine, Ohio, Texas and California.
How America Voted On Health Issues
In California, voters defeated measures to raise medical malpractice caps and regulate health insurance rates. “Personhood” amendments in South Dakota and Colorado are defeated, Ariz. approved a “right to try” proposal, and Massachusetts approves mandated paid sick time.
Voter Discontent Fuels Shake-Up In Political Order
The health law was one of several key issues on voters’ minds as they made decisions Tuesday.
Backlash Against Health Law Played Role In Some House, Senate Races
Republicans pounded a number of Democrats for their support of the measure. News outlets pointed to that issue in a sampling of election results.
As Senate Control Changes Hands, Will GOP Agenda Take On Obamacare?
Many observers say that an intra-party debate among Republicans over what to do next with the health law is among the leadership challenges ahead for Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the presumptive Senate Majority Leader.
First Edition: November 5, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP Could Soon Face A Dilemma On Health Law; Midterm Effect On Medicaid
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Colo. Saves $31M On Medicaid Coordinated Care; Kan. Medicaid Growth Is Low
A selection of health policy stories from Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and West Virginia.
What You Need To Know On Election Day
Election issues include “personhood” amendments in North Dakota and Colorado, health care for the poor in Wisconsin, earned sick time in Massachusetts and food labeling in Oregon and Colorado.
Hospitals Boost Patient Care To Improve Their Bottom Lines
The long-neglected issue has become a top priority since Medicare began tracking patient satisfaction and shaving payments to hospitals that fell short. Meanwhile, The Fiscal Times looks at providers’ unhappiness with the administration’s $30 billion effort to encourage them to go digital.
