Latest KFF Health News Stories
Examining Medicaid Expansion’s Strain On Health Care System
In other Medicaid expansion news, former HHS head Kathleen Sebelius is confident more states will opt for expansion in 2015, and newly elected and soon-to-be appointed officials in Utah and Texas have their stances on the program for low-income Americans scrutinized.
With Memories Of Troubled Enrollment Process Last Year, Officials Promise Improvements
News outlets examine preparations for enrollment in Nevada, Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, Colorado, Virginia and Missouri.
Administration’s 2015 Enrollment Outreach: Shorter, More Targeted, Lower Key
Last year’s high-wattage campaign that featured celebrities and used late-night television will be dialed back this year. On Saturday, the sign-up period kick-off, administration officials will fan out, but President Barack Obama will be out of the country. He will talk about open enrollment during his Saturday radio address, however.
What To Expect If You’re In The Market For New Coverage
News outlets set the scene for kick-off of the health law’s open enrollment period and offer consumers tips regarding what they’ll need to know when considering health insurance coverage.
First Edition: November 14, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Nursing Home Safety; How The Court Could Impact Subsidies; Origin Of An SHPOS
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the web.
Viewpoints: Senate’s ‘Reconciliation’ Strategy; Gruber’s Candor; Scalia And The Health Law
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Mo. Abortion Bill Returns; Colo. Uses Pot Money For Health Workers
A selection of health policy stories from Missouri, Colorado, Massachusetts, California, Texas, Oregon, New York and North Carolina.
White House Seeking $6.18 Billion For Anti-Ebola Efforts
Politico reports that the push for new funding is viewed as a post-election test to see if the two parties can work together on a health issue. Politico also reports that the military is now on track to send about 3,000 troops — down from 4,000 — to fight Ebola in West Africa.
Study Questions Need For Long-Term Care Insurance For Most People
The analysis by Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research found the insurance makes financial sense only for the richest 20 to 30 percent of unmarried people. Other reports look at an executive shuffle at UnitedHealth Group and the assertion by WellCare Health Plans that the government’s star rating system for Medicare Advantage plans is biased against those serving low-income people.
Key Spending, Tax Decisions Could Come From Outside GOP’s Senate Budget Committee
In the meantime, the GOP begins deciding who will chair which committees on Capitol Hill. Also, some wonder who will next lead the Congressional Budget Office — that nonpartisan arbiter of government spending.
Gruber Videos Hand GOP Ammunition Against Obamacare
A third video emerged Wednesday of MIT economist and health law architect Jonathan Gruber disparaging voters, and some Republicans proposed that he be called to testify before Congress.
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.
