Latest KFF Health News Stories
Judge Rules That States Using Federal Health Exchange Can’t Offer Premium Subsidies
The decision by a federal district judge in Oklahoma is the latest ruling regarding whether consumers in states that opted to use federal insurance marketplace are entitled to subsidies. Because court decisions have differed, many experts say the question will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Advocates Cry Foul Over Move To Terminate Immigrants’ Health Coverage
Two immigrant groups bring civil rights complaints with the Department of Health and Human Services to block the cancellations for about 115,000 people who bought coverage through healthcare.gov but whose immigration status the government hasn’t been able to verify.
First U.S. Case Of Ebola Diagnosed In Texas
The patient, who reportedly took a Sept. 20 commercial flight from Liberia to Dallas, represents the first case diagnosed outside of Africa. Public health officials were quick to quiet fears, saying the U.S. health care system is well-equipped to control the disease’s spread.
State Highlights: Fla. Toughens Drug Compounding Laws; Conn. Hospitals Leave Largest Insurer
A selection of health policy stories from Florida, Connecticut, New York, Michigan, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Arkansas.
Doctors, Hospitals Went Digital, But Still Can’t Share Records
After spending billions to switch from paper to digital records — much of it taxpayer subsidized through the economic stimulus package — providers say the systems often do not share information with competitors. Meanwhile, Walgreen Co. warns that higher generic drug costs and lower reimbursement rates will cut profits and UnitedHealth buys a doctor management company.
Database Debuts Detailing Financial Links Between Physicians And Drug Makers
Consumer advocates have pushed for years for this kind of government database in an effort to protect against doctors’ conflicts of interest, to safeguard patient care and to prevent unnecessary costs to public health programs.
On The Campaign Trail, GOP Gov. Snyder Highlights Michigan’s Medicaid Expansion
Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder pointed out — as part of his re-election bid — that 63,000 more low-income adults have signed up for the program than was projected this year. Meanwhile, a video surfaced of Republican Bruce Rauner, who is running for governor in Illinois, telling conservative activists last year that he would have blocked Gov. Pat Quinn’s expansion efforts.
N.J. Gets New Insurer; Oregon Shifts To Healthcare.gov
One year in, separating fact and political fiction about the Obamacare marketplaces remains difficult, reports CBS News. Other outlets report exchange developments in New Jersey, Colorado, Oregon and Minnesota.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: October 1, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of the debut of the Open Payments database, a federal information trove designed to shed light on the financial connections between physicians and the drug and medical device industry.
Website Launches Today Showing Drugmakers’ Payments To Doctors
The so-called Open Payments program is intended to shine a light on potential ethical conflicts and allow patients to look up their doctors online. The first batch of data, however, will be incomplete, covering only a few months at the end of 2013. Journalism website ProPublica says it has tracked 3.4 million payments to health professionals since 2009, totaling more than $4 billion.
Senate Control Still Up In The Air As Democrats Shift Focus To Medicare, Other Popular Programs
The strategy being employed by Democrats — to nationalize the election by highlighting popular programs such as Medicare and Social Security as well as issues that resonate with younger voters — is a regular approach during midterm elections. Meanwhile, in Virginia, Senate candidate Ed Gillespie promises to disclose specifics of his plans to replace the health law.
State Highlights: Calif. Health Laws Signed; Mass. Judge Considers Partners Deal
A selection of health policy stories from California, Massachusetts, New York, the District of Columbia, Minnesota and Kansas.
More Insurers Change How They Pay Medical Providers
Commercial insurers are moving rapidly from the old system of paying health providers for every test or procedure they do toward payments based on the value rather than volume of services, according to a report by Catalyst for Payment Reform, a business coalition focused on health care costs.
Drug And Device News: Study Questions Medical Devices’ Safety Evidence
Elsewhere, The Associated Press reports on a new advertising approach for Viagra — a TV commercial that targets women.
Federal Database On Physician Quality Ratings Comes Up Short, Experts Say
The database, which was created by the health law, offers only the most basic information, according to USA Today.
Today Is The Deadline For Thousands To Provide Information To Keep Subsidies
The administration has notified more than 300,000 people that they need to provide documentation to keep their health insurance subsidies. Also in news on the health law, supporters are weighing a new focus on the individual mandate, and the administration promises changes to the ACO rules.
Viewpoints: Shop Around For Health Coverage; ‘Gaming’ Obamacare; FDA And Painkillers
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: September 30, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including preview stories regarding the launch of the Open Payments database — a federal government website which will provide information on drug company payments to tens of thousands of physicians.
Bigger Challenges Forecast For Health Law’s Second Sign-Up Drive
Enrolling new customers will be more complicated this time around because potential enrollees may be harder to reach, reports The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, Fox News looks at the potential risks of automatic re-enrollment for consumers. The law’s impact on hospitals, insurance companies and uninsured people is also in the news.
