Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Plan Narrow Networks To Continue In 2015
The Los Angeles Times reports that, for Californians, the state’s largest insurers are likely to stick with, or even reduce, the size of their doctor networks for the upcoming plan season. Additionally, no comprehensive directory is available to help consumers match their physicians with their health plans. Meanwhile, The Washington Post also explores how the issue is playing out in the context of a ballot initiative.
CVS To Pay $6M To Settle Medicaid Reimbursement Case
Caremark LLC, a unit of CVS, will make the payments to settle allegations that it knowingly failed to reimburse Medicaid for prescription drug costs paid on behalf of patients who were also covered by private plans it administered. The company denied wrongdoing.
Insurers, Hospitals Hunt For Leaders In Customer Service
Elsewhere, some doctors are becoming more transparent about their professional finances and payments.
Docs Express Frustration With Electronic Health Records
And some worry that a slate of new Web domain addresses could trick consumers into taking medical advice from and getting scammed by those without the proper credentials.
Drugmakers Boost Generic Drug Prices
A big increase in generic drug prices is forcing some patients to go without, reports CBS Boston. Meanwhile, U.S.News & World Report teases out some of the reasons for the slowdown in health care costs.
Majority Of Americans Find The Health Law Hard To Understand, Poll Finds
An Associated Press-GfK poll finds that nearly 75 percent of Americans find the overhaul “difficult” and nearly half say it is “very hard” to understand. However, health care remains a key issue. In California, there’s an effort, for instance, to target messages that include access to health care in outreach to the much-sought-after female voters. Meanwhile, efforts to undo the health law will remain high on the GOP to-do list if Republicans gain control of the Senate.
During First Debate, Iowa Senate Candidates Ernst And Braley Clash On The Health Law
News outlets offer updates on how the Affordable Care Act is playing in Iowa, Arkansas and Minnesota races.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Alaska, North Carolina, Texas and Massachusetts.
Viewpoints: Hospitals Helped By Medicaid Expansion; Why GOP Candidates Back OTC Contraceptives
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Report: Finding Care Is Difficult For Some New Medicaid Enrollees
State standards for access to care for Medicaid recipients vary widely and are rarely enforced, says a soon-to-be released report by the Health and Human Services Department’s inspector general. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s governor pursues Medicaid expansion talks, and confusion continues in Pennsylvania about what benefits will be available to enrollees in that state’s expansion plan.
First Edition: September 29, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the health law’s continuing implementation and issues such as narrow networks.
Underinsured Enrollees Flood Community Health Centers
Some low-income consumers who bought bronze plans with low premiums but high deductibles are discovering they still can’t afford health care and are turning to the community health centers, which cannot turn anyone away. Meanwhile, a study finds insurance costs for small businesses are lower through the SHOP exchanges, and South Dakota lifts a $2M cap on employees’ lifetime health costs.
Medicaid Expansion Concept Gains Momentum In Initially Reluctant States
Reuters reports that this development has to do with financial pragmatism — especially in GOP-led states that were at the forefront of opposition to the health law. The Associated Press provides a status check on Indiana’s expansion request.
Many Gay, Bisexual Men Complacent About HIV Testing
Gay and bisexual men say HIV is the No. 1 health issue facing their community, but just 30 percent say they were tested for the virus within the last year as recommended. Another 30 percent say they have never been tested, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Texas Rep. Brady Ready To Brawl For Ways & Means Top Spot
Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, announced he will seek the chairmanship of this powerful House panel. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., was expected to have a smooth path to that position.
Colorado Projects 30 Percent Enrollment Attrition
Meanwhile, a new judge is assigned to hear Oregon’s lawsuit against Oracle after the first one withdraws from the case.
Chicago Retirees Ask For Health Care Cost-Sharing Reprieve
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants to save the city $108.7 million per year by making retired city workers pay up to 79 percent more for coverage. Elsewhere, Louisiana’s employee health program faces dwindling funds amid a bid by Gov. Bobby Jindal to make big changes.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Indiana, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Four More Hospital Systems Quit ACO Program
Three years after the Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services selected 32 groups to participate in the Pioneer Accountable Care Organization Model program, they are down to 19 players. Officials say that navigating the program’s rules has proved challenging.
Viewpoints: ‘Feud’ Over Health Care Compact; Humane End-Of-Life Care
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
