Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: October 3, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including results of the latest round of Medicare penalties for hospital readmissions and a federal appeals court ruling that could have a major impact on abortion services in Texas.
Health Exchange’s One-Year Mark: Looking Forward, Looking Back
As of Oct. 1, the health law’s online marketplaces have been up and running for a year. News outlets offer status reports on what appears to have gone well, what problems remain as the second open enrollment period approaches and how these factors are playing politically.
Missouri Consumer Group Sues Feds To Get Health Insurance Rates
The Consumers Council of Missouri brought suit to force the public disclosure of health insurance rate information ahead of open enrollment, which begins Nov. 15. The group said the Affordable Care Act requires officials to make rate information public so consumers have the opportunity to challenge the price of coverage.
Pentagon Targets Poorly Performing Military Hospitals, Clinics
After a review found wide disparities in the quality of care provided by military-run hospitals and clinics, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered improvement plans for under-performing facilities. Some parts of the system performed better than in civilian-run ones, but treatment fells short in others.
First Ebola Case Slipped Through Hospital Cracks
Doctors at the Texas hospital that initially treated the man who visited West Africa and contracted the disease sent him home with antibiotics after a lapse in communication. The miss is drawing scrutiny of the U.S.’s readiness to handle an outbreak.
Study: Abortion Restrictions Lead To Poorer Health
The study, however, was paid for by groups that support abortion rights. Elsewhere, California’s Catholic Church leadership files a civil-rights complaint over making insurance plans cover abortion.
Access To Long-Term Contraception Lowers Teen Pregnancy Rates, Study Says
The study counseled young women on the benefits of using long-lasting contraceptives like intrauterine devices and hormonal implants.
Early Review: Open Payments Database Not So Open
The new federal website, which was created to provide information about financial links between physicians and the drug industry, is not user-friendly, notes The Associated Press. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal digs into the data to see what it shows about the ties between medical professionals and the drug industry.
State Highlights: Infant Mortality Rises In D.C.; Medicaid Managed Care Rates
A selection of health policy stories from the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Minnesota, New York and Massachusetts.
MNsure Rates Among Nation’s Lowest Despite 4.5% Increase
Many assumed the exit of PreferredOne, the cheapest option in the state insurance marketplace, would push rates higher, but state officials say the premiums are still among the lowest in the country. Meanwhile, Colorado officials urge consumers to shop around to get the best insurance deals there.
Some Employers Weigh Options As Coverage Requirement Approaches
The Wall Street Journal reports that some employers are contemplating reducing their number of full-time employees so they can avoid complying with this requirement. Meanwhile, the Magic Valley Times-News in Idaho reports on how this decision making can play out.
Viewpoints: Another Troubled Website Rollout; Insurers Fight Consumer Measures In Calif.
A selection of opinions on health care issues from around the country.
Longer Looks: Dying At Home; Losing Religion; Obamacare 2.0
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the web.
First Edition: October 2, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including progress reports on the health law at its one-year mark.
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.
