Latest KFF Health News Stories
Colorado’s New Health Exchange Running Late
The state’s “Kentucky-style” system won’t be ready until just days before open enrollment begins Nov. 15, while a third Colorado exchange official announces she’s leaving. In Oregon, meanwhile, a consultant writes a blistering critique of that exchange and the governor’s plan for its future.
State Highlights: Ariz. Agrees To Settlement On Health Care For Prisoners
A selection of health policy stories from California, Pennsylvania, Arizona, D.C., Texas and Missouri.
GOP Maverick Embraces Medicaid Expansion
The Washington Post examines the efforts by Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, to redefine the GOP. While touting party orthodoxy on economic matters, he has embraced his own version of compassionate conservatism, among other things, implementing the health law’s Medicaid expansion. And he is sailing to re-election in a key battleground state.
FTC Cracks Down On Companies Selling Phony Health Insurance
The firms sold consumers a discount card but it offered no health insurance benefits. Also in the news, a government researcher says federal officials need to monitor billing errors and overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans.
Views On Ebola: Try To Keep ‘An Even Keel’; Who’s In Charge Of Fighting A Pandemic?
News outlets offer a variety of views about how the country responds to Ebola.
Viewpoints: Health Law Undercuts Labor Markets; The Surprising Foes On Calif. Prop 45
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Second Dallas Health Worker Has Ebola; CDC Announces ‘More Robust’ Response
Seventy-six health-care workers who helped treat Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan are being monitored for potential Ebola exposure. Forty-eight others are being watched because they had contact with Duncan.
High Court Allows Texas Abortion Clinics To Stay Open
The Supreme Court’s order, staying a decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, will allow more than a dozen clinics to resume operations at least temporarily, until a legal challenge has been settled.
Colorado University To Limit Student Work Hours — Partly To Ease Health Law Coverage Requirements
Elsewhere, one woman’s story of why getting coverage is important.
First Edition: October 15, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest news regarding the second Dallas health worker diagnosed with Ebola and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s strategy to deal with the threat.
Revamped Healthcare.gov Will Deal With New Complications
The Associated Press reports on how the updated website, which has been overhauled in anticipation of the upcoming second enrollment season, compares with last year’s version. Meanwhile, investigations continue regarding Covered California’s no-bid contracts.
Medicaid Expansion Plans, Debates Continue To Roil GOP Officials, Cause Concern For Hospital Execs
News outlets offer updates regarding Medicaid expansion efforts in Indiana and Ohio.
State Highlights: Supreme Court To Hear N.C. Scope-Of-Practice Case
A selection of health policy stories from North Carolina, Alaska, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico and North Dakota.
In Md. Gubernatorial Debate, Democrat Defends His Role In Botched Health Marketplace
Anthony Brown, the state’s lieutenant governor who oversaw the development of the state’s online insurance marketplace, acknowledges the technical problems but points to tens of thousands of Marylanders who now have health insurance.
Viewpoints: Health Law Opposition Not Propelling GOP; Keep Politics Out Of The Fight Against Ebola
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
CDC Re-Evaluating Safety Procedures After Nurse Contracts Ebola
Thomas Frieden, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, announces that the agency will look again at the protocols for hospitals to see if more training or equipment is necessary to protect health care workers and the public.
McConnell’s Mixed Message On Kynect, The State’s Health Exchange
During a debate last night with Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes, Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the state’s online insurance marketplace could stay but the Affordable Care Act should be repealed. In addition, news outlets report on Senate races in Arkansas and South Dakota.
A poll by The Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research explores American’s thoughts about health insurance, peace of mind and whether the health law is keeping costs down. Meanwhile, Politico explores the GOP’s chances for repeal.
First Edition: October 14, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports from various campaign-trail debates in which the health law played a role.
Medicare Advantage Plans Marked By Shortcomings
The New York Times reports that these problem areas include rejection of claims for medical services and limits on prescription drug coverage. News outlets also report on ACOs grades and Medicare Advantage rate shifts.
