Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘Puzzling’ Spanish-Language Translation Error Fixed On Healthcare.gov
Also in the news, Stateline offers a states report on health law efforts to expand insurance coverage among Latinos.
State Highlights: Blue Cross Blue Shield Dominant In Texas
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia, Missouri and New Mexico.
Viewpoints: Effects Of Health Law; Conquering Ebola
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
First Edition: October 10, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that Medicare’s basic monthly premium will remain the same in 2015.
Promises, Predictions: Healthcare.gov Will Be Faster, Easier
According to Obama administration officials, the updated website includes a shorter insurance application form and is not expected to crash. Unlike last year, the site has been undergoing testing for more than five weeks.
Coverage Gaps Still Persist Among Some Populations
The Star Tribune reports on how some American Indians — even now that the health law is in place — continue to struggle with costs and other challenges related to securing health insurance. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch examines how state decisions to expand Medicaid impact residents’ options.
Planned Pentagon Spending Cuts Could Sharply Reduce Autism Medical Care
Many military families are concerned they could lose help for their autistic children if a plan is implemented that would reduce military health care costs and cut provider payments for autism services.
State Highlights: Gubernatorial Election Outcomes Will Have Big Impact On Health Law’s Future
A selection of health policy stories from Virginia, Wisconsin, Kansas, California, Arkansas and New Jersey.
U.S. To Step Up Ebola Screening At 5 Major Airports
Passengers arriving from West Africa will have their temperatures taken at the airports. Meanwhile, questions are emerging about the care given to Thomas Eric Duncan, the Texas Ebola patient who died Wednesday, including why he was initially released from the hospital.
Candidates For Calif. Congressional Seat Clash Over Health Law
A Wednesday debate between Democrat Ami Bera and Republican Doug Ose was marked by tense talk about health policy issues and the economy. Elsewhere, Hillary Clinton sidestepped a tricky issue when delivering a paid speech to a trade group.
Viewpoints: Walmart And Obamacare; Negative Views Continue Of Health Law; Ebola Preparedness
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
States Grapple With Obamacare Premium Increases, Related Issues
In California, voters are split over a ballot initiative that would give the state’s insurance commissioners new powers to veto health insurance cost increases. Meanwhile, in Iowa, the insurance commissioner approves rate increases proposed by three insurers.
Longer Looks: Limits On Doctor Training; A Woman’s Campaign For End-Of-Life Choices
Each week, KHN finds interesting reads from around the Web.
First Edition: October 9, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the Obama administration preview of how healthcare.gov will function in the upcoming open enrollment period.
30,000 Walmart Part-Time Workers To Lose Health Benefits
The world’s largest retailer and largest private employer announced Tuesday that it would terminate health insurance coverage for employees who work fewer than an average of 30 hours a week. This action follows similar steps by Target and Home Depot, among others.
Administration Delays Home-Care Worker Minimum-Wage, Overtime Protections
In a Tuesday announcement, the administration said it won’t enforce this rule, which involves an estimated 2 million home-care workers, for the first six months after its Jan. 1, 2015, effective date.
As U.S. Bolsters Defenses Against Ebola, Price Tag Grows
President Barack Obama vows national defense against the disease but reminds Americans that the human toll in Africa is also worthy of their support. The administration also weighs tighter screening for international travelers.
Teaching Hospitals Make Residency Funding Pitch On Capitol Hill
Congress has capped federal funding for the training of new doctors, and hospital officials are hoping to get that limit lifted.
State Highlights: Mass. First To Require Health Care Price Tags; Health Disparities In Wis.
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Illinois, Connecticut, California, Texas, South Dakota and Pennsylvania.
