Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Key Exchange Questions Unanswered; Ongoing Need For CHIP
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Supreme Court To Hear Idaho Medicaid Rate Case
The case centers on whether private health care providers can force the state to raise its Medicaid rates because of the rising cost of services.
A selection of health policy stories from Connecticut, Wisconsin, California, Illinois and New York.
Medicare Fines 2,610 Hospitals For Excessive Readmissions
The readmissions rate is dropping, but average fines will be higher this year.
Obama, Health Law Star In Campaign Ads
The Center for Public Integrity says there have been more than 300,000 Obama-related ads this election cycle. Elsewhere, abortion figures prominently in Senate races such as Colorado’s where Democrats look to push their differences with the GOP.
Minn. Cracks Down On Enrollment Contractors
Minnesota officials announced that they are cutting grants to more than a dozen groups that enlisted last year to help with health insurance enrollment. Meanwhile, groups in Connecticut and Illinois have filed discrimination complaints charging that the federal government did not properly alert some immigrant groups before it canceled their health premium subsidies.
13 Of 20 Texas Abortion Clinics Likely To Close After Court Ruling
Federal appeals court overturns an order by a district court judge and says the state can enforce a controversial abortion law while the court evaluates it.
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.
