Latest KFF Health News Stories
VA Watchdog Stops Short Of Tying Deaths To Delayed Care
In a report released Tuesday, the VA’s Office of Inspector General criticized a Phoenix VA hospital for “troubling lapses in follow-up, coordination, quality and continuity of care.” Investigators said that numerous veterans died after receiving substandard care, but they could not substantiate allegations that delays had caused at least 40 deaths.
First Edition: August 27, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about Kevin Counihan, the person who take on the challenge of running healthcare.gov.
Report Tallies Funds Committed To Federal Insurance Exchange
The federal government has committed nearly $800 million to the project, according the Health and Human Services’ inspector general. Also in the news, Washington state will have a special limited enrollment period for people who want to shop for coverage outside the marketplace as a result of continuing exchange problems. Meanwhile, Idaho is setting up its own marketplace.
Who Is Exempt From Health Law’s Mandate To Have Insurance?
The Miami Herald looks at the religious groups that pool their money to pay medical expenses and whose members are therefore exempt from the law’s requirement to carry insurance. Other stories look at the “drafting error” that is the basis of a legal challenge to the law’s subsidies and the administration’s latest accommodation on the contraceptive mandate.
State Highlights: Minn. Vaccine Requirements; Sovaldi in Calif. Prisons; Ga. Rural ERs
A selection of health policy stories from Minnesota, California, Georgia, Kansas, Arkansas and Maryland.
Vermont GOP Candidates For Governor Blast State’s Move Toward Single Payer System
The criticism of Gov. Peter Shumlin’s push for a publicly funded health care system came during a debate on the eve of the primary. Also, in Virginia, Republican Senate candidate Ed Gillespie unveils a tax plan that would repeal taxes in the health law.
Obama To Outline More Veterans Health Care Fixes
In a speech to the American Legion today, the president will announce new steps to improve veterans’ access to mental health care and the transition in getting care from the Department of Defense to VA systems.
Viewpoints: Check Out Those Nursing Home Stars; Rove A ‘Bleeding Heart Liberal’ On Medicare?
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
House Hires $500-An-Hour Lawyers To Sue Obama
House Republicans revealed they will pay law firm Baker & Hostetler LLP to sue President Barack Obama for allegedly overstepping his legal authority in implementing the Affordable Care Act by giving large employers a one-year extension to offer coverage.
First Edition: August 26, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from major news organizations, including a report about how what some say is a health law “drafting error” and other’s term a “political miscalculation” could become the measure’s trouble spot.
Exchange Customers Now Receiving Subsidies Should Review Tax Issues
The Associated Press examines the tax credit issue. Other outlets look at issues surrounding the state insurance marketplaces in California, Maryland, Illinois, Connecticut and Minnesota.
Couples’ Health Rights Raised In Gay Marriage Case
As part of the court fight to overturn the ban on gay marriage in Wisconsin and Indiana, couples are pointing to problems they have in medical emergencies when their partners are not recognized.
Changed medical practice has reduced the need for blood transfusions, spurring cutbacks and mergers in the blood industry. Meanwhile, Chicago and two counties in California are suing five companies for “aggressive marketing” of opioid painkillers, accusing them of fueling addiction.
Obamacare Plays Supporting Role In Campaigns
While the Affordable Care Act is still ‘red meat’ for conservative voters, Republicans are trying to be more nuanced in how they talk about the issue this campaign season. Meanwhile in Arkansas, Democratic candidates are stressing the importance of keeping the state’s Medicaid expansion in place, while in North Carolina, embattled Sen. Kay Hagan, a Democrat, attacks the president for not doing enough to change the Veterans Affairs Department.
U.S. Chief Tech Officer Steps Down, Switches Roles
Todd Park will return to Silicon Valley as part of White House team trying to recruit top technology talent into government service and channel ideas from the tech community.
State Highlights: Calif. Hospital Accused Of Patient Dumping; Wash. Mental Health Changes
A selection of health policy stories from California, Washington state, Idaho, Florida, New Mexico, Colorado, New York and Massachusetts.
California Requires Insurers To Provide Abortion Coverage
On Friday, Gov. Jerry Brown announced the enforcement of a 1975 state law.
At Home Or In Facilities, Care For Elderly Changing Rapidly
News outlets cover the reliability of nursing home ratings, the growth of home health care aides and the return of the house call.
Some Nonprofits Opposing Contraceptive Coverage Appear Unswayed By New Rule
Catholic bishops and other conservative groups suggest the accommodations do not satisfy their concerns.
Viewpoints: Spreading Ebola Treatments; Dems Can Win Running On Health Law
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
