Latest KFF Health News Stories
Alaska Challenge: Signing Up Those Entitled To Free Care
The Washington Post explores the difficulties of enrolling Native Americans in coverage when they are exempt from the health law’s mandate and get free care. Other stories look at the still scanty evidence that medical homes are more efficient, and how thousands of consumers eligible to sign up for coverage before the next enrollment period because they changed jobs, gave birth, gained citizenship or got married.
Illinois Took Federal Medicaid Money It Couldn’t Repay, Audit Says
Elsewhere, an auditor in Louisiana questions data the governor’s office has provided on the outlook of the state’s Medicaid privatization efforts, and Florida pediatricians could soon see higher Medicaid payments.
State Highlights: Messy Health Care Divorce In Pittsburgh
A selection of health policy stories from Pennsylvania, Kansas, Massachusetts, Texas, Georgia and California.
Viewpoints: New Debate On Shrinkage In Health Enrollments; ‘Mad Medicine’ On Generics
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: August 19, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories about a how a hospital system’s data was hacked, involving as many as 4.5 million patients’ records.
House GOP Focuses On Administration Official’s Instruction To Delete Email
House Republicans are pointing fingers at Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn Tavenner’s direction to delete an email related to the health law’s troubled launch.
Consumer Groups: Chronically Ill Still Face Insurer Discrimination
Patient advocacy groups are complaining to federal officials that some insurers’ policies, such as the high prices charged for certain drugs, “are highly discriminatory against people with chronic health conditions.” Other stories look at whether the health law has helped young people get mental health treatment and how hospitals are rethinking their charity policies.
Rocky Rollout Of ACA Benefits For Oregon’s Developmentally Disabled
Many developmentally disabled Oregonians qualify for more money to cover services at home under the Affordable Care Act, but families say there aren’t enough providers to go around. Meanwhile, consumer advocacy groups in North Carolina look for people who qualify for Obamacare and don’t know it. And Connecticut reports a 55 percent increase in the size of its individual insurance market.
GOP Senate Candidate Seeks Wider Birth Control Access And End To Charges Of War On Women
Rep. Cory Gardner is the first Republican candidate to talk up a new Republican idea of making birth control available over the counter.
Why Didn’t Your Health Insurance Cover Your Bill?
Also, blood test pricing variation in California is examined.
Three Southern Governors Tout Medicaid Expansion Benefits
Also, a report says Wisconsin is leaving more than $206 million on the table by not fully expanding its Medicaid program, BadgerCare.
Medicare To Begin Paying Physicians To Coordinate Care For Patients With Chronic Illnesses
The New York Times reports on this plan to change the way Medicare pays doctors.
Combating Medicare Fraud Proves To Be A Difficult Proposition
The New York Times reports that, despite stepped-up enforcement and investments in anti-fraud efforts, the administration’s push has so far not made much progress. Meanwhile, The Washington Post examines a classic Medicare scam.
Feds To Withhold Some Doctor Payment Data After Inconsistencies
The Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services said Friday that, because of data inconsistencies, a third of the records in a database showing drug and device-maker contributions to doctors will be withheld next month when the website goes live.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
After Rejection Of Increases, Conn. Premiums Set To Decrease
Elsewhere, Missouri regulators have less authority to review insurance rates than other states do. And Massachusetts’ health insurance premiums are set to rise.
State Highlights: Calif. Hospital Bid Draws Scrutiny; Hospital House Calls
A selection of health policy stories from California, Pennsylvania, Washington and Minnesota.
First Edition: August 18, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories about the pervasive nature of Medicare fraud and the difficulties involved in fighting it.
CDC Report Blames Researcher’s Haste For Bird Flu Virus Mishandling
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated an incident when the virus was sent to another lab.
Health Law’s Next Push: Maintaining Sign-Up Momentum
The Huffington Post explores why the people who did not sign up for health coverage during the 2014 open enrollment period may be much harder to reach. News outlets also report on developments from Massachusetts regarding the state’s online insurance marketplace.
