Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of a partnership between two of California’s largest insurers in which they will join forces to create a database of patient medical records.
Justice Dept. Seeks Full Court Appeal Hearing In Health Law Case
Last month, a three-judge panel ruled against the administration in the case Halbig v. Burwell, which is viewed as a blow to the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, Stateline reports that, based on that ruling, only those states with clear state-based exchange credentials are on solid legal footing.
Online Marketplace Still Not Ready To Offer Brokers ‘Direct Enrollment’ Option
The option, when it is finalized, will allow customers to go to an insurance broker who will be able to provide all the services of the federal website, including calculating subsidies and applying those to the premium. In other news about the upcoming enrollment season for the exchange, Oregon officials announce new insurance rates.
Experts Question Accuracy Of Fast-Growing Veterans’ PTSD Claims
The number of VA disability awards based on post traumatic stress disorder symptoms has grown fivefold over the past 13 years, and some mental health officials suggest that financial rewards may be causing some vets to exaggerate their conditions. Also, a New GAO report suggests changes in a Department of Defense health plan.
Some Medical Schools Trim Time To Degree
A survey of 120 medical schools, conducted by the New York University School of Medicine, found that 30 percent were considering or already planning three-year programs. Meanwhile, medical school enrollments are expanding faster than entry-level residency positions.
Health Insurer To Stop Covering Uterine Procedure
Highmark Inc., which sells plans in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia, will stop covering power morcellation, a technique often used in hysterectomies, after the Food and Drug Administration advised doctors against it because it may spread cancer.
The Health Law Fading From The Campaign Trail Spotlight
News outlets report that the sweeping overhaul appears to be less of a point of contention among candidates and less of a rallying point for voters.
Newly Insured Get Schooling On How To Use Coverage
Health law advocates who had focused on enrolling people in insurance now are teaching them how to use their often-complicated policies. Meanwhile, a Hartford physician explains why he won’t take Obamacare plans and thousands of inmates in a Cook County jail sign up for insurance.
State Highlights: Federal Trial Testing Texas Abortion Law Begins Today
A selection of health policy stories from California, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, D.C. and Minnesota.
Medicaid Roundup: Fla. Gets 3-Year Renewal For Managed Care Program
About 3 million Floridians are enrolled in the privatized program. Meanwhile, Illinois Medicaid limits who is eligible for Sovaldi, an expensive hepatitis C drug, and Kansas recoups more than $28 million in Medicaid fraud.
Viewpoints: Ignagni On Prices Of New Drugs; Sen. Johnson On The Difficulty Of Suing A President
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a variety of health policy stories reflecting developments on the state level.
Administration: Next Enrollment Season Will Have ‘Bumps’
In a House hearing, the number two official at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services responds to a critical GAO report and says while improvements to the federal online exchange are being made, it still “won’t be perfect.”
Critics Ask Supreme Court To Take Case About Health Law Subsidies
The appeal comes after the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., upheld the administration’s use of subsidies on the federal insurance marketplaces. The D.C. appeals court has ruled against the administration on the issue, and critics hope the high court will step in to resolve the matter.
Senate Clears $16.3 Billion Plan To Overhaul Vets Health Care System
The measure, which was approved by the House Wednesday, will now move to the White House for President Barack Obama’s signature.
Medicare Drug Premiums To Rise $1 A Month In 2015
The modest increase of the monthly premium to $32 comes even as officials are concerned about the impact of expensive specialty drugs, such as Sovaldi, which cures hepatitis C but costs $1,000 a pill.
Medicaid Expansion Offers Financial Boost For Hospitals
Second quarter earnings reports highlight how health law provisions are helping increase hospital companies’ profits.
Senate Bill Introduced To Maintain Medicaid Primary Care Pay Boost Through 2016
In other news, House Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats unveiled legislation to extend funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program for four years.
Health Law Negatives Reach An All-Time High
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s monthly tracking poll, negative views of the health law reach a high point, erasing six months of gradual improvements in popularity. (KHN is an editorially independent program of the foundation.)
State Highlights: Time Of Turmoil For Georgia Hospitals
A selection of health policy stories from Georgia, Wisconsin, Texas, Oregon, Florida, Michigan, Massachusetts, Connecticut and North Carolina.
