Latest KFF Health News Stories
Views On Ebola: Blame Misplaced; Conspiracy Theories Abound; ‘Nasty’ Politicization
News outlets around the country weigh in with opinions about the efforts to control Ebola in the United States.
Viewpoints: Health Law Fails To Control Costs; GOP Alternative ‘Worse Than Obamacare’
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: October 20, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a variety of stories about the continuing national response to Ebola and the potential impact that fears of this illness might have on the midterm elections.
Politics Swirl Around President’s Ebola ‘Czar’ Pick
Ron Klain, former vice-presidential adviser, is tasked with coordinating federal efforts.
CDC, Obama Under Fire For Ebola Containment Policies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chief Thomas Frieden faced criticism Thursday on Capitol Hill over handling of the Dallas Ebola cases. Meanwhile, the White House is feeling pressure to name an “Ebola czar” to coordinate the nation’s response. Also, the idea of imposing travel restrictions is gaining momentum, while Ebola is also becoming a political flashpoint.
Poll: Misconceptions, Confusion Surround Public Understanding Of Ebola’s Spread
The survey, which was conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, found that 70 percent of U.S. adults say they are following news reports closely about the deadly virus. (KHN is an editorially independent program of the foundation.)
UnitedHealth Is Bullish About Health Exchanges
During a conference call with investors Thursday, company executives suggested the online marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act could generate profit margins in the range of 3 to 5 percent. The company wasn’t a major player this year, but plans to participate in two dozen states in 2015.
VA Officials Leaving Jobs After Scandal
In Chicago, for instance, a Chicago-based regional chief for some VA hospitals stepped down earlier in October, around the same time as some other top officials.
A selection of editorials and opinions exploring issues related to Ebola.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Calif.’s Prop. 45 Fight; Aetna Sheds Jobs After Medicaid Drop
A selection of health policy stories from California, North Carolina, Delaware, New York, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida and Kansas.
Demographics Help Shape Lawmakers’ Views On Health Law
Most of the congressional districts with the greatest numbers of uninsured people are represented by Democrats, according to The Associated Press. News outlets also report on how Georgia’s gubernatorial candidates and North Dakota’s congressional candidates differ on the health law.
State Exchanges Gird For Round Two
Covered California hopes to enroll more than half a million new residents this year, bringing total participants to about 1.7 million. Meanwhile, more than 12,000 Oregonians could owe money at tax time because of errors computing their premium subsidies, and a study of Colorado residents finds that insurance costs and signup confusion kept many on the sidelines.
Research Roundup: Malpractice Reforms And Doctors’ Practice
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
First Edition: October 17, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of the Ebola response by public health officials and President Barack Obama as well as the related policies being debated and discussed by lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
What You Should Check Before Renewing Health Coverage
Several stories offer tips on renewing insurance policies for next year, including comparing your current policy to alternatives, which might offer better coverage at lower cost, and updating information about family size and income. The additional issues posed by language barriers are also explored.
D.C. Exchange And Favoritism To Congress; Sticker Shock For PreferredOne Customers
The conservative group, Judicial Watch, files a taxpayer lawsuit challenging what it describes as the District of Columbia’s special treatment of more than 12,000 members of Congress, staffers and families, who buy policies in the district’s small business exchange. Meanwhile, PreferredOne, the top seller on the MNsure exchange, announces average premium increases of 63 percent for next year.
California Agency Issues ‘Report Cards’ On Insurers, Medical Groups
The California Office of the Patient Advocate Wednesday released the report cards, which are based on 2013 claims data and patient surveys, a month ahead of Covered California’s 2015 open enrollment period.
Ebola Worries Focus Attention On Public Health Leaders; Administration Bolsters Its Response
With questions emerging about the handling of Ebola patients, a House subcommittee is holding a hearing that will feature testimony from CDC Director Tom Frieden and Dr. Daniel Varga, chief clinical officer and senior executive vice president at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. Meanwhile, scrutiny continues regarding hospitals’ infection control capabilities, national containment plans and quarantine issues.
Some Texas abortion clinics resumed scheduling patients for abortions after the Supreme Court’s intervention. However, they did so knowing the legal challenges are not over.
