Latest KFF Health News Stories
Iowa Premium Increases Affect Small Number
Fewer than 2 percent of Iowans will be affected by the steep premium increases announced this week, according to the Des Moines Register. Meanwhile, the Cover Oregon Exchange Board may drop plans to make a recommendation to the legislature this fall about the future of the state’s insurance exchange, and Indiana officials continue discussing alternatives to Medicaid expansion.
Maker Of Experimental Ebola Drug Scales Up
The manufacturer of the experimental Ebola drug ZMapp says it has put other business on hold since August to boost production of the medication. Meanwhile, news outlets look at the government’s authority to screen airline travelers, the House action to release additional funding for disease-fighting efforts and the Dallas hospital’s defense of its treatment of the West African man who died of the disease this week.
Abortion Ads Play Big In N.H. And Colo. Senate Campaigns
As the senatorial campaigns in New Hampshire and Colorado continue to highlight candidate positions on abortion, the rhetoric over the health law calms a bit.
Drugmakers Sue To Stop Expansion Of Drug Discount Program
The trade group for pharmaceutical companies, PhRMA, has filed another lawsuit to try to block a government rule meant to widen the number of products included in a federal drug discount program for so-called safety net hospitals and clinics.
Kindred Healthcare Acquires Gentiva
The combined company, based in Louisville, Ky., will be the nation’s largest provider of long-term care, hospice and home-health services.
Burwell ‘Manages Expectations’ For Sign-Up Numbers During Health Law’s Next Enrollment Season
During a breakfast with reporters, Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell also signaled that the federal government is unlikely to “step in” to address narrow network issues related to health plans offered on the exchanges.
Medicare Premium Holds Steady In 2015
The premium that most older people pay for outpatient, or “Part B,” care will stay the same in 2015 — $104.90 a month, while cost-sharing for hospital and skilled nursing stays will increase slightly, the government announced.
‘Puzzling’ Spanish-Language Translation Error Fixed On Healthcare.gov
Also in the news, Stateline offers a states report on health law efforts to expand insurance coverage among Latinos.
State Highlights: Blue Cross Blue Shield Dominant In Texas
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia, Missouri and New Mexico.
Viewpoints: Effects Of Health Law; Conquering Ebola
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
First Edition: October 10, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that Medicare’s basic monthly premium will remain the same in 2015.
Promises, Predictions: Healthcare.gov Will Be Faster, Easier
According to Obama administration officials, the updated website includes a shorter insurance application form and is not expected to crash. Unlike last year, the site has been undergoing testing for more than five weeks.
Coverage Gaps Still Persist Among Some Populations
The Star Tribune reports on how some American Indians — even now that the health law is in place — continue to struggle with costs and other challenges related to securing health insurance. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch examines how state decisions to expand Medicaid impact residents’ options.
Planned Pentagon Spending Cuts Could Sharply Reduce Autism Medical Care
Many military families are concerned they could lose help for their autistic children if a plan is implemented that would reduce military health care costs and cut provider payments for autism services.
State Highlights: Gubernatorial Election Outcomes Will Have Big Impact On Health Law’s Future
A selection of health policy stories from Virginia, Wisconsin, Kansas, California, Arkansas and New Jersey.
U.S. To Step Up Ebola Screening At 5 Major Airports
Passengers arriving from West Africa will have their temperatures taken at the airports. Meanwhile, questions are emerging about the care given to Thomas Eric Duncan, the Texas Ebola patient who died Wednesday, including why he was initially released from the hospital.
Candidates For Calif. Congressional Seat Clash Over Health Law
A Wednesday debate between Democrat Ami Bera and Republican Doug Ose was marked by tense talk about health policy issues and the economy. Elsewhere, Hillary Clinton sidestepped a tricky issue when delivering a paid speech to a trade group.
Viewpoints: Walmart And Obamacare; Negative Views Continue Of Health Law; Ebola Preparedness
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
States Grapple With Obamacare Premium Increases, Related Issues
In California, voters are split over a ballot initiative that would give the state’s insurance commissioners new powers to veto health insurance cost increases. Meanwhile, in Iowa, the insurance commissioner approves rate increases proposed by three insurers.
