Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Highlights: Migrant Health Care Cuts In Hawaii; Mo. Docs Face Medicaid Pay Cuts
A selection of health policy stories from Hawaii, Colorado and Missouri.
Voters Considered A Range Of Health-Related State Ballot Initiatives
Even as the election-day dust settles, Kaiser Health News reports that no clear theme emerged on what health policy issues won and lost. California news outlets examine what became of the state’s Proposition 45. Voters also considered ballot questions regarding abortion, personhood, paid sick leave and soda taxes.
President Obama Calls For More Work To Improve VA Care
Also, VA health care providers worry a policy change allowing veterans to get care outside the VA system could lead to slow repayment. Meanwhile in Iowa, veterans prepare to take advantage of that change.
Insurer WellCare Reports Increased Membership As Medicaid Rolls Grow
In its quarterly report, the company said it also beat profit estimates but told investors it faces challenges next year. Meanwhile, six former officials have filed a suit alleging that the company improperly kept money that should have been repaid to Medicare and Medicaid.
State Exchanges Focus On Outreach, IT Issues
In Connecticut, exchange officials warn that thousands could lose subsidies and even coverage if they do not verify their immigration and income status, while in Minnesota, workers race to fix website glitches 10 days before open enrollment begins.
Insurers Ramp Up Marketing For Second Enrollment Season
The competition is increasing as more companies offer plans and insurers seek to get this year’s customers to re-enroll as well as attract new ones. Also in the news, small business owners testing a new website for their workers report some problems.
Business Leaders, Lobbyists Expect Limited Action On Health Care
In exit polls, meanwhile, many GOP voters said they supported a rollback of the health overhaul, but their No. 1 wish was for greater cooperation in Washington, reports The New York Times. Also, McClatchy examines what’s important to Latino voters.
GOP Statehouse Victories Will Impact Medicaid Expansion, Other Health Issues
Medicaid expansion advocates, who were hoping Democratic challengers would win big, were disappointed by the outcome of a number of gubernatorial races. Arkansas’ alternative Medicaid plan is one of the expansion ideas that might be caught in the cross hairs.
Obama, McConnell Promise A Bipartisan End To Gridlock
But the health law could still be a sticking point. Presumptive Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is feeling pressure from some Republicans to pursue a repeal of the law, However, President Barack Obama made clear that he will resist attempts to undermine the Affordable Care Act.
Now That The GOP Will Control The Senate, What’s Next For The Health Law?
News outlets examine the early signs regarding how a Republican-controlled Senate agenda may attempt to take on Obamacare. Some note that the party’s strong showing might embolden calls for repeal. Presumptive Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., appears to waver between favoring a piece-by-piece dismantling and an even more targeted approach that would seek to undo the most unpopular parts of the overhaul. Topping this list would be the medical-device tax.
First Edition: November 6, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Obama’s ‘Shellacking’; States Benefiting From Health Law Turn Red
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Medicare Defers Request To Pay Doctors For End-Of-Life Counseling
While signaling a willingness to consider the request from the American Medical Association, the agency did not include new billing codes for the service in its 2015 payment rules. Meanwhile, Consumer Reports publishes an end-of-life planning guide.
Some Consumers Could Be Double-Billed Due To Healthcare.gov Issues
Back-end issues with the federal exchange may result in new complications during the 2015 enrollment period, including double billing in some cases, reports The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, The New York Times explores the concerns of small business owners.
The Obama administration announced Tuesday that large employers who offer plans that don’t include coverage for in-patient hospital stays will not meet the health law’s standards. The administration outlined steps it will take going forward to address this issue.
State Highlights: Emergency Responders Squeezed In Texas; Mental Health Costs In Kansas City
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Missouri, Kansas, California, North Carolina and Iowa.
Oklahoma Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Abortion Laws
Meanwhile, a federal appeals court sets the first week in January to hear arguments about a new abortion law in Texas.
Republican Shocks Democrat In Maryland Gov. Race
Elsewhere, Medicaid issues play a key role in deciding gubernatorial races in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Georgia. And updates on races in Wisconsin, Florida, Michigan, Maine, Ohio, Texas and California.
How America Voted On Health Issues
In California, voters defeated measures to raise medical malpractice caps and regulate health insurance rates. “Personhood” amendments in South Dakota and Colorado are defeated, Ariz. approved a “right to try” proposal, and Massachusetts approves mandated paid sick time.
Voter Discontent Fuels Shake-Up In Political Order
The health law was one of several key issues on voters’ minds as they made decisions Tuesday.
