Latest KFF Health News Stories
Access To Long-Term Contraception Lowers Teen Pregnancy Rates, Study Says
The study counseled young women on the benefits of using long-lasting contraceptives like intrauterine devices and hormonal implants.
Early Review: Open Payments Database Not So Open
The new federal website, which was created to provide information about financial links between physicians and the drug industry, is not user-friendly, notes The Associated Press. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal digs into the data to see what it shows about the ties between medical professionals and the drug industry.
State Highlights: Infant Mortality Rises In D.C.; Medicaid Managed Care Rates
A selection of health policy stories from the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Minnesota, New York and Massachusetts.
MNsure Rates Among Nation’s Lowest Despite 4.5% Increase
Many assumed the exit of PreferredOne, the cheapest option in the state insurance marketplace, would push rates higher, but state officials say the premiums are still among the lowest in the country. Meanwhile, Colorado officials urge consumers to shop around to get the best insurance deals there.
Some Employers Weigh Options As Coverage Requirement Approaches
The Wall Street Journal reports that some employers are contemplating reducing their number of full-time employees so they can avoid complying with this requirement. Meanwhile, the Magic Valley Times-News in Idaho reports on how this decision making can play out.
Viewpoints: Another Troubled Website Rollout; Insurers Fight Consumer Measures In Calif.
A selection of opinions on health care issues from around the country.
Longer Looks: Dying At Home; Losing Religion; Obamacare 2.0
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the web.
First Edition: October 2, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including progress reports on the health law at its one-year mark.
Judge Rules That States Using Federal Health Exchange Can’t Offer Premium Subsidies
The decision by a federal district judge in Oklahoma is the latest ruling regarding whether consumers in states that opted to use federal insurance marketplace are entitled to subsidies. Because court decisions have differed, many experts say the question will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Advocates Cry Foul Over Move To Terminate Immigrants’ Health Coverage
Two immigrant groups bring civil rights complaints with the Department of Health and Human Services to block the cancellations for about 115,000 people who bought coverage through healthcare.gov but whose immigration status the government hasn’t been able to verify.
First U.S. Case Of Ebola Diagnosed In Texas
The patient, who reportedly took a Sept. 20 commercial flight from Liberia to Dallas, represents the first case diagnosed outside of Africa. Public health officials were quick to quiet fears, saying the U.S. health care system is well-equipped to control the disease’s spread.
State Highlights: Fla. Toughens Drug Compounding Laws; Conn. Hospitals Leave Largest Insurer
A selection of health policy stories from Florida, Connecticut, New York, Michigan, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Arkansas.
Doctors, Hospitals Went Digital, But Still Can’t Share Records
After spending billions to switch from paper to digital records — much of it taxpayer subsidized through the economic stimulus package — providers say the systems often do not share information with competitors. Meanwhile, Walgreen Co. warns that higher generic drug costs and lower reimbursement rates will cut profits and UnitedHealth buys a doctor management company.
Database Debuts Detailing Financial Links Between Physicians And Drug Makers
Consumer advocates have pushed for years for this kind of government database in an effort to protect against doctors’ conflicts of interest, to safeguard patient care and to prevent unnecessary costs to public health programs.
On The Campaign Trail, GOP Gov. Snyder Highlights Michigan’s Medicaid Expansion
Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder pointed out — as part of his re-election bid — that 63,000 more low-income adults have signed up for the program than was projected this year. Meanwhile, a video surfaced of Republican Bruce Rauner, who is running for governor in Illinois, telling conservative activists last year that he would have blocked Gov. Pat Quinn’s expansion efforts.
N.J. Gets New Insurer; Oregon Shifts To Healthcare.gov
One year in, separating fact and political fiction about the Obamacare marketplaces remains difficult, reports CBS News. Other outlets report exchange developments in New Jersey, Colorado, Oregon and Minnesota.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: October 1, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of the debut of the Open Payments database, a federal information trove designed to shed light on the financial connections between physicians and the drug and medical device industry.
Website Launches Today Showing Drugmakers’ Payments To Doctors
The so-called Open Payments program is intended to shine a light on potential ethical conflicts and allow patients to look up their doctors online. The first batch of data, however, will be incomplete, covering only a few months at the end of 2013. Journalism website ProPublica says it has tracked 3.4 million payments to health professionals since 2009, totaling more than $4 billion.
Senate Control Still Up In The Air As Democrats Shift Focus To Medicare, Other Popular Programs
The strategy being employed by Democrats — to nationalize the election by highlighting popular programs such as Medicare and Social Security as well as issues that resonate with younger voters — is a regular approach during midterm elections. Meanwhile, in Virginia, Senate candidate Ed Gillespie promises to disclose specifics of his plans to replace the health law.
