Latest KFF Health News Stories
Premium Rate Reviews Saved $1 Billion For Consumers, HHS Says
The health law mandated that state regulators review health insurance increases of 10 percent or more.
‘Drive-By Doctoring’ During Surgery Can Add A Surprise To The Bill
The New York Times examines the growing — and lucrative — practice among doctors to call in colleagues to consult during a surgery or afterward. The need is sometimes questionable, and patients often don’t even know the second doctor was involved until the bill arrives.
First Edition: September 22, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a variety of stories detailing how health issues are playing in the midterm election campaigns.
Research Roundup: Home Health Nurses’ Workloads; Readmissions At The VA
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
7.3 Million Who Picked Exchange Plans Paid Their Premiums
That number, which reflects the tally of people who obtained insurance via the health law, fell slightly from the estimated 8 million mark that was released in the spring. It means that at least 700,000 consumers who initially signed up for a health plan let it go.
Will Illinois Build State Exchange? Calif. Exchange Neutral On Prop 45
Time is running out for deadlocked Illinois lawmakers to build a state-based exchange. Meanwhile, California exchange officials stay neutral on a ballot initiative to allow the state insurance commissioner to regulate rates, and MNsure is back in the political fray.
When It Comes To Health Prices, Getting Information Is Difficult
New Hampshire is one of a handful of states that requires disclosure of health care prices. Also, The Miami Herald continues its coverage of the problems Miami-Dade County has in trying to get details about what it spends on health care for workers.
Obama Orders Plan To Reduce Peril Of Antibiotic Resistance
The measures include incentives to develop new drugs, tighter control of existing ones and better tracking of resistant microbes. “Super bugs” are thought to cause 23,000 deaths and two million illnesses in the U.S. every year and $20 billion in spending.
Demand For $84,000 Hepatitis C Drug Slows
Health care providers may be waiting for other, soon-to-be-released drugs to treat hepatitis C. Also, an Indian pharmaceutical company faces Justice Department questions on pricing data for Medicaid.
In A Change, VA Auditor Says Wait Times May Have Played A Role In Deaths
In testimony before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Acting Inspector General Richard Griffin says that delays in getting treatment at some VA centers may have been a factor in the deaths of some veterans.
Some Doctors Could Face Stiff Fines Because Of Shifting CMS Rules
The physicians, who have already spent millions of dollars to set up electronic health record systems, could now face penalties because of a timing glitch in federal rules.
Health Law, Medicare Remain Hot Topics In Campaign Commercials
Politico reports that, although the health law and other related issues may not be the flashpoints they were in other recent election years, they still have muscle on the campaign trail. For instance, Kentucky’s Senate candidates both are running Medicare ads. In Georgia’s Senate race, rural health care is part of the buzz.
State Highlights: Kan. Employment Support For Those With Mental Illness
A selection of health policy stories from California, Kansas, Washington state and Maryland.
Va. Legislators Return To Bitter Medicaid Expansion Debate, Kill Plan Without Formal Vote
Elsewhere, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert may be gaining ground in Washington with the state’s alternative Medicaid expansion plan, but the concept still faces opposition at home.
Viewpoints: Ezekiel Emanuel’s Choice Of An Age To Die; New Enrollment Numbers Still Confusing
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: September 19, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports from a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform where the Obama administration provided its latest number — 7.3 million — of people who bought private insurance through the health law.
Expert Panel: End-Of-Life Care In U.S. Needs Improvement
The 21-member Institute of Medicine panel concluded in its new report that incentives exist within the health system that often run contrary to dying patients’ wishes. More conversations and planning are among the recommendations.
Competition Among Health Exchange Plans Curbing Prices, Says Humana Exec
Also in the news, data from Connecticut’s exchange shows who purchased new coverage and if they have used it, and more on the staggered launch planned for Maryland’s online marketplace.
FTC Wary Of Growing Number Of Hospital Mergers
The agency is “raising a lonely but powerful voice” against the trend, The New York Times reports. Also in the news are reports about a big insurer and seven hospital groups creating a new health system in the Los Angeles area and the shift from doctors’ offices to retail outlets for vaccinations.
Medi-Cal Patients, Advocates Sue Calif. Over Application Wait
The lawsuit alleges that hundreds of thousands of people are going without health care as a result.
