Latest KFF Health News Stories
Appeals Court Considers Texas Abortion Clinic Law
The law, which was ruled unconstitutional last month, would allow Texas to close more than half the state’s abortion facilities.
Health Clinics Getting New $295 Million For Primary Care Through Health Law
The money will go to expanding primary care services, as well as helping health centers stay open longer and provide expanded services not always available at the clinics across the United States.
State Highlights: Calif. Prop 45 Ad Truth Check; Medi-Cal Autism Coverage
A selection of health policy stories from Florida, California, Kansas, Illinois, Washington state and Minnesota.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: September 15, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the health law sales pitch is getting an overhaul in advance of the upcoming sign-up period as well as reports about complications that may occur during the open enrollment season.
State Decisions Impact How Residents Fare Under Obamacare
The report by a Yale University economist found it difficult to generalize about the health law’s impact because it varies greatly state by state.
Groups Get $3.2 Million To Enroll Minorities In Obamacare
Federal health officials award grants to 13 community organizations to sign up racial and ethnic minorities in health plans through online insurance marketplaces. Meanwhile, a group of South Florida hospitals raises money to help low-income patients pay their insurance premiums, and Massachusetts details plans to re-enroll 450,000 residents.
Health Value Of Apple’s Watch Questioned
Health care professionals say there is little evidence the new watch surpasses gadgets already on the market, although more health features may be in store, Reuters reports. Meanwhile, The Associated Press examines tensions between Silicon Valley tech giants and government regulators.
OTC Birth Control Issue Triggers Debate, Campaign Ads
Planned Parenthood Votes is stepping into the fray with new ads arguing that a policy now being embraced by some GOP candidates — over-the-counter availability of birth control pills — is more expensive for women.
State Highlights: Ga. Delays Nursing Home Rate Hike
A selection of health policy stories from Georgia, California, Texas, Minnesota, Colorado, Ohio, New York, Illinois and Florida.
House Approves Bill To Extend Some Plans That Don’t Meet Health Law Standards
The legislation would allow people to use the once-canceled policies through 2018. However, the measure is not expected to get a vote in the Senate.
Health Costs Inch Up As Coverage Expands
According to the Census Bureau’s Quarterly Services Survey, total revenue at health care and social-assistance firms rose 3 percent in the second quarter of the year. But analysts described the increase as modest.
Viewpoints: Ebola Takes Us To ‘Uncharted Waters’; The Failure Of Workplace ‘Wellness’ Programs
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Prevention Services For Seniors; Drug Shortages
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
First Edition: September 12, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about various health law political and policy developments.
Employer Health Coverage Costs Show Modest Growth, But Worker Out-Of-Pocket Expenses Jump
The findings, based on a poll of employers conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust, also note that the availability of employer-sponsored health coverage was holding steady.
Officials Vow ‘Improvement, But Not Perfection’ For Healthcare.gov
Two months before the beginning of the next open enrollment period for government-subsidized health insurance, administration officials promised smoother operation of the website used by millions of people to sign up for coverage.
Missouri Sets 72-Hour Wait For Women Seeking Abortions
The Republican-controlled legislature overrode Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto to enact one of the most stringent waiting periods in the nation that includes no exception for cases of rape or incest.
A selection of health policy stories from Iowa, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, California and Montana.
OTC Contraceptive Issue Stirs Political, Policy Discord
Some GOP candidates continue to embrace this concept, as do some medical organizations, but certain women’s health advocates see it as a charged issue that could cause women to pay more for birth control and put their health at risk.
