Latest KFF Health News Stories
GOP House Panel Says Co-Ops Struggle To Enroll People
Elsewhere, Oregon officials are planning on limiting access to a new, pricey hepatitis C drug to state health plan members. Also, UnitedHealthcare is considering entering Georgia’s health care exchange next year.
State Highlights: Mental Health Care Changes In Maryland, Colorado
A selection of health policy stories from Minnesota, Maryland, Colorado, New York, California, Washington state, Michigan and Massachusetts.
Some Medicare Practices On Quality, Patient Stays Questioned
A new study examines how Medicare categorizes hospital errors, and the controversy over “observation care” continues.
Virginia Lawmakers To Consider Fast-Track Budget Plan Without Medicaid Expansion
The $96 billion spending plan unveiled by state House leaders yesterday could break the logjam and prevent a looming state government shutdown after a partisan battle over Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s plan to expand the low-income health insurance program was resolved earlier this week with the resignation of a Democratic senator.
Viewpoints: GOP And Governing; Va. Medicaid Expansion Chances Falling Fast; Private Care For Vets
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Tech-Savvy Health Care Ads; Cautions About Hospital Data
Every week KHN staff members find interesting reads from around the web.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories examining how Eric Cantor’s primary defeat will change the House GOP leadership and the Republican strategy to replace the health law.
Cantor’s Primary Loss Creates Uncertainty Within House GOP
It’s also unclear how the primary defeat of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., could impact efforts by some Republican lawmakers to advance an alternative to Obamacare.
House Unanimously Passes Bill To Revamp VA Care
The measure would allow vets to seek private care if they couldn’t be seen quickly by the VA and requires an evaluation of the VA health system.
GOP Warns Health Law Change Could Use Taxpayer Money To ‘Bail Out’ Insurers
In the meantime, insurers say they want government money to help people who buy catastrophic plans to keep premiums for them low. Also, the employer mandate comes under further attack, and one insurer calls members to manage their health.
Recovery Programs Are Expensive And Hard To Find For Addicted Teens
Families often struggle to get help for children with addiction problems. Also, a new study finds that young adults are making strong use of hospital care for mental health issues.
8.5 Million On Medicare Get Opioids
Elsewhere, those who switch to a newer type of insulin find added cost.
Taking A Closer Look At Medicare Advantage Money, Lobbying
The Center for Public Integrity looks at Medicare Advantage plans — the money surrounding them including for reimbursement and what they spend on lobbying Congress.
Survey: Health Exchange Shoppers Have Choices Between Large And Small Provider Networks
The survey, done by consulting company McKinsey and Co., found the majority of online insurance marketplace customers have options that include both larger, more costly networks and smaller, more affordable ones. In addition, the latest on the SHOP program as well as a report about a new round of grants for navigators.
Va. Governor Examining Ways To Expand Medicaid By Executive Action
In related news, The Oklahoman reports that Mercy health system is blaming states’ decisions to not expand the low-income health care program as the reason it is planning layoffs, and KHN details Michigan’s expansion efforts.
House Republicans Take Aim At Health Law Subsidy Overpayments
Lawmakers at a joint hearing of the Ways and Means health and oversight subcommittees heard testimony from conservative groups noting that the total of these overpayments to people newly enrolled in health plans could reach hundreds of billions of dollars, and, even though those consumers could face a tax hit, the actual funds could be difficult to recoup.
Viewpoints: Cantor Was No RINO; Battles Over Medicaid In Va. And Ind.; Reforms Moving For VA
A collection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Conn. Patients To Get ‘Facility Fee’ Notice
A selection of health policy stories from California, Connecticut, Missouri, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Texas, Kansas and Michigan.
Mass. To Spend $20 Million To Combat Opioid Use
Gov. Deval Patrick announced the plan Tuesday that will also team with five other New England states to upgrade treatment and expand coverage to treat drug abuse.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a range of stories about the upset of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor — a Virginia primary election shocker — as well as continuing coverage of health law implementation issues and congressional responses to the VA’s health care troubles.
