Latest KFF Health News Stories
Why Didn’t Your Health Insurance Cover Your Bill?
Also, blood test pricing variation in California is examined.
Three Southern Governors Tout Medicaid Expansion Benefits
Also, a report says Wisconsin is leaving more than $206 million on the table by not fully expanding its Medicaid program, BadgerCare.
Medicare To Begin Paying Physicians To Coordinate Care For Patients With Chronic Illnesses
The New York Times reports on this plan to change the way Medicare pays doctors.
Combating Medicare Fraud Proves To Be A Difficult Proposition
The New York Times reports that, despite stepped-up enforcement and investments in anti-fraud efforts, the administration’s push has so far not made much progress. Meanwhile, The Washington Post examines a classic Medicare scam.
Feds To Withhold Some Doctor Payment Data After Inconsistencies
The Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services said Friday that, because of data inconsistencies, a third of the records in a database showing drug and device-maker contributions to doctors will be withheld next month when the website goes live.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
After Rejection Of Increases, Conn. Premiums Set To Decrease
Elsewhere, Missouri regulators have less authority to review insurance rates than other states do. And Massachusetts’ health insurance premiums are set to rise.
State Highlights: Calif. Hospital Bid Draws Scrutiny; Hospital House Calls
A selection of health policy stories from California, Pennsylvania, Washington and Minnesota.
First Edition: August 18, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories about the pervasive nature of Medicare fraud and the difficulties involved in fighting it.
CDC Report Blames Researcher’s Haste For Bird Flu Virus Mishandling
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated an incident when the virus was sent to another lab.
Health Law’s Next Push: Maintaining Sign-Up Momentum
The Huffington Post explores why the people who did not sign up for health coverage during the 2014 open enrollment period may be much harder to reach. News outlets also report on developments from Massachusetts regarding the state’s online insurance marketplace.
Calif.’s Medicaid Expansion Renews Concerns About Doc Pay
Some advocates fear that state efforts to cut payments to doctors and other providers will make it hard for new enrollees to get care. Also, committees in Texas and Idaho look at ways to expand care for low-income residents.
VA Begins Discipline Process For Workers Involved In Health System Waiting Scandal
The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to recommend action against six employees at veterans’ medical facilities in Colorado and Wyoming. Meanwhile, news outlets report on questions about whether offering veterans the option of private care will address some of the VA health system’s problems.
Cops, Computer Analysts Hunt For Medicare Fraud
The Wall Street Journal looks closely at the work of the Medicare Strike Force, which includes FBI agents and CMS workers. Meanwhile, the Government Accountability Office finds Medicare audit contractors may hammer hospitals with multiple reviews of the same payment claims.
Fox News Poll Finds Slim Majority Continues To Oppose The Health Law
According to Fox News, opposition among voters has been above 50 percent for more than a year. Meanwhile, Politico Pro takes a look at the congressional district of the new House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., where constituents who appear to be benefiting from new health law coverage are still supporting politicians like McCarthy, who want to repeal it. Also in the news, the overhaul and abortion issues come to light during a Colorado congressional campaign debate.
Walmart plans to open a dozen clinics by the end of this fiscal year that will provide a broad range of primary care services.
Physician Disclosure Website Back On Track
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announces it has fixed the glitch that took down the website where doctors and hospitals can review information about payments from drug and device makers. Meanwhile, The New York Times looks at how costly compounded medicines are drawing the ire of health insurers, and a U.K. agency recommends the government pay for a costly new hepatitis treatment.
State Highlights: TB Outbreak In Alabama Prisons
A selection of health policy stories from Alabama, California, Washington, Texas, Georgia and Minnesota.
Research Roundup: Benefits Of Smaller Practices; Rx Price Growth
This week’s studies come from the GAO, Altarum Institute, Health Affairs, the Rand Corp., the Employee Benefit Research Institute and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
First Edition: August 15, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a variety of updates regarding health policy and the health care marketplace.
