Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Audit: 57,000 Vets Have Been Waiting More Than 3 Months For Care
The examination also uncovered difficulties in scheduling appointments and a culture in which employees were pressured to change data. Acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson detailed a $300 million plan that would increase hours for VA medical staffers and fund contracts with private clinics to provide care to some veterans who cannot get into VA medical centers.
The Details Of The VA Waiting Game At Specific Locations Around The Country
Media outlets scrutinize how local Veterans Affairs health facilities fared in a national audit of 731 VA hospitals and clinics.
Democrats Vying To Run For Virginia’s Eighth Congressional District Embrace Health Law
The candidates in this race back the overhaul — a different take than many vulnerable Democrats in other races around the country.
Some Doctors Bill Medicare Far More Often For Unusual Procedures
Elsewhere, a former editor of a prominent medical journal says many or most doctors have had conflicts of interest that could harm patients. And, doctors look for new ways to thrive — or survive — economically.
Study: Lifetime Cost Of Supporting Person With Autism Could Be In Millions
Researchers listed among the main factors contributing to this price tag were special education for children and residential care for adults as well as lost productivity for parents.
Virginia Budget Plan Moving Forward Without Medicaid Expansion
After the abrupt resignation of a Democrat switched the state Senate to Republican control, Democrats began negotiating on a spending plan that no longer includes the governor’s priority of expanding health care coverage to low-income residents.
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Georgia, Wisconsin, Illinois and Arizona.
Viewpoints: ‘Bureaucratic Ninja’ For The VA; Soap Opera In Virginia; Hospital Readmissions
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Insurers Revisit Plans To Narrow Provider Networks
The Wall Street Journal reports that some insurers are beefing up the provider networks included in health-law plans in response to concerns about access to care. Meanwhile, Kathleen Sebelius passes the baton to Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the new Health and Human Services secretary.
Colorado Exchange Board Approves Fee On Small Group, Individual And Stop-Loss Policies
Meanwhile, in other state exchange news, more detail has emerged regarding the safety of health data for hundreds of Access Health CT customers, and a federal agency will examine MNsure’s enrollment procedures.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including details of an extensive, nationwide audit of the wait times for care at VA hospitals and clinics.
