Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicaid, CHIP Enrollments Top 7 Million
The Department of Health and Human Services reported Friday that 7.2 million people gained insurance through these programs since the health law’s eligibility changes began last October. In addition, Arkansas and New Hampshire offer snapshots of their states’ enrollment pictures, while Kansas and Missouri hospitals brace for the price of state decisions not to expand the low-income health insurance program.
Viewpoints: The Doctor Is In — At Walmart; A ‘Hole’ In The Halbig Strategy
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: August 11, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about health exchange developments in Oregon and Massachusetts.
State Highlights: Partners HealthCare Explains Loss; Conn. Hospital Contract Fight
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Georgia and California.
Obama Signs $16.3B Overhaul Of Vets’ Health Care System
Military veterans who have been suffering long waiting times for medical care or live significant distances from VA facilities should be able to turn to private doctors almost immediately as a result of this law, which President Barack Obama signed Thursday. The measure also provides funding to hire new health care professionals. Already, though, some say that recruiting physicians to come into the system will present a challenge.
Narrow Networks Still A Trouble Spot For Health Law Plans, Experts Say
The need for up-to-date information on participating providers, more training for navigators and the release of 2015 premium costs are some of the issues that continue to draw headlines.
Emails Sought In House Health Law Probe May Not Be ‘Retrievable’
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services acknowledged to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that the agency’s director Marilyn Tavenner may have deleted “most but not all” of the emails being sought by the panel in its investigation of problems associated with the rollout of healthcare.gov.
Research Roundup: Medicaid’s Hospital Readmissions; CHIP Enrollment
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, The Urban Institute, JAMA Internal Medicine, JAMA Surgery and The Heritage Foundation.
Ariz. Gov. Backs GOP Candidate With Similar Medicaid Expansion Position
In the meantime, House Speaker John Boehner isn’t hammering the health law while making speaking appearances ahead of this year’s elections.
Hospitals Slow To Adopt Electronic Health Records
Few hospitals met strict federal guidelines intended to speed adoption of electronic health records, a new study finds.
Feds Delay Launch Of Database Showing Drugmakers’ Payments To Doctors
The system, which had been expected to go public on Sept. 30, will show payments from drug and medical device makers to doctors. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says it temporarily took down the system to investigate a possible problem.
Marketplace News: Walmart Positions Itself As A Primary Care Provider
The big-box retailer is stepping up efforts to become a destination for medical services, including chronic disease management.
Viewpoints: Finding Drug Discounts In Canada; Mo.’s Answer To Rural Doctor Shortage
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that President Barack Obama signed into law the $16.3 billion measure to overhaul the veterans’ health system.
Analysis: 90% Of Uninsured Exempt From Health Law Mandate
The number of people likely to face penalties for not complying with the overhaul’s insurance mandate is estimated at 4 million — down from the previous projection of 6 million, according to the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation.
Poll Looks At Uninsured Rates In Some States
A new Gallup poll shows that Kansas was one of just three states that saw an increase in its uninsured rate while Connecticut’s rate was cut in half.
State Highlights: Abortion Curbs And Senate Fights; Vt.’s Single Payer March
A selection of health policy stories from Vermont, West Virginia, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, Wisconsin and Massachusetts.
Florida 2015 Individual Insurance Rates Not As Bad As Feared: White House
Obama administration officials challenged reports that individual plans will go up an average of 13.2 percent next year. In addition, there are updates on Connecticut and Washington state insurance cost and coverage.
The health law built in changes to the system of coverage for lower-income people.
Questions Arise About Hospice Companies As Discharge Rates Increase
When so many patients leave a hospice alive, it could signal problems such as inadequate care or companies seeking financial gains by enrolling people who should not have been considered hospice patients, The Washington Post reports.
