Latest KFF Health News Stories
Obama Hosts Summit On Sports-Related Concussions
The president is overseeing a day-long White House meeting today with more than 200 medical researchers, athletes, coaches, league officials and others to raise awareness about this public health issue. Officials announced a commitment of $65 million in private funds to boost related clinical and scientific work.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including articles on an inspector general’s report on care at VA hospitals and growing pressure from some House Republicans to vote on an alternative to the Affordable Care Act.
Shooting Spree Renews Mental Health, Firearms Debates
Friday’s shootings spur California lawmakers to look at “gun violence restraining orders” to enable a subject’s family or friends to petition a judge to grant orders prohibiting someone from keeping or purchasing a gun. They also focus attention on competing plans in Congress to help people plagued by mental illness.
Hagel Orders Review Of Military Health System After 2 Deaths
The order follows the dismissal of the commander of one of the military’s busiest hospitals for active-duty personnel in Fort Bragg, N.C., after two young men died unexpectedly and amid furor over the care provided to veterans in the system run by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Insurers, Employers Trimming Costs, Consumers Paying More
News outlets cover how companies are puzzling through the increasing costs of health care.
Feds Probe How States Set Medicaid Managed Care Rates
In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is planning its first major update of Medicaid managed care regulations in more than 15 years, reports Modern Healthcare.
Michelle Obama Wades Into Political Debate On School Lunches
Republican proposals would allow some schools to delay enforcement of new standards.
Georgia Disputes Reports Of Big Medicaid Enrollment Jump
According to the state’s Department of Community Health, the increase in enrollment was about 37,000, significantly lower than the nearly 99,000 estimated by a consulting group earlier this year. Connecticut also releases new Medicaid enrollment figures and the issue of expansion is debated in North Carolina and Indiana.
UK Opens Criminal Inquiry Into GlaxoSmithKline Business Practices
The British pharmaceutical company said it is cooperating with the investigation.
Despite New IRS Rule, Employers Can Still Send Workers To The Online Marketplaces
Nothing stops companies from canceling their health plans, as long as they pay the relevant taxes and penalties, KHN reports. Meanwhile other outlets examine issues hospitals and doctors are facing under the health law.
Some Democrats Using Health Law Against GOP
Dems are taking a “more assertive stance” as Republicans are attempting to nuance their attacks as they move past primaries and into the mid-term election.
Ohio Informs State Veterans On Medicaid About The Option Of VA Care
Some states have saved money by shifting veterans to the federally funded VA health system.
State Highlights: Kan. Mental Health Funding; EHR Problems Claim CEO’s Job
A selection of health policy stories from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, and Wyoming.
Viewpoints: Who Is Responsible For Mentally-Ill Shooters?; Privatizing VA
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 about efforts to cut back spending on cancer care and the ouster of a key Army hospital administrator.
VA Says Some Vets May Get Care At Private Facilities
As the agency seeks to increase its capacity, Secretary Eric Shinseki says that veterans will get more access to private clinics and hospitals in areas where the department’s services are limited. Also, the Wall Street Journal looks at the growth of the VA budget.
Sen. McConnell Says Fate Of Ky. Exchange Not Tied To Health Law
Republican Senate majority leaders finds it hard to explain what would happen to Kynect, the state-run health marketplace that has helped more than 400,000 residents get coverage. But Democrats are also stumbling on the issue of health care this election season.
First Lady To Fight Efforts To Weaken School Lunch Mandates
Meanwhile, Food and Drug Administration officials are told by a Senate committee to seek input from physicians, patients and pharmacists before putting out new guidelines for compounding pharmacies.
State Highlights: Calif. Tables Immigrant Health Care Bill; New La. Hospital Financing Plan
A selection of health policy stories from California, Louisiana, Colorado, North Carolina and New Mexico.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
