Latest KFF Health News Stories
Virginia Lawmakers Pass Budget Without Medicaid Expansion
The two-year spending plan, which will prevent a state government shutdown, includes an amendment designed to prevent Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe from pursuing efforts to expand the low-income health insurance program without legislative approval. The debate over the expansion had been at the crux of the budget impasse.
3 States Report Number Of Insurers On Marketplace Will Grow In 2015
Officials in New Hampshire, Michigan and Illinois say plans that opted to sit out the first year of the health law are moving into the market now. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, health law opponents are planning to use problems in the state’s exchange in the campaign against the governor.
States, Insurers Wrestle Over Decisions To Offer Costly Hepatitis C Drug
The medication, named Sovaldi, has shown great promise in fighting the deadly disease, but it is very expensive: The treatment regimen runs about $84,000 per patient.
Indicators Suggest Some Insurance Rates In Wash., Calif. To Increase Less Than 10%
The Los Angeles Times reports that Anthem Blue Cross’s individual coverage premiums are expected to increase on average less than 10 percent next year. Also, the Associated Press notes that, though the rate approval process has just begun, the proposed average increase for Washington state rates is 8.25 percent.
Poll: Fixing Vets’ Health Care High Priority
Elsewhere, a senator defends his vote against legislation to try to improve the VA’s health care, and The Associated Press looks at doctor’s appointment wait times for all Americans.
Countdown To The High Court’s Decision On The Health Law’s Birth Control Coverage Requirement
News outlets report on pending legal actions against the health law. The Supreme Court is expected to rule this month regarding challenges to the overhaul’s contraceptive mandate. In addition, arguments will be heard before a Wisconsin district court judge next month regarding a challenge to the health law provision that allows the federal government to pay a portion of the coverage costs for Capitol Hill staffers and lawmakers.
Ill. Staged Costly Enrollment Campaign; Calif. College Sign-Ups Exceed Expectations
In health law implementation news, The Associated Press examines the $33 million that Illinois spent to promote enrollment. And a new California poll finds a significant drop in uninsured students at the California State University campuses.
State Highlights: La. Abortion Restrictions; New Mass. Hospital Deal
A selection of health policy stories from Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Georgia, Missouri, Maryland, New York, Kansas and Washington state.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup:Hospital Readmissions; Wash. State Premiums
This week’s studies come from JAMA Surgery, JAMA Internal Medicine, Health Affairs, The Kaiser Family Foundation and Avalere Health.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including updates on what Virginia lawmakers did in an attempt to resolve the state’s budget impasse and Medicaid expansion debate.
After Cantor’s Loss, GOP Efforts To ‘Replace’ Health Law Face New Challenges
Before his primary election defeat by challenger David Brat, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was involved in drafting a GOP health law alternative.
Senate Backs Bipartisan Bill To Overhaul Vets’ Health Care System
The Senate measure, which was approved Wednesday by a 93-3 vote and has gained the White House’s nod, has elements in common with a version unanimously approved Tuesday by the House of Representatives.
FBI Announces Criminal Investigation Into VA Problems
Director James Comey says the FBI has opened a probe into allegations that employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs manipulated waiting lists and delayed care for veterans.
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.
