Latest KFF Health News Stories
Senate Panel Recommends Burwell To Be HHS Secretary
Eight Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee joined 13 Democrats to endorse Sylvia Mathews Burwell, who is expected to gain the full Senate’s approval, too.
Obama, Under Pressure On VA, Promises Accountability After Internal Review
As outrage grows about allegations of wrongdoing at VA facilities around the country, the president sticks by VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, at least for now.
Medicare Payments Under The Microscope
Whether the federal program should pay the same for a treatment whether the patient gets it at a doctor’s office or, say, an outpatient hospital facility, was the focus of a congressional hearing. Meanwhile, hundreds of Colorado doctors charge Medicare more than is typical for routine patient visits, according to an analysis of recently released data.
Study: Health Costs Grow More Slowly In 2014
The study projected that health costs for a typical family of four, covered through an employer-sponsored preferred provider organization, or PPO, would go up 5.4 percent — the lowest increase in the Milliman Index’s 14-year history.
Democrats And Republicans Seek To Claim Control Of Health Law Politics
The dynamics of the issues have changed since the 2014 election, but health care continues to be a hot topic.
Medicaid Expansion Stalled In Several States
Montana’s Democratic governor considers calling lawmakers into special session to take up the expansion despite signs of GOP opposition, while state officials in Utah and Louisiana refuse to approve expansions in those states. Meanwhile, a poll sponsored by the PAC of Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, shows three-quarters of voters want Republican lawmakers to accept the governor’s expansion plan or come up with their own.
California Clinics Brace For The Health Law’s New Patients
New research in California examined the readiness of Los Angeles clinics for the onslaught of people with new health insurance. Meanwhile, another study seeks to calculate the Medi-Cal costs of providing care to immigrants who are in the United States illegally.
State Highlights: New Abortion Restrictions In Louisiana
A selection of health policy stories from California, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington.
Oregon Gov. Releases Subpoenas Probing Failed Exchange
Grand jury subpoenas issued by federal investigators last week and released Tuesday by Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber demand all records, including email correspondence related to the application or receipt of federal funds for building the state’s failed website. Meanwhile, the board that oversees Maryland’s troubled exchange was found to violate state laws requiring such groups to explain their reasons for meeting behind closed doors.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of the Senate Finance Committee vote to recommend Sylvia Mathews Burwell to head the Department of Health and Human Services.
Nevada To Use Federal Exchange For Next Open Enrollment
The board of Nevada’s online insurance exchange voted Tuesday to scrap its contract with Xerox, which built the exchange that has been marked by problems. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have subpoenaed the Oregon Health Authority and Cover Oregon for records — everything from outlines and notes to emails — related to how the state spent federal money on the creation of its failed exchange.
Obama Adm. Makes Adjustments To Offset Insurers’ Health Law Losses
The Los Angeles Times reports that this move was included in a bulky set of regulations issued last week and comes as part of an effort to minimize next year’s expected premium rate increases. Also in the news, the findings of a survey of emergency room physicians about how the overhaul has impacted patient volume in the E.R.
How The Health Law Played On A Big Day For Primary Elections
Six states voted for candidates yesterday to run for congressional and Senate seats. Some viewed these contests as important to watch because they highlighted face-offs between the GOP establishment and its tea party wing. All in all, though, the health law still was part of the buzz.
Inspector General Says VA Probe Has Expanded To 26 Facilities
The controversy centers on new allegations of treatment delays at centers for veterans and suggestions that officials falsified records of waiting times.
AHIP Hits Hard On Cost Issue, Using Hepatitis C Drug As Example
Reuters reports that the health insurance trade group criticized the drug industry for the extremely high cost of new specialty medicines.
A selection of health policy stories from Colorado, California, the District of Columbia and New York.
Medicare Tightens Oversight Of Drug Prescribing
ProPublica reports the program can now expel physicians found to prescribe drugs in abusive ways. Another piece examines three California doctors who are among the top five nationally in billing Medicare for the most complex office visits.
Lawmakers Probe Hospital Pay For Short-Stay Patients
The House hearing was the first congressional inquiry into the consequences of Medicare’s “two-midnight rule,” which has drawn criticism from seniors and hospitals. An administration official said the agency is asking for ideas on how to design a different payment system for short-stay patients.
Finance Panel Scheduled To Vote Today To Recommend Confirmation Of Burwell As HHS Chief
CBS News reports on the relatively smooth path this Obama administration nominee has faces thus far.
