Latest KFF Health News Stories
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Louisiana, Maryland, Tennessee and Texas.
VA Whistleblowers To Tell All To House
These whistleblowers say they were often placed on administrative leave for bringing up their concerns. Also, wait times at Connecticut VA clinics explode, even after the recent scandal came to light.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Despite Signing Up And Paying Premiums, Some People Still Aren’t Covered
News outlets report that difficulties resulting from health exchange websites and enrollment systems continue to impact insurance coverage. News outlets also report on related developments from D.C., Colorado, Wisconsin and Missouri.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that a federal judge in Wisconsin heard arguments in a health law challenge brought by a U.S. senator.
Health Law Backers Brace For New Battles Over 2015 Insurance Rates
Politico reports that this round of messaging will be critical because rates are expected to increase and could add to Democrats’ midterm election challenges. Also in the headlines, reports about how the employer mandate is getting increasingly unpopular — even among liberals, and other news related to the overhaul’s implementation.
Contract Renewed For Serco Processing Center Hit By Whistleblower Allegations
The $98 million contract extends operations of the facility where employees reported they sometimes slept or played board games for lack of work. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that sign-ups may not be the only way to gauge the health law’s success, a private exchange for restaurant workers debuts in D.C., and Health Net faces criticism in Arizona for its narrow network.
Federal Push For Electronic Health Records May Make Fraud Easier
USA Today reports on this development. Meanwhile, in other health IT news, The Fiscal Times reports on how hospitals are getting more involved in big data collection.
House Of Representatives’ Lawyers Ask Judge To Reject SEC Lawsuit
In what is viewed as an ongoing power struggle between two branches of the federal government, the House lawyers termed the investigation related to Medicare insider-trading allegations to be a “fishing expedition.”
Medicare Proposes 2.1% Pay Boost For Outpatient Care
The increased rate highlights a trend towards discouraging unnecessary admissions. Meanwhile, the agency announces a pilot project to cut down appeal waits for long-term care providers.
Stress Levels Run High And Take Toll On Americans’ Health
NPR reports on a poll detailing this public health issue.
Fla. Hospitals On The Hook For $267 Million In Medicaid Overpayment
The federal government says the hospitals were paid too much, and it wants the entire overage back this year. That is a tough demand for two of the state’s safety-net hospitals. Meanwhile, a Florida teen battling cancer hits Capitol Hill to lobby for funding for Medicaid and other children’s programs.
Long Waits For Medical Attention Are Normal In Many Parts Of U.S.
The New York Times reports on what it calls the health care system’s “waiting game.”
Pending Health Law Legal Action Threatens Premium Subsidies And Exchanges
One of the key questions, according to The Fiscal Times, is whether the premium subsidies available to people shopping on the federal exchange are legal.
Health Overhaul Continues To Put Democratic Congressional Candidates In Hot Seat
News outlets report on how the health law is playing in various House and Senate races.
Lines Drawn Over San Francisco Court-Ordered Outpatient Mental Illness Treatment
Elsewhere, a program in Wisconsin assigns peer specialists to help those with mental illness reintegrate into society, cuts to mental health programs in Iowa haven’t materialized and North Carolina lawmakers look for ways to prevent suicide.
Nonprofit Religious Groups Pose Next Challenge To Contraceptive Mandate
The issue in more than four dozen lawsuits from faith-affiliated colleges, hospitals and charities is how far the government must go to accommodate them. Meanwhile, the administration weighs steps to provide contraceptive coverage, and the high court’s Hobby Lobby decision may help Democrats mobilize female voters.
Ill. Supreme Court Rules State Can’t Cut Retiree Health Benefits
The Court said the benefits are protected under the Illinois Constitution. The state wants to cut the benefits to save money on the state’s pension liabilities.
State Highlights: N.C. Medicaid Changes, Problems
A selection of health policy stories from California, North Carolina, Illinois, Wisconsin, Virginia, Texas and Colorado.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
