Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the Indiana governor’s alternative plan to expand Medicaid.
Confirmation Path Appears Smooth For Obama Pick To Take The Helm At HHS
Sylvia Mathews Burwell received a friendly reception from both sides of the aisle during her second confirmation hearing, during which she pledged to try to recoup any taxpayer funds that may have been misused on flawed state websites and defended the “unilateral” changes the Obama administration has made to the health law.
Oregon Confronts New Costs, Deadlines In Switch To Federal Exchange
In addition, allegations are emerging about the Wentzville, Mo., processing center that handled paper applications for new health law insurance coverage.
Three Large Insurers Join Forces For Health Care Price Transparency
A partnership was announced Wednesday among insurers UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Humana and the Health Care Cost Institute to create a payment database that will be available at no cost to the public.
Clinton Tells Democrats To Run Campaigns On Health Law
But the former President also conceded that some Democrats may have to campaign against or stay away from the health law to have a chance at winning contentious races.
U.S. Urges Daily Pill For Those At Risk Of AIDS
The recommendation could transform AIDS prevention from reliance on condoms to a regimen that relies on an antiretroviral drug. Meanwhile, a report analyzes the costs and benefits of treating prison inmates for hepatitis-C and a study finds that nearly half of American adults take prescriptions.
Gov. Brewer Asks Ariz. High Court To Overturn Medicaid Expansion Challenge
The governor’s lawyers filed an appeal Wednesday arguing that the lawmakers who filed the initial lawsuit did not have standing to post the challenge.
State Highlights: 700 Nurses Needed In Calif. County; Nursing Home Funding In Maine
A selection of health policy stories from California, Missouri, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas and Georgia.
Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines Could Cost Medicare Billions
A study of Medicare beneficiaries with a history of heavy smoking found that new lung cancer screening guidelines would likely double the proportion of lung cancers found at an early stage, but at a steep cost of more than $9 billion over five years. Meanwhile, a new Medicare program means that seniors will soon have the option to receive palliative care services from certain hospice providers while still getting treatment for their illness.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Health Law To Help Some Retire Sooner
Those looking to leave the workforce before age 65 but worried about losing their health coverage may feel freer to retire thanks to the health law, a new report concludes. Other stories look at the benefit calculations of midsized companies and the advent of accountable care organizations.
Longer Looks: AIDS Epidemic In The U.S.; How Public Health and the Recession Connect
Every week KHN reporter Marissa Evans finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about Wednesday’s Senate confirmation hearing — the second one — for Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the White House pick to become the next Health and Human Services Secretary.
Some Consumers Lose Longtime Doctors In New Plans
Insurers say narrow networks that exclude some providers are part of the trade-off for keeping down premiums and enrolling those with pre-existing conditions. Other media outlets offer consumers advice on getting a procedure or drug covered and examine the law’s impact on doctors’ offices and small businesses.
Federal Support For State-Based Health Exchanges: Was It Worth The Investment?
The Wall Street Journal notes a trend in which some states that used federal funds to build their marketplaces are now scrapping them. Meanwhile, The Fiscal Times reports on one Obamacare contractor.
Republicans Seek End To Health Law Tax On Medical Devices
Also, two Republicans want states with failed health insurance exchanges to pay back the money the federal government gave them to start the marketplaces. Elsewhere, abortion rights groups push against a proposed ban on the procedure, and the parties debate over the prevalence of canceled health plans.
Eyeing Presidential Run, Rubio Outlines Medicare Plans
Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio’s speech was to journalists.
Analysis: Medicaid Rolls Grow Even In States That Refused To Expand Eligibility
Consultant Avalere Health found enrollment growth even in states that opted not to expand the health insurance program for the poor because of the so-called “woodwork effect.”
Medicare Fraud Strike Force Strikes Again, Arresting 90 People
Also, an examination of the maybe-confusing array of Medicare plans.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
