Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Highlights: Court-Ordered Mental Health Care In Calif.; Nurses’ Authority In Minn.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Minnesota, Georgia, Washington state, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Illinois and Maryland.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories about consumer frustrations related to cost and coverage issues that are emerging with the health law’s implementation.
Insurers’ State Filings Offer Signals About The 2015 Marketplace
The Wall Street Journal, using Molina Healthcare Inc. as an example because the company is proposing to lower customers’ rates, notes that insurers that were conservative in their 2014 pricing may feel pressure in the year ahead. News outlets also report on the rebates that companies turned over to consumers in addition to the narrow-network phenomenon.
IRS Finalizes Rule On Data About Consumers Who Purchase Exchange Plans
The regulation focuses on state exchanges and requires that these marketplaces report information such as enrollees’ names, addresses, birthdates and premium amounts. In addition, news outlets also examine what went wrong in states with problem-plagued websites and what is happening in locations where the marketplaces have proven popular.
Patient, Technology Groups Push To Expand Digital Care
Various groups see telemedicine as a potential boon for people with complex chronic diseases who have difficulty getting to the doctor. But there are hurdles from Medicare payment rules to state licensing restrictions.
Health Law’s Effects Becoming Clearer Regarding Hospitals, Navigators, Insurers
News outlets covered various aspects of implementation, including a fact check on Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn.
Boehner Spokesman’s Surprise: Leaving Capitol Hill For AHIP
Brendan Buck joins America’s Health Insurance Plans — a group representing America’s insurers — as a vice president after being the top GOP spokesman voice against Obamacare.
State Highlights: Va. Abortion Clinic Reg Review; Calif. Budget and Medi-Cal
A selection of health policy stories from Pennsylvania, Virginia, California, Louisiana, Texas, Kansas and Georgia.
Billions Spent By Medicare On Unnecessary Procedures
A new study from Harvard researchers looked at 26 tests and procedures, using evidence-based medicine guidelines.
Viewpoints: What’s Next For Employer Mandate; SCOTUS And Retiree Health Plans; The ‘Next Big Issue’
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 how the insurance marketplace is taking shape for 2015.
Virginia Filings Offer Preview Of 2015 Premium Increases
The proposals, detailed in official filings to the state’s insurance department, show all health plans in that state opting for some increases. Meanwhile, nearly a half billion dollars were spent on failed exchanges in Massachusetts, Oregon, Nevada and Maryland, according to Politico, while the chief of Hawaii’s largest insurer calls on that state to shut down its troubled exchange.
New Paper Suggests Scrapping The Health Law’s Employer Mandate
The paper, published by the Urban Institute, makes the case that this requirement will not lead to more people getting coverage because those firms that don’t provide it will likely opt for the penalty. Meanwhile, news outlets also report on how the health law has become an earnings’ report scapegoat as well as how premium calculations are causing small businesses confusion.
Delayed Care For Veterans Is A Hot Topic On Sunday News Shows, In Headlines
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said what is now a scandal should have been examined years ago. Meanwhile, USA Today and the Arizona Republic have more tales of delayed care.
Republicans Look For New Battles As Health Law Fight Quiets
In the meantime, some sparring continues over the law, a new poll looks at Americans’ attitudes on Obamacare, and Democrats continue their push to try to drum up support for the overhaul.
Study: In States That Didn’t Expand Medicaid, Community Health Centers Will Likely Take A Hit
News outlets examine the cost and benefits states must weigh as they contemplate expanding the Medicaid program. Also, news outlets report on the latest related developments in Georgia and North Carolina.
Health Law Adds To Financial Squeeze For Rural Hospitals
The Wall Street Journal reports on how a number of policies and market forces are combining to put added pressure on rural hospitals. Meanwhile, other news outlets report on the challenge of making the health system affordable and the health law’s new options for pregnant women.
State Highlights: Calif. Immigrant Licensing; Calif. Offenders Mental Health Treatment
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, California, Iowa, Texas, Maryland, Colorado, New Hampshire and Florida.
Medicare Roundup: Alabama Pain Clinic Spending ‘Hotspot’; Quality Improvement Program Scrutinized
Also, the controversy about paying for a hepatitis-C cure and reinstating physicians who lost their licenses.
Viewpoints: Heath Insurance And Mortality; Newly Insured Vs. Previously Insured On Marketplaces
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
