Latest KFF Health News Stories
Va. GOP Not Backing Down In Medicaid Stalemate
Despite appeals from traditional allies such as local hospitals, chambers of commerce and business leaders, Republicans in Virginia’s House of Delegates remain firm in their stand against expansion. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s request to set up a modified expansion is moving into a negotiation phase with federal officials.
Sebelius Notes Missteps But Praises The Health Law
In an appearance on “Meet The Press,” the outgoing Health and Human Services secretary offered her views on the botched rollout of healthcare.gov and the decision to leave the Obama administration. Meanwhile, news outlets also examine how her resignation unfolded.
New Split Over Abortions In Cases Of Rape
A rift among U.S. anti-abortion activists has spotlighted divisions about whether to exempt abortions in the case of rape or incest from anti-abortion policies. In other news, the New York Times reports on a surge in prescriptions for opioid painkillers among pregnant women.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
What Challenges Lie Ahead For Exchanges
Questions about 2015 premiums, the age and health status of the newly insured and the impact of premiums on the working poor will be answered in the months ahead. In addition, The New York Times looks at the reasons that New York’s state-based exchange may have become one of the most competitive in the country.
Highligts: Calif.’s Medical System For Prisons; Gender Therapy In Boston; Ga. Public Health Money
A selection of health policy stories from California, Massachusetts, Georgia and North Carolina.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including continuing coverage of the announcement that Kathleen Sebelius will leave her post as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the challenges that her likely successor will face.
Sebelius: Website Launch ‘Terribly Flawed And Terribly Difficult’
In an interview broadcast on “Meet the Press,” the outgoing HHS secretary says the decision to leave office was hers.
HHS Secretary Sebelius Resigns
After holding the post for five years, and overseeing the flawed rollout of healthcare.gov, the White House said Thursday that Kathleen Sebelius will leave her post as chief of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Sebelius’ Exit Stirs Fresh GOP Criticism Of The Health Law
The announcement that Kathleen Sebelius will leave her post at the Department of Health and Human Services has reignited the politics surrounding the overhaul for both Democrats and Republicans. It has also triggered questions about her legacy.
2 Percent Of Medicare Docs Get Quarter Of Total Payouts
Media outlets continue to analyze which doctors receive the largest payments from the government insurance program for the elderly and disabled as they parse the massive database released Wednesday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
WSJ: Private Medicare Plan Funding Data Finds Its Way To Wall Street After Gov’t Phone Call
The Wall Street Journal reports on this development.
Rural Hospital Closings Tied To Rural Economy Struggles
Also, a new poll examines if Americans think they’ll need long-term care as they age.
Sylvia Mathews Burwell: Obama’s Likely Choice To Take Over The HHS Top Spot
Burwell is currently the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget. Her experience includes budget oversight for the major entitlement programs, like Medicare and Medicaid.
Health Law Coverage Sign-Ups Hit 7.5 Million, Administration Reports
The number rose 400,000 since last week because of updated figures from states and an extension that allowed some to enroll until April 15.
Florida Sees Medicaid Enrollment Rise Even Though It Didn’t Expand The Program
While the state’s Republican legislators have opposed the federal effort to expand the program for low-income people, many Florida residents are learning — to their surprise — that they already qualified for Medicaid, the Associated Press reports. In other Medicaid news, Ohio reports more than 100,000 new enrollees and Maine’s governor vetoes legislation to expand the program.
Exchange Fixes Readied In Oregon, Massachusetts and Minnesota
Officials with Oregon’s exchange say they will choose between repairing the existing system or going to the federal exchange by month’s end. In Massachusetts, an executive appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick to fix the problems says she will make recommendations by next month and in Minnesota, Deloitte Consulting has a pending deal to fix that state’s exchange.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
House Passes Budget With Big Medicare, Medicaid Changes
The plan would reduce spending by $5.1 trillion over 10 years and includes an overhaul of both Medicare and Medicaid as well as cuts to other government programs. It would also repeal the health law but stands little chance of passing in the Senate.
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Louisiana, California, Maine, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Vermont, Virginia, Georgia, Iowa and New York.
