Latest KFF Health News Stories
Aetna Wary About Exchange Expansion As Earnings Climb
The insurer, which is participating in health insurance exchanges in 16 states and the District of Columbia, reported strong growth in the first quarter tied to its acquisition of Coventry Health Care Inc. The company said it expected to seek premium increases for next year’s exchange plans ranging from “low single digits to over double digits.”
Viewpoints: ‘Pinocchios’ For The Koch Brothers; Obamacare ‘Miracle’; The Law’s Effect On Hiring
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Structural Concerns In ACOs; Public’s View Of Mandated Contraception Coverage
This week’s studies come from JAMA Internal Medicine, the Journal of General Internal Medicine, JAMA, Health Affairs and The Gerontologist.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a recommendation that Oregon switch its troubled health exchange from a state-run marketplace to healthcare.gov.
Poll Finds Dislike Of Health Law, But Lack Of Support For Its Repeal
In the run up to the midterm congressional elections, this and other polls find hope for Democratic incumbents while also probing the factors that continue to make the health law unpopular among many Americans. Also in the headlines, new ads from Americans for Prosperity take on the overhaul.
Health Law Influences Small Business Owners’ Decisions
The Wall Street Journal reports that even though the mandate was delayed requiring businesses with more than 50 employees to provide coverage for their workers, the overhaul is affecting how companies are run. In addition, Fox News reports that doctors could be left with unpaid bills if enrollees don’t pay their premiums, and Politico writes about a study that challenges the notion that the health law resulted in millions of canceled policies.
Washington, Minnesota Tout Exchange Sign-Ups, While Oregon Official Exits
Another top official for the Cover Oregon exchange submitted her resignation this week, while a technology committee decides whether the state should participate in the federal exchange or fix the existing website with the help of a new contractor. Meanwhile, some consumers decline to buy coverage because they say they cannot afford the policies sold on the exchange.
Viewpoints: Blum’s Departure Is A Serious Loss; GOP Fighting Medicaid Expansion With New Tactic
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
In other market news, coverage continues of the cost and effectiveness of Sovaldi, a new drug to treat hepatitis C, and the related earnings gained by Gilead Sciences, its manufacturer.
Employers Increasingly See Positives In Wellness Programs
The Associated Press reports on this development.
CBO Lowers Spending Forecast For States That Expand Medicaid Coverage
The Congressional Budget Office updated its February forecast, which pegged the cost at $70 billion over the next 10 years. The new figure puts the cost at $46 billion. In other Medicaid expansion news, Virginia’s charged debate on this question appears to be spilling over to other issues before the General Assembly, Louisiana rejects expansion again and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer continues to confront opposition.
A selection of health policy stories from Arizona, Connecticut, D.C., Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi and Missouri.
Amedisys To Pay $150 Million To Settle Medicare Fraud Case
Amedisys Inc., one of the nation’s largest home health providers, will pay $150 million to settle claims that it exaggerated Medicare billings and had improper financial relations with referring physicians, the Department of Justice revealed. Meanwhile McClatchy is reporting that, based on an analysis of Medicare’s list of banned providers, Miami is at the top for Medicare fraud.
Longer Looks: Terri Schiavo Case; Stem Cell Tourism In China; Fall Protection For The Elderly
This week’s articles come from ProPublica, The New York Times, That’s Magazine and The Atlantic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a number of reports about how the health law is playing in midterm election campaigns.
Top CMS Official To Leave Post
Jonathan Blum, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services principal deputy administrator, will leave May 16.
Four Insurers Enroll Nearly 95% Of California Sign-Ups
Nonetheless, experts say California’s online marketplace increased competition in the state’s individual market. Meanwhile, lower-than-expected enrollment in Oregon creates budget issues, and a Democratic congresswoman from Arizona calls on the administration to extend the enrollment deadline past April 15.
Sales Of Hepatitis Drug Shatter Records
Record sales of the pricey new drug, Sovaldi, boosted first-quarter earnings of Gilead Sciences beyond expectations. Meanwhile, Novartis’ recently announced deals with GlaxoSmithKline and Eli Lilly show manufacturers’ swing towards specialization, reports The Wall Street Journal.
Regulators Vote Against Approving New Painkiller
A new FDA plan, in the meantime, would speed approval of life-saving medical devices.
Democrats In Tough La., Pa., and Fla. Races Embrace Health Law
Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Rep. Allyson Schwartz, who is running for governor of Pennsylvania, and Florida gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist tout the improvements from the law.
