Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: More Than Half Of The Nation’s Uninsured People Live In Just 116 Counties
The study, conducted for the Associated Press, suggests that, even as the clock ticks down on the insurance sign-up period, outreach to this target population may not be so difficult. Also in the headlines, the administration announced a new theme for its campaign to reach “young invincibles,” while a group of athletes is also getting into the game.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Report: Fewer Than 2 Million Medicaid Enrollees Are Result Of Health Law
The study by consulting firm Avalere Health concludes that less than a third of the 6.3 million who have signed up for Medicaid have done so because of the health law’s expansion of eligibility. Developments in Virginia and Florida are also covered.
Humana Posts Loss But Says New Members Are Younger Than Expected
Insurer Humana said it lost money in the fourth quarter of last year over increased expenses and a drop in membership. At the same time, it says its health law enrollees are younger than expected.
CVS’ Tobacco Move Brings Praise, Analysis As Marketing Move
Some are praising CVS’ decision not to sell tobacco products while others say it’s a marketing ploy meant to position the drugstore keenly in the middle of consumer health care.
A selection of health policy stories from Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, Minnesota, Florida and Georgia.
New Bill Would Expand Health Law Subsidies For Those In High-Cost Areas
The bill would tie subsidy levels to cost of living around the nation instead of to the national federal poverty level. In the meantime, a lawmaker from Colorado introduces a bill to speed construction of VA hospitals.
Maryland, Minnesota And Oregon Attempt To Boot Up Exchanges
Meanwhile, PBS NewsHour looks at why enrollment lags among Latinos, the ethnic group with the highest uninsured rate, despite tens of millions of dollars being spent on outreach in states like California.
CBO Findings On How The Health Law Will Impact The Workforce Become Flashpoint
During a House Budget Committee hearing, across the Capitol and on social media and the airwaves, Democrats and Republicans sparred over the Congressional Budget Office report released this week.
A selection of opinions and editorials on the health law.
Longer Looks: ‘Irradiating Ourselves To Death’; Women And Pain Treatment
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, JAMA, The Wall Street Journal, Slate and VQR.
Insurers Say Limited Doctor Choice Key To Plan Affordability Under Health Law
Insurers are saying that offering more narrow networks of doctors and hospitals is vital to keeping costs down in plans offered under the health law. In the meantime, some insurers are offering supplemental plans to fill in these gaps.
First Edition: February 6, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the day-after debate about the Congressional Budget Office’s updated health law projections played out on Capitol Hill.
CBO: Health Law’s Increased Access To Health Care Could Lead Many To Quit Work, Reduce Hours
The Congressional Budget Office report, released Tuesday, which updated estimates regarding how many people will be able to gain health insurance without necessarily having a job, became an immediate political flashpoint and reignited the political debate surrounding the health law.
CVS To Stop Selling Cigarettes By Fall
The move is part of a trend of pharmacies becoming health providers.
Expanded Medicaid Enrollment In Washington State Exceeds Expectations
By Jan. 30, the state had enrolled 172,700 people, already surpassing its goal for April. But in Missouri, enrollment in the government health program has actually declined with state officials blaming error-ridden data from the federal exchange. Media outlets also follow developments in Arkansas and Nevada.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
GOP Hammers “Risk Corridors” As Bailout; Democrats Worry About Explaining Law
Republicans are trying to tie a vote raising the debt ceiling to repealing the health law’s “risk corridors,” which help mitigate insurer risk. In the meantime, President Obama faces some push back on the law’s rocky rollout from his own party.
GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Says Mass. Should Seek Obamacare Waiver
Charlie Baker, a former CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care who is running for governor, said Massachusetts ran into problems because it tried to meld its successful state law with new federal requirements. Meanwhile, a mini-health exchange in Florida, which will sell discount cards and other products to “fill benefit gaps,” nears launch and Connecticut exchange officials announce they are close to their enrollment goals.
Surgeon General Nominee Faces Skeptical Senate GOP At Hearing
Republicans questioned the bona fides of President Obama’s choice for surgeon general, grilling him over his stance on gun control and the health law.
